Choose 'green chemistry' for packaging materials

Each package represents a combination of materials and chemicals that can impact the environment. Consequently, it is important to give careful consideration as to what goes into the package by exercising the principles of “green chemistry” and “green engineering.”

Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Green engineering is the design, commercialization and use of processes and products that are feasible and economical, while reducing the generation of pollution and minimizing the risk to human health and the environment.

Green chemistry is an effective approach to preventing pollution because it applies scientific solutions to real environmental situations. The framework designs materials that are safer for human and environmental health, generate less waste, require less energy and use renewable feedstocks. Green engineering offers a holistic, systems approach, looking at materials along a full life cycle. Moreover, alternative technologies developed through green chemistry or green engineering have proven to be economically superior and function as well or better than more toxic traditional options. When hazardous materials are eliminated, all hazard-related costs are cut as well, significantly reducing handling, transportation, disposal and compliance concerns.

Material health addresses the chemical composition of a material with a focus on the presence and release of harmful substances. For packaging, special emphasis is placed on the potential release of such substances in the use and end-of-life phases of a material. The accumulation of known or potentially toxic substances in the biosphere and in our bodies creates concern for consumers, health professionals and governments. Because of the volume of packaging produced annually, even chemicals used in small amounts can be an issue.

A business seeking to produce sustainable packaging should develop a strategy that identifies and uses materials that minimize environmental impact. That strategy might include: