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Sustainable Packaging Targets:
A Core of Our Packaging Innovations

Sustainable packaging made of recycled materials

Creating more sustainable packaging is the core of our innovation efforts here at Close the Loop. The shift to recyclable and compostable packaging in Australia and around the globe continues to gain momentum, and we stay on top of it by pushing the boundaries of our packaging designs and manufacturing capabilities.

Our industry has already made significant strides in creating packaging that is better at the end of life. Moving forward, we believe functionality and sustainability will drive the further development of packing materials above all else.

Close the Loop are proud to offer state-of-the-art packaging alternatives that are not only stylish and functional, but can also conform to sustainability targets while also protecting products.

Ask Us About Sustainable Packaging

More Sustainable Packaging

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Recyclable Packaging
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Recycled Content Packaging
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Compostable Packaging
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The R Ladder: Simpler Packaging for Better Outcomes with Close the Loop

The “R” ladder encompasses an array of terms in hierarchy to improve the sustainability of modern consumption. Refuse, Rethink and Reduce are the top of this ladder; this is why we advocate for brand owners to go “back to basics” when looking at their packaging and determining what is necessary, and where we can reduce the amount of materials used through clever design, new film technologies, and correct specifications.

By simplifying flexible packaging materials, we greatly improve their recyclability. Pouch packaging formats can become a great environmental choice compared to rigid containers when we look at reducing material weights, removing wasteful secondary components, and optimising manufacturing and shipping procedures for lower emissions.

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Recyclable Packaging

We remain focused on providing our own packaging solutions that are more recyclable than traditional soft plastic materials, and provide better feedstock at end of life to help keep packing materials within a circular economy. This means limiting packaging weight and reducing packaging waste, along with its irreversible environmental impact.

When clients enquire about environmentally responsible packaging items, our first recommendation is the use of recyclable packaging materials. Our recyclable material structures stay true to their purpose of protecting and extending the shelf life of your products, and can be used for anything from packaging films and rewind, through to pre-made pouches and bags.

Close the Loop advocates for clients to follow the CEFLEX standards for flexible packaging design, and the use of mono-polymer (single plastic type) packaging for improved recycling.

recyclable packaging

Mono-Polymer Pouches and Films

These packaging products are made from a single plastic material or in combination with other materials in the same polymer family, meaning the packs are easily recyclable and contain no PVDC, PET, Nylon or Aluminium films.

High-Barrier Recyclable - Pack Cycle

Pack Cycle is our mono-polymer packaging solution that uses specially-formulated polyolefins, creating a high-barrier film with good rigidity. Pack Cycle is ideal for sensitive products that require a high barrier to oxygen and moisture.

Available Recycle-Ready Packaging Categories
  • High barrier
  • Fridge & freezer storage
  • Liquid products
  • Hot-fill
  • Vacuum packing
  • Microwave-safe
  • Modified atmosphere (gas flushing)
Available Packaging Formats for Recyclable Films

Kerbside Recyclable Pouch Project - Roll ‘n’ Recycle

Using the Roll ‘n’ Recycle concept, Close the Loop has worked with partners PREP Design and Result Group on a new recycling innovation. Pouches utilise a specialised label made from the same polymer as our recyclable materials, which is pre-adhered to the packaging during production.

Once end consumers of the product are finished with the packaging, they can simply peel off the label and re-apply it to the empty, rolled-up pouch. This creates a three-dimensional shape that can move through the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) without issue (just like a plastic bottle!). Eliminating the problems of recycling contamination, using Roll ‘n’ Recycle allows us to create pouch packaging that is kerbside recyclable and is a world first invention.

This innovation in recyclable packaging won Close the Loop the coveted Diamond Accolade at the 2021 Dow Packaging Innovation Awards in Switzerland, a 2022 WorldStar Packaging Award, and dual Packaging Innovation Design Awards (PIDA) in 2021.

kerbside recyclable pouch packaging
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Read more about our recyclable packaging options
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Recycled Content Packaging

A key part of sustainability practices and moving to a circular economy structure involves the use of recycled content back into products. While this is challenging in the flexible packaging space due to food safety requirements, Close the Loop is taking on this challenge.

Our sustainability efforts include recycled packaging materials, ideal for a range of non-food contact applications and packaging products including outer bags, pouches, and cardboard boxes. 

We have recycled content products up to 70% of which include sources from both post-consumer recyclable (PCR) as well as post-industrial recyclate (PIR).

Food-grade recycled content is currently being trialed and available in limited supply globally, however this will improve as large-scale advanced recycling facilities are commissioned around the globe.

sustainable packaging for home products
Benefits
  • Using recycled materials closes the loop of sustainability
  • Recommended use for non-food contact packaging layers
  • Several customisation options
Available Packaging Formats
Read more about our recycled packaging options
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Compostable Packaging

Close the Loop also offers a range of compostable packaging pouches and rewind films for applicable products, which can be certified to Australian standards. These are also certified to European standards for either industrial composting or home composting. As part of our focus on sustainable packaging products, we recommend compostable packaging primarily for single-use packs or products that are naturally dry and shelf-stable. We recommend brand-owners read the APCO Considerations for Compostable Packaging before proceeding with compostable packaging.

Benefits
  • Made from renewable materials that will break down under six months
  • Pouches and bags can come with compostable zipper closure
Available Packaging Formats
Read more about our compostable packaging options
A Deeper Look Into Our Story

Our Ongoing Journey Towards Sustainability

As a professional packaging supplier, we believe in balancing the need for waste reduction with the need for food waste reduction. Our years of expertise led us to embrace a central role in reducing food and material waste, providing real and viable packaging products with integrity.

We continue to invest in research and development to improve our packaging products and their sustainability, while assisting brands to make the switch to better packaging alternatives. Close the Loop launched its very own printed, fully recyclable stand up pouch in 2019 and our packaging alternatives have evolved since. Our packaging solutions now include solvent-free film lamination that lessens the environmental impact of packaging production, in addition to a wide variety of mono-polymer, recyclable films that continue to protect products on-shelf.

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Close the Loop is a proud member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and the Australian Institute of Packaging. We work closely with these industry groups in advancing more sustainable packaging options that will help achieve Australia’s National Waste Targets, and advocating for brand-owners to work together with packaging suppliers like Close the Loop to transition away from problematic materials.

Our sustainability movement extends beyond our products and also covers our business practices.

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In December 2021, the merger between O F Packaging and Close the Loop was completed, to form the Close the Loop Group.

In addition to the merger, the Founder-led Group was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (CLG).

With locations in Australia, Belgium, South Africa, and the United States, the Close the Loop Group aims to be a market leader in urban mining, resource recovery for difficult materials, and industry-leading packaging.

More information on the group can be found here.

O F Resource Recovery

O F Resource Recovery is the result of our recent combination with One Paper, Laverton. This new business is focused on the recovery industry for cartons and paper, and we see the expansion potential to eventually include soft plastic. Through this new venture, we look forward to offering a breadth of recovery and recycling services to our clients and the market in general. 

Our sustainability journey continues as we aim to be a leading innovator and supplier of recyclable flexible packaging in Australia and beyond.

O F Resource Recovery

The Shift to Environmentally Responsible Packaging in Australia

The early 2000s saw the start of significant activism across the globe for more sustainability and human responsibility over nature and the environment. Evidence of climate change and the impacts of our over consumption and excessive waste sparked a worldwide clamour for nature protection and environmental preservation.

Several industries have answered this call, and packaging is one of them. We are now seeing a wider movement focused on awareness and finding solutions to pressing environmental issues. For the packaging sector, the APCO set the 2025 National Packaging Targets with support from the Australian government and environmental officials.

These goals on sustainable packaging were:

  • 100% of all Australia’s packaging will be re-usable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 or earlier.
  • 70% of Australia’s plastic packaging will be recycled or composted by 2025.
  • 30% average recycled materials will be included across all packaging by 2025.
  • Problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging will be phased out through design, innovation or introduction of alternatives.

Under the scope: Bio-plastics and recyclable packaging options in Australia

Bio plastic packaging for laundry detergent

Bio-Plastics

Bio-plastics are plastic materials formed from bio or renewable sources. The main application of bio-plastics is for compostable packaging. However, not all bio-materials are compostable, and it is a common misconception that they are. Compostable materials themselves can be bio-based or a mixture of fossil and non-fossil fuel sources. While the potential is there, issues over the commercialisation and disposal of compostable films remain.

Plant-based or pulp-based packaging often has limited barrier protection, especially when subjected to high humidity or temperature. These packaging alternatives need an additional coating to meet certain product requirements. Compostable packaging is also for single-use only, and the vast majority of these materials still end up in landfills instead of being properly composted. 

Cellophane, which now goes under the brand name Nature Flex, is the first naturally compostable, commercial plastic film. These plastics are made from regenerated cellulose that is mostly derived from wood pulp. Several packaging products now use cellulose films, with other bio-based plastics or paper.

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Recyclable Packaging

Recyclables are generally made from a single type of plastic polymer. These sustainable packaging products use either polyethylene or polypropylene materials instead of multi-layers of different polymers. These multiple types of plastic polymers however are what allow various packaging to function so well and offer optimal protection. Plastic packaging materials that use a single polymer type are easier to recycle, but by nature, these materials cannot always provide the performance we need.

It may seem like a simple switch but even with existing technologies, we can’t replace all complex laminates with more recycle-friendly packaging alternatives that will function in all applications. Close the Loop has solutions for most applications, and works with clients to trial and test these materials on their existing packing lines. We believe recycling and re-using post-consumer materials will help reduce waste and curb the “throw-away” culture.

Australian Business Industries, as Well as Consumers, Have Made Tremendous Progress in Sustainability. But is It Enough?

Unfortunately, we now face an influx of recycling demands on top of our existing environmental problems. Investments in innovation and infrastructure to match the recycling requirements continue, but the longer term challenge is the buy back and use of recycled materials.

There are also issues with the commercialisation and disposal of compostable films. Indeed, more sustainable packaging adoption is not without challenges.

The good thing? Progress is ongoing. We, the packaging industry, businesses, regulators and even consumers, should continue working together towards sustainability and better environment protection.

2025 Natl Packaging Target Revised

FAQs on More Sustainable Packaging

We class more sustainable packaging categories to include recyclable packaging, compostable packaging, and recycled content packaging. It is intended to limit the packaging industry’s environmental impact through packaging designs that are reusing plastic materials, recyclable or compostable at end of life.

The terms biodegradable and compostable are often used without responsibility, confusing consumers who consider eco-friendly packaging in product purchases. 

Biodegradable is broadly used, mostly to lure customers into buying products that claim to be environmentally-friendly. These materials break down on their own but without specific guidelines on degradation, and often can still take hundreds of years in a normal environment.

Compostable materials, on the other hand, degrade within a specified time period and are certified as either home compostable or industrial compostable. At the end of their life cycle, these materials can be mixed with compost and added to soil. The Australasian Bioplastics Association certifies product compostability in Australia after testing for ecotoxicity and earthworm survival.

The application of compostables, even as a more sustainable packaging option, remains limited because it is designed to degrade under specific conditions, including higher humidity and temperature. This means compostables are more susceptible to microbial attacks over time and can compromise the quality of certain products, especially sensitive food items.

No. Compostable and biodegradable packaging has physical properties that are made to break down over time and are single-use by design. Their materials are generally weaker and more vulnerable to external factors. This is why they are recommended for a narrower application of packaging purposes.

Given the current landscape of consumer behaviour and business practices, recycling gives the most environmental benefit when done correctly and available to communities. Recyclable packaging reduces the use of single-use plastics and overall waste volume by keeping materials within a circular economy.

The government has committed $167 million to the Australian Recycling Investment Plan, which aims to recover 80% of all waste streams and halve organic waste sent to landfill by 2030. Furthermore, Australian Environment Ministers in 2019 established a timeline for banning waste exports to push for innovations in recycling and local waste management.

There are cases, however, where compostable packaging provides more environmental value as a sustainable packaging alternative. These cases include specific applications that involve heavy contamination with food or other organic products, such as takeaway containers and food waste bags or bin liners.

Need More Information on Sustainable Packaging or Eco-packaging in Australia?

Do you have more questions about more sustainable packaging and our innovations in the sector? Contact us anytime! Our experts are always ready to discuss our packaging products.

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