EFIA members are in the midst of a significant storm, which may change the flexo industry forever
The recent media furore surrounding the use of single use plastics and plastic packaging in general has created significant debate about the impact on the packaging and print industry within the membership of the European Flexographic Industry Association (EFIA).
With flexography being a dominant packaging printing technology in the UK & Ireland, and well over 40% of print volumes being attributed to plastic substrates (according to Smithers PIRA), EFIA members are certainly in the midst of a significant storm, which may change the flexo industry forever if brands decide to respond to the consumer and media outpouring.
According to the EFIA, ‘the whole situation is escalating at a pace few anticipated.’
‘Our position as a board is that all materials have their merits and detractions when you consider the definition of sustainability. Our membership represents a breadth of packaging types from corrugate to labels and flexible and rigid plastics but our view is that the argument playing out in the media at the moment is extremely distorted. The reality is that the argument can be swung in many directions between pack types and substrates.
‘We’re nibbling at the edges of our consumerist world rather than tackling the key issues that are going to make the difference to our planet over the long term. Humans are at fault, not the materials we select.’
So, in the opinion of the EFIA, the real focus of the debate should sit with education to drive human behaviour change. In addition, there must be investment in common systems and processes to enable consumers to dispose of their waste responsibly.
Unfortunately, there are very few packaging or print groups handling both plastic and fibre substrates today. The exchange of materials, applications and requirements for new product developments stretch already thin resources in what is undoubtedly a margin-constrained market.
But it’s no mean feat to translate chilled and frozen food and drink applications into fibre based substrates without increased pack design complexity, not to mention the global impact of handling the additional packaging volumes.
The board of EFIA will be working with a range of industry associations and bodies to understand the potential risks, challenges and opportunities for its members. ‘We will also be entering into the debate about packaging myths in the hopes of supporting a consumer education programme for the benefit of all our members.’
