Flestic

Abstract

For our journey towards a more sustainable packaging we always need to explore all the possibilities. Where possible we are using recycled materials our biobased from sugarcane and we produce with 100% green energy. The final destination? Fully unclear. But with every step we take we get closer to improvement. It’s about trying, learning and keeping improving for a more responsible future.

1. Your title speaks of a “journey.” How do you define the key milestones that mark progress towards ever better packaging rather than short-term achievements?
 
It is our ultimate dream to produce new sports bottles from old sports bottles. Full circularity. This is not possible in the short term, mainly due to legislation.

We consider 3 main phases in the circle of life of our products: production (how and from what), use, and afterlife. For each phase, we look at the best possible options for that phase, however, taking the consequences for the other phases into account. We strive for the prevention of suboptimization.

2. The abstract mentions that the final destination is unclear. How do you balance this uncertainty with the need for measurable sustainability goals?

Making the best possible choices based on the current knowledge.

3. What specific frameworks or methodologies guide your decision-making when choosing between recycled, bio-based, or other innovative packaging materials?

Basically, common sense and knowledge of legislation.

4. In pursuing materials derived from sugarcane, how do you address concerns around agricultural land use, biodiversity, and food security?

Yes, we have chosen to work with a certified and compliant supplier.

5. Green energy powers your production. Beyond energy sourcing, how are you ensuring the carbon neutrality of the full packaging lifecycle?

Less material, less waste, less spillage, re-use, recyclability

6. How do you evaluate the trade-offs between recyclability, biodegradability, and overall performance in packaging design?

At the moment, recyclability before biodegradability; however, in the (near) future, both options will go side-by-side

7. Innovation often requires experimentation. How does your organization create a culture that embraces “trying, learning, and improving” without fear of failure?

It is an intrinsic desire to investigate and experiment. 

8. Considering that sustainability demands collaboration, what role do partnerships with suppliers, consumers, and regulators play in your packaging
journey?

Very important role, which is essential towards circularity. All parties involved have to have the same ambition as far as possible. 

9. How do you navigate the tension between cost competitiveness and Sustainable material adoption in global markets?

Acceptance of the fact that sustainable materials are more expensive. Where possible, we do not give the customer a choice.

10. “Ever better packaging” implies continuous evolution. What long-term innovations are you exploring that might radically transform packaging beyond today’s materials?

We are continuously pushing (amongst others) the use of sustainable materials in packaging. In the long term, we foresee that, on the one hand, only hybrid materials will be available that consist of biobased, recycled sources. On the other hand, biodegradable materials will become available as a commodity. 

11. Transparency and trust are crucial. How do you communicate progress to stakeholders when the journey has no clearly defined endpoint?

We can only make the best choices based on the knowledge that is currently available. Communicating that is being transparent and trustworthy.

12. What metrics or KPIs best capture the incremental progress of this ongoing sustainability journey?

That is a difficult question. It is very common to talk in terms of CO2. The problem with that is that a number is quantifiable, but it cannot be compared. You always have to look at what suits the application best.

13. How do you foresee regulatory shifts - such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) or stricter recycling mandates - shaping the direction of your packaging strategy?

Our intrinsic decision to make our products as sustainable as possible will give us comfort when regulations take away the 'non-bindingness'.