Green Resolutions for the New Year
Green Resolutions for the New Year: Advancing the Circular Economy with Sustainable Lamination Options
As the new year begins, organisations and industries are seeking eco-friendly solutions to align with sustainability goals. In fields like publishing, education, and printing, where materials like lamination films are essential for durability and visual appeal, adopting sustainable alternatives can play a pivotal role in fostering a circular economy while maintaining quality.
This blog explores three key sustainable lamination options—PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled) films, and BioPP Lamination Film—and their role in advancing the circular economy. We also highlight the biodegradable and renewable benefits of Cellulosic, and PLA (Polylactic Acid), offering an additional eco-conscious option for businesses prioritising sustainability.
The Importance of Sustainable Lamination
Supporting the Circular Economy
Traditional lamination films have been a reliable choice for durability and quality but often rely on petroleum-based plastics, which contribute to waste accumulation. Sustainable alternatives complement these options by offering materials that are biodegradable, incorporate recycled content, or are derived from renewable resources, helping to keep materials in use and reduce dependency on virgin resources.
Meeting Customer and Institutional Demands
Organisations are increasingly prioritising environmentally friendly practices. Using sustainable lamination films is a practical way to meet these demands while maintaining the durability and professional finish expected from lamination.
Understanding the Circular Economy in Lamination
The circular economy in lamination focuses on designing systems that minimise waste, maximise resource efficiency, and ensure materials are kept in continuous use for as long as possible. Unlike the traditional linear model of ‘take, make, dispose’, a circular approach prioritises the recovery, reuse, and recycling of materials. In the context of lamination, this means using renewable or recycled inputs, reducing reliance on virgin plastics, and ensuring that end-of-life solutions like recyclability are incorporated. By adopting sustainable lamination practices, businesses can contribute to a regenerative system where materials loop back into production cycles rather than becoming waste, aligning with global sustainability goals and reducing environmental impacts.
How Sustainable Lamination Films Support the Circular Economy
- PCR and PIR Films: Closing the Loop
PCR and PIR Films reuse waste plastics, reducing reliance on virgin resources and keeping materials in circulation. Produced using 30% PCR (Post-consumer recycled material) and 70% virgin PP, these films promote resource efficiency.
Contribution to Circular Economy:
- Material Recovery: Incorporating recycled plastics diverts waste from landfills and reduces the need for virgin materials.
- Energy Efficiency: Manufacturing with recycled content lessens the demand for virgin materials because they make use of existing plastics that have already been produced, rather than sourcing new raw materials
- BioPP Lamination Film: Combining Biobased and Virgin Materials
BioPP Lamination Film is produced using 30% biobased polypropylene (PP) resin from second-generation bio feedstock such as waste vegetable cooking oils and 70% virgin polypropylene.
Contribution to Circular Economy:
- Waste Recovery: By incorporating materials derived from waste sources, such as used vegetable oils, BioPP supports the repurposing of byproducts that would otherwise go unused.
- Resource Efficiency: BioPP’s production reduces reliance on virgin fossil-based plastics, making it a more sustainable option for applications where durability and performance are critical.
Separate Solutions:
- Cellulosic Film
Derived from wood pulp, Cellulosic film offers a biodegradable and compostable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Though not a circular solution in the traditional sense, its renewable inputs and end-of-life biodegradability make it a valuable option for reducing environmental impact.
Why Choose Cellulosic Film?
- Renewable Resource: Sourced from wood pulp, Cellulosic film reduces reliance on non-renewable resources like petroleum and minimises our impact on the environment.
- Biodegradable: When disposed of in the right conditions, Cellulosic films can break down naturally into organic matter without leaving behind harmful pollutants or microplastics.
Cellulosic film is ideal for organisations seeking a biodegradable option that aligns with sustainability goals, even if it does not fully integrate into circular economy principles.
- PLA Films: Compostable and Plant-Based
PLA is a bioplastic made from renewable resources like corn or potatoes, designed to degrade in industrial composting facilities.
Why Choose PLA?
- Compostability: PLA’s ability to degrade in industrial composting facilities ensures that it can return to the environment as non-toxic components, reducing long-term waste and supporting eco-friendly disposal practices.
- Renewable Inputs: Derived from plants, it reduces dependence on fossil fuels and supports agricultural byproducts.
The Bigger Picture: Advancing Circularity Goals
By incorporating sustainable lamination films, businesses can support broader circular economy initiatives, including:
- Reducing Resource Extraction: Transitioning to renewable and recycled materials reduces reliance on virgin resources.
- Extending Material Lifecycles: Recycling ensures materials remain in circulation longer, minimising waste.
- Meeting Customer Expectations: As consumers and institutions demand greener practices, sustainable films allow companies to maintain a competitive edge while supporting circularity.
How to Transition to Sustainable Lamination
- Evaluate Material Needs: Consider the purpose, lifespan, and handling requirements of your laminated items and select the most appropriate sustainable film.
- Partner with Eco-Conscious Suppliers: Choose suppliers that specialise in high-quality sustainable lamination materials and have certifications to back their claims.
- Educate Your Clients: Communicate the benefits of using sustainable lamination films to your clients, and provide guidance on proper disposal if applicable.
- Trial and Test: Pilot sustainable films on small-scale projects to ensure they meet your performance and aesthetic expectations.
A Circular Future for Lamination
Switching to sustainable lamination options like PCR/PIR films, and BioPP helps create a circular economy for printed materials without compromising the quality and durability that customers expect. For businesses looking for biodegradable/compostable solutions, Cellulosic and PLA provide an additional eco-friendly choice.
As we step into a more eco-conscious era, these materials offer organisations an opportunity to lead by example, paving the way for a greener future.
Ready to Support the Circular Economy?
At Gif Products, we provide a range of sustainable lamination films designed for the publishing and printing industries. Contact us today to explore options that align with your sustainability goals and promote a circular economy.
Let’s make the new year one of progress for books, documents, and printed materials everywhere.