The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has outlined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. These goals provide a valuable framework that global brands can utilize to enhance their sustainable packaging initiatives.
Here’s how some of the UNDP goals can specifically contribute to sustainable packaging:
Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12) Promoting sustainable consumption and production involves adopting packaging practices that minimize waste, encourage recycling, and support responsible consumer behaviors. Brands can align with Goal 12 by utilizing eco-friendly materials, minimizing packaging waste, and advancing circular economy principles. For example, Pret a Manger, a UK-based sandwich chain, uses minimalist packaging to reduce material consumption while ensuring sufficient product protection.
Climate Action (Goal 13) Taking action to combat climate change includes adopting sustainable packaging solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Using materials with lower carbon footprints, implementing lightweight packaging designs, and optimizing energy use in production processes can significantly lower a brand’s ecological impact. Sylvicta translucent paper by Fedrigoni provides an excellent alternative to plastic packaging, helping reduce dependence on plastics. Sylvicta is certified by the World Land Trust, carbon-balanced (offset) during production, fully compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable.
Life Below Water and Life on Land (Goals 14 & 15) These goals emphasize protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Sustainable packaging helps reduce pollution and protects wildlife by encouraging biodegradable or compostable materials. Adopting sustainable packaging helps brands significantly reduce plastic pollution in oceans and landfills, preserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9) Goal 9 highlights sustainable industrialization and innovation. Brands can contribute by investing in research and developing innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions, exploring sustainable materials, and leveraging new production technologies. By embracing innovation in sustainable packaging, brands align with Goal 9, creating positive change.
Sylvicta Spotlight: “Our packaging experts continuously explore innovative applications for Sylvicta sustainable translucent papers. Collaborating closely with brands and retailers, we tailor our solutions to support their environmental objectives and packaging goals, driving sustainable innovation forward.”
Christophe Jordan, Managing Director of Sylvicta at Fedrigoni
By aligning packaging initiatives with UNDP goals, global brands actively participate in creating a more sustainable future. These goals offer a comprehensive approach to sustainable development, empowering brands to positively impact social, economic, and environmental dimensions through thoughtful packaging strategies.
Discover more about Sylvicta and its environmental credentials here.