Packaging and Protection of Finished Goods and the Environment

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Literature Review
Findings
Conclusion
Summary
Future Research
Recommendation
References

The relationship between packaging and the environment is often controversial since the former leads to the latter’s destruction. Multiple manufacturers tend to utilize enormous amounts of resources for packaging (specifically plastic one). In addition, throughout the product lifecycle, the package undergoes different conditions and, upon shipping, may be thrown into the natural surroundings, which will cause damage (Prendergast, 1995). This qualitative study reviews the topic-related materials to emphasize the importance of sustainable logistics and manufacturing. Moreover, the paper views what concerns the problem creates and identifies preventive measures so as to contribute to the development of safety in the environment and society.

Introduction

Environmental preservation remains the key priority of the European Community (EC). However, the use of plastic in packaging in massive amounts causes dangers to nature. Some of these plastics emit chemicals in water and land that lead to serious health problems, such as cancer, which is a primary area of concern (Prendergast, 1995). In addition, the animals are under threat since they accidentally consume plastic, which blocks their digestive tract and leads to death. Even flora is at risk from plastics – when some plastics break down in the soil, they release chemicals that kill the natural microorganisms making plants survive (Hahladakis et al., 2018). Thus, the stakeholders are attempting to address the issue and implement changes to the packaging.

Literature Review

Currently, there are many environmental problems in the world – from destructive weather events to sea level rise. Since packaging is one of the significant aspects of logistics, its role in spreading environmental causes must be maintained. Major manufacturers attempt to facilitate the situation and develop means to fight the issue. One trend in waste reduction is the replacement of plastic packaging with glass or paper (cardboard) (Pauer et al., 2019). Over the past 50 years, the use of plastics has increased dramatically, but the recycling of plastics has yet to keep up with upcoming concerns (Hahladakis et al., 2018). Currently, it is identified that the most significant areas of concern are human health, flora, and fauna (Ncube et al., 2021). Therefore, launching more directives to combat the problem is indispensable.

Findings

Not all plastics can be recycled because they may contain carcinogens and release volatile organic compounds during melting. On the other hand, tin and aluminum are much easier to recycle. They are both metals, so large magnets can easily remove tin and aluminum packaging from waste streams and landfills (Williams, 2018). Because of this, recycling rates in recent years have amounted to 72% regarding the processing of tin and aluminum (Williams, 2018). Additionally, the safety concern regarding human health objectified the need to introduce eco-friendly packaging. Up to 30% of manufacturers started to pack their goods in environmentally-safe materials such as aluminum or paperboard (Ncube et al., 2021). It signifies that the producers are trying to reduce the number of safety-related concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, logistics includes packaging goods as one of the final steps of its operations. However, at this stage, the manufacturers do not consider the risk factors connected to the material they use for packing their items. Most of them resort to using plastic wrap as the cheapest and most effective means, which creates further concerns in different areas. Firstly, people suffer from plastic fumes-caused diseases such as cancer. Moreover, flora and fauna are under threat of extinction, for plastic takes a while to decompose. While decomposition, it produces toxic materials consumed by animals and affects plants. Therefore, manufacturers are attempting to prevent these issues by launching eco-initiatives and changing their packaging to more sustainable materials.

Summary

The paper describes the environmental and health-related concerns emerging under the negative influence of packaging materials. Large factories use plastic to wrap their goods to facilitate logistic processes and reduce costs (Pauer et al., 2019). It is possible to achieve this by substituting plastic with paper, glass, or aluminum to prevent the environment and human health from the destructive influence of packaging (Williams, 2018). In addition, the paper offers findings from recent studies investigating the selected issue. There is a necessity to collaborate with governmental and global organizations who could assist in launching safety concerns elimination initiatives because the environment and health are the primary areas for development.

Future Research

There is a ground for further research since the topicality of using eco-packaging in logistic operations is growing annually. The world strives towards sustainability in all fields, meaning the inclusion and implementation of ecologically propped technologies in manufacturing (Pauer et al., 2019). Hence, the topic may be narrowed down to the investigation of natural materials that could substitute plastic in the process of packaging in order to reduce environmental harm. In addition, it is vital to compare the recycling process of plastic and more ecological materials such as paper or aluminum. Researchers should also experiment implementation of such packaging materials and trace the changes within a chosen period.

Recommendation

For further studies, it is recommended to view the small and large manufacturers dealing with producing and shipping their goods. It would be of great interest and importance to consider how they organize the logistics process, specifically at the stage of packaging. The comparative study could demonstrate how to facilitate these operations and suggest introducing eco-friendly materials to the packaging step. The difference if approaches to wrapping can be traced and approximated so as to show the importance of utilizing more sustainable materials. Ultimately, it is recommended to apply the existing findings in order to compare the situation over time.

References

Hahladakis, J. N., Velis, C. A., Weber, R., Iacovidou, E., & Purnell, P. (2018). An overview of chemical additives present in plastics: Migration, release, fate and environmental impact during their use, disposal and recycling. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 344, 179–199. Web.

Ncube, L. K., Ude, A. U., Ogunmuyiwa, E. N., Zulkifli, R., & Beas, I. N. (2021). An overview of plastic waste generation and management in food packaging industries. Recycling, 6(1). Web.

Pauer, E., Wohner, B., Heinrich, V., & Tacker, M. (2019). Assessing the environmental sustainability of food packaging: An extended life cycle assessment including packaging-related food losses and waste and circularity assessment. Sustainability, 11(3). Web.

Prendergast, G.P. (1995). The EC directive on packaging and packaging waste: Current status and logistical implications. Logistics Information Management, 8(3), 10-17. Web.

Williams, M. (2018). The best packaging materials for the circular economy. Aluminium International Today, 31(6), 42. Web.

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