Sustainability Consulting

Sustainability is no longer just a trend – it has become an essential foundation for long-term business success. Responsible use of resources and the protection of natural habitats are increasingly important and challenge companies to adopt innovative approaches. Eco-friendly packaging solutions play a key role in this process, building consumer trust, fostering customer loyalty, and serving as a critical success factor in competitive markets.

Regulators are also setting more stringent standards, such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), whose targets companies will have to meet to maintain market access. Moreover, sustainable packaging design offers the opportunity for cost advantages through reduced material use and optimized functionality. With our expertise, we support companies in developing packaging solutions that combine ecological responsibility with economic success.

Evaluating the sustainability of packaging is a complex task that must consider numerous environmental factors across the entire lifecycle to be meaningful. These factors include resource consumption, emissions during production and transport, and recycleability. At the same time, the primary (and protective) function of the packaging for the product it contains remains paramount. Ensuring the usability and shelf life of the product is the packaging's most important role, directly contributing to the sustainability of the overall product.

Especially when comparing common packaging materials such as glass or plastic, a deeper analysis is essential. Each material demonstrates distinct properties and impacts at different stages—ranging from raw material extraction to production, use, and disposal. As such, a thorough evaluation requires an application-specific analysis. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method provides an empirically robust, albeit resource-intensive, approach to capture and combine the total environmental impact of a packaging solution.

Assessing the sustainability of packaging largely hinges on its circularity. In line with the principles of a circular economy, packaging materials should ideally re-enter the material cycle after use — whether through reuse (multi-use systems) or recycling. For recycling, both the use of recycled content and the recyclability for future cycles are key factors. These measures reduce not only the demand for virgin materials and the associated energy consumption but also the volume of packaging waste requiring disposal. The 3R Principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) provides a clear prioritization of these measures. However, successful implementation requires a case-specific approach to ensure that the measures are technically feasible, logistically practical, and economically viable. Material reduction, for instance, must always be balanced against technical requirements such as stability and protective performance to ensure that the packaging fulfills its essential role effectively.

Our Service:

With this integrated approach, we help our clients design more sustainable packaging, reduce environmental impact, and meet legal obligations. Together, we promote a circular packaging economy that considers the entire lifecycle of packaging — from production to reuse and recycling. This allows you to focus on your core business while we ensure your packaging supports the success of your brand and remains future-proof.

We are your reliable partner in the dynamic world of packaging. Our expertise ranges from cross-market and cross-material packaging consulting to the worldwide procurement and delivery of complete packaging solutions to the new development and product design of your individual packaging to meet your needs.