In the world of folding packaging, the most important component is cardboard, followed by inks, varnishes and other finishes. Whether it is coated cardboard, mainly SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), Multilayer or Caples, when we talk about sustainability we think about the manufacturing process, the use of water and chemicals or the cardboard composition that includes percentages of virgin or recycled fibers. But a more sustainable substrate is more than that.
Get to know the concept of “Proximity sourcing“ or “Zero Miles Supply”.
Do you consider the concept of Proximity sourcing in your packaging purchasing policies?
We frequently receive purchase orders for boxes with specifications to produce folding packaging requiring that it meets sustainability standards, but at the same time specifying cardboard such as SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate) or imported multilayer cardboard.
What does it mean to purchase with a “Proximity sourcing“?
Brought to us from food consumption sustainable trends, consuming at “Proximity sourcing“ or “Zero miles” implies giving priority to local and seasonal products, that is, those that are grown in a radius close to where we live and are available at their optimal ripening time.
What advantages does consumption at “Proximity sourcing” offer to the packaging industry?
• Sustainability: it reduces the carbon footprint by reducing the transport of substrates over long distances and promotes the circular economy.
• Freshness: locally/ nationally produced cardboard and paperboard usually have a shorter storage time and less handling. It reduces exposure to humidity, as is the case with Asian and European substrates and their maritime transport.
• Support for the national economy: it strengthens national producers with internal consumption.
What is the impact of consuming imported substrates?
• Greater environmental impact: paper and cardboard are heavy and bulky. Transporting substrates over long distances generates a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
Let's think about this for Asian and European substances transported by sea. Those imported from our neighboring countries in the north or southern cone of the continent, long-distance land transportation.
• Dependence on other countries: national/ local consumption reduces dependence on other countries to supply us with substances.
• Lower costs: as a purchasing and acquisition area we have to ask ourselves, who absorbs the costs linked to bringing in imported substrates. Transportation, fuel, storage costs, handling of shipments and margins added up in each link of the supply chain.
In short, specifying substrates under the premise of Proximity sourcing is a practice that promotes sustainability and the local economy. By choosing substrates from nearby mills, we contribute to a more environmentally friendly system and a more competitive packaging cost structure.
Would you like to know the impact that the use of Proximity consumed substrates have on your packaging requirements?
Contact us at info@dortega.com.mx or visit https://www.dortega.mx/en and let's calculate the benefit.
Comments