On March 21, the launch of the Natura Campus Flexible Packaging Challenge will take place, aiming to receive solutions to technically enable the recycling of flexible packaging of the type stand-up pouch pre and post-consumption (preferably focusing on upcycling) and to develop new proposals for the evolution of this packaging, while maintaining its positive aspects.
The stand-up pouch is currently used in some Natura refills. Since 1983, the refill has been an important solution in the ongoing quest to reduce the environmental impact of our products. This type of packaging, made from flexible film, uses minimal raw material mass, and thus the environmental impact* is also considerably reduced, as well as the amount of waste generated after its use.
Considering all the benefits of these packages, Natura is expanding the use of this type of material in its product portfolio, including the launch of an important sub-brand still in 2013. However, although this packaging has many positive points, we know that there is still an opportunity for evolution.
Although made of plastic, a recyclable material, there is still no structured recycling chain for the pouch, mainly because it contains a mixture of materials in its composition. This mixture is necessary to give the packaging the properties that ensure the integrity of the product until the consumer, after passing through our logistical flow, which is not trivial. Currently, there is no clear technical application for this post-consumption material, and the packaging is not prioritized for collection by cooperatives, showing a low recyclability rate. We understand that this is an opportunity to create a space for collaboration and open search for solutions to evolve this aspect in our society.
Thus, the challenge will involve two phases, one to receive solutions for recycling pre and post-consumption pouches (preferably focusing on upcycling) and another to develop projects for the evolution of the packaging. Solutions for pouch recycling can be submitted until April 29 and must include research in development or completed at a laboratory or pilot scale. Proposals for the evolution of the packaging should include bold and innovative ideas, and will be accepted until June 20, with selected projects being able to be executed in partnership with Natura.
The launch will be conducted through a presentation and debate on a web channel, which will involve a conversation with experts on the topic. Interested parties can check the launch, interact, and clarify doubts in real-time starting at 11:00 AM on March 21.
The proposer of the best proposal chosen for each phase of the challenge will participate in a congress of great international relevance: the ISWA World Congress, the largest solid waste recycling congress, which will be held in Vienna, Austria from October 7 to 11, 2013 (Phase 1) and the Sustainable Packaging Forum, held in Saint Petersburg, Florida from September 11 to 13 (Phase 2).
Check out the guidelines on our project submission platform, here.
*environmental impact measured in CO2 equivalent emissions.
