FPA developed a new consumer website, www.perfectpackaging.org, which contains information on the environmental benefits of flexible packaging, including reducing food waste; end-of-life options for flexible packaging; the global view of the flexible packaging industry; and why flexible packaging is the preferred packaging choice.

The flexible packaging industry leads important packaging trends by extending shelf life and increasing safety, design flexibility, convenience, and sustainability. Technical advances and innovative designs have led to an amazing array of benefits. Flexible packaging use is growing and is second only to corrugated cardboard in the U.S. It provides many consumer benefits, but flexible packaging is quickly becoming the preferred solution for brands because it reduces their environmental footprint. When considering the full life cycle of packaging materials, in most cases, flexible packaging requires less water and energy to manufacture and less gas to transport, reduces product waste, and sends less material to landfills.

In the U.S., approximately 50% of flexible packaging can easily be recycled through in-store drop-off programs. Single layer polyethylene (PE) films can be recycled, but often must be dropped off at grocery stores since most curbside programs are not yet able to sort and process PE films. The store collection program is called “WRAP” (Wrap Recycling Action Program) and is available to more than 90% of Americans at more than 18,000 major grocery and retail stores. To help consumers find in-store drop off locations, FPA partnered with TerraCycle to provide a U.S. zip code locator for consumers to find the nearest store drop-off for their bags and films, which is featured on the new website under the “Recycling” section.

The new website will help to promote the industry to consumers and policy makers on the benefits of flexible packaging and the importance of recycling and sustainability as they relate to the ever-growing climate change and marine litter issues. The website will also help to address the miscommunication about flexible packaging that is often reported.

For More Information

For more information on FPA’s new website, please visit www.perfectpackaging.org, or contact FPA at fpa@flexpack.org or 410-694-0800.