As the increase in commodity transportation continues, there is growing concern over the negative environmental impact of traditional packaging methods. The extensive use of plastic packaging has led to the accumulation of plastic waste and marine pollution, while the overconsumption of paper packaging has resulted in deforestation issues. To reduce the environmental damage caused by packaging, some countries and regions, such as Europe and China, are actively promoting environmentally friendly "green packaging."
So, what exactly is "green packaging"? Why is it so important? And how is it certified?
What is Green Packaging?
According to the Chinese standard GB/T 37422-2019 "Green Packaging Evaluation Method and Criteria," green packaging is defined as packaging that, throughout its entire life cycle, while fulfilling its packaging function, has the least impact on human health and the ecological environment, and consumes fewer resources.
Green Packaging Certification/Evaluation System
1. National Unified Green Product Certification:
The national unified green product certification is a certification system led by the government, aimed at evaluating and certifying products that meet environmental protection standards, including green packaging.
In September 2015, the "Overall Plan for the Reform of the Ecological Civilization System" proposed by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council set the goal of establishing a unified green product system. Subsequently, the State Administration for Market Regulation, in cooperation with relevant departments, formulated relevant documents such as the "Green Product Logo Use Management Method," the green product certification catalog, and certification rules, thereby establishing the national unified green product certification system.
At present, under this certification system, the evaluation standards related to packaging mainly include: GB/T 35613-2017 "Green Product Evaluation Paper and Paper Products" and GB/T 37866-2019 "Green Product Evaluation Plastic Products".
2. Express Packaging Green Product Certification
Express packaging green product certification is a specific certification system targeted at the express delivery and logistics industry, specifically assessing the environmental performance and sustainability of express packaging.
This certification system, like the national unified green product certification system, falls under the category of "green product certification."
In 2020, the National Development and Reform Commission, the State Post Bureau, and other departments issued the "Opinions on Accelerating the Green Transformation of Express Packaging" and the "Express Packaging Green Product Certification Rules." At the same time, the State Administration for Market Regulation and other departments also issued the GB/T 39084-2020 "Green Product Evaluation Express Packaging Supplies." These documents further improved the legal and regulatory system in the field of express packaging and established the "green packaging" certification system for express packaging.
3. Green Design Product Evaluation
Green design product evaluation focuses on assessing the environmental impact of product design during the design phase, including packaging design, to ensure that the product has the least environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle.
In 2015, "Made in China 2025" proposed the goal of comprehensively promoting green manufacturing and strengthening green management throughout the product life cycle. Subsequently, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology organized the establishment of a green manufacturing system, which includes green design products, green factories, green supply chains, and green parks.
By 2021, under the green manufacturing system launched by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the China Packaging Federation issued three group standards, namely: T/CPF 0014-2021 "Technical Specification for Green Design Product Evaluation Folding Paper Boxes," T/CPF 0022-2021 "Technical Specification for Green Design Product Evaluation Corrugated Paperboard and Corrugated Cartons," and T/CPF 0025-2021 "Technical Specification for Green Design Product Evaluation Solventless Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Labels." These standards provide new technical specifications for packaging enterprises applying for green design product evaluation.
Why Apply for Green Packaging Certification
1. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
With the strengthening of environmental protection regulations and restrictions on packaging waste, some localities and countries have implemented strict regulations on packaging materials and waste management, such as plastic bans. Enterprises that obtain green packaging certification can ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and avoid fines and legal risks.
2. Cost Savings
Adopting green packaging typically involves the use of recyclable, decomposable, or reusable materials, which helps to reduce packaging costs. At the same time, packaging with lightweight and compact design can reduce the space and energy consumption required for transportation, thereby reducing overall transportation and storage costs.
3. Meet Consumer Demands
As consumers' concern for the environment and sustainable development grows, they tend to choose environmentally friendly products. By obtaining green packaging certification, companies can meet consumers' demands for eco-friendly products, enhancing the market acceptance and purchase intention of their products.
4. Enhance Brand Image
Achieving green packaging certification demonstrates a company's commitment to environmental protection and a sense of responsibility, highlighting the company's philosophy of sustainable development. This helps to improve the brand image, strengthen consumer trust, and loyalty towards the company.
