Sustainability touches every aspect of the dairy industry. Consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products is a driving force, prompting changes to packaging materials that are more easily recycled, contain recycled content, are source-reduced and/or are derived from renewable sources. In addition, corporate sustainability initiatives are influencing adoption of equipment that consumes less energy and water and boosts product shelf life (thereby reducing food waste).
“Companies are looking at their carbon footprints, looking for films that are compostable, recyclable or made from recyclable materials or products,” said Christine Duncan, marketing manager at ProMach – Flexibles, Covington, Ky.