KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PRINTED PACKAGING IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Abstract

The authors outline the main packaging trends focused the circular economy. The six key areas are: consumerism, technology, economics, fashion & design, retail revolution and sustainability in circular economy. Consumers today are more conscientious and self-sufficient. The long-term consumer engagement through packaging is an effective way of reaching these changing consumers. The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising the packaging industry. Brexit and the outcome of the US election have signalled a possible de-globalization trend. There is a risk of markets becoming less international. This will impact the packaging industry. Packaging is often inspired by fashion design. With e-commerce growing globally, packaging also quickly needs to adapt to the new ways consumers complete their shopping particularly through the internet. Sustainability is one of the main drivers in the packaging industry. All packaging stakeholders (from raw material suppliers and converters/distributors to brand owners and consumers) have started to focus increasingly on circular economy. In response to the EU circular economy initiatives and to implement EU Extended Producer Responsibility requirements, some EU countries have taken legislative steps to increase both the packaging recycling rates as well as influence the use of recycled content in packaging. The authors introduce the Hungarian EPR solution for graphic and packaging paper products.