What are the positive environmental impacts of new molecular packaging materials?
Release time:
2025-01-18
Some new molecular packaging materials adopt more energy-efficient processes and technologies.
New molecular packaging materials have multifaceted positive impacts on the environment, specifically as follows:
1. Reducing Carbon Emissions
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Energy-saving in Production: Some new molecular packaging materials adopt more energy-efficient processes and technologies. Compared with traditional packaging production, they consume less energy, thereby reducing carbon emissions. For example, Yili uses a patented innovative packaging structure that replaces aluminum foil with a new barrier layer, committing to a carbon emission reduction of over 30.81%.
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Utilization of Renewable Energy: Part of the raw materials for new molecular packaging comes from renewable sources, such as biobased packaging. These materials are derived from renewable biomass like grains, legumes, straw, and bamboo/wood powder. Their growth and production processes absorb carbon dioxide, helping to achieve a carbon cycle and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
2. Promoting Resource Recycling
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Higher Recyclability: New molecular packaging materials are designed with recyclability in mind. Their structure and material properties simplify the recycling process. For example, single-material packaging made from one type of polymer does not require delamination during recycling, reducing the complexity of the recycling process and increasing recycling rates.
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Increased Use of Recycled Materials: Some new molecular packaging contains a higher proportion of recycled materials. For instance, Henkel's Schwarzkopf brand reintroduced its Schauma hair care series, with opaque bottles containing 50% recycled plastic and transparent bottles composed of at least 98% recycled plastic.
3. Reducing Environmental Pollution
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Biodegradability: Many new molecular packaging materials are biodegradable, decomposing in natural environments and reducing pollution of soil and water bodies. For example, polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabric and fully biodegradable plant fiber starch tableware, made from corn starch and cassava starch, can completely decompose into water and carbon dioxide, achieving zero environmental pollution.
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Reducing Microplastic Pollution: Traditional plastics often break down into microplastics, which pose serious threats to ecosystems. New molecular packaging materials, especially biodegradable ones, do not produce microplastics or generate microplastics that are more easily digested by the environment.
4. Protecting Ecosystems
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Reducing Land Use: The lightweight design and efficient packaging performance of new molecular materials reduce the amount of packaging material needed, thereby decreasing land occupation. For example, some new cushioning packaging materials have excellent cushioning properties and low density, reducing packaging volume and weight while protecting products.
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Reducing Water Consumption: Some production processes of new molecular packaging materials use more water-saving technologies or have lower water dependency during use. Additionally, biodegradable packaging materials do not pollute water bodies after decomposition, helping to protect water resources and aquatic ecosystems.
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Hantai Pharma (Group) was established in April 2010 and is headquartered in Xinchang County, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province. The company's industry involves pharmaceutical raw materials, chemical intermediates, pharmaceutical excipients