Addressing this need, Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland has introduced Sustainability Passports, a tool designed to provide transparent, verifiable data about the environmental impact and compliance of its plastic packaging solutions.
The passports answer critical questions: What is the packaging’s CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) footprint? How much post-consumer waste does it contain? Is it exempt from the UK Plastic Packaging Tax? Does it comply with EU food safety regulations?
“We believe sustainable economic success is achievable only through innovation and ecological responsibility,” says Rachel Sheldon, Sustainability and Innovation Manager at Greiner Packaging.
“For years, we’ve invested in creating the most sustainable packaging solutions, supported by third-party certifications to substantiate every claim.”
Calculating packaging’s carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important. Rachel Sheldon announced that Sustainability Passports are now available for most of Greiner’s plastic packaging products.
“These passports calculate cradle-to-gate CO₂e values, and the methodology has been validated by TÜV Austria, meeting ISO 14067:2018 standards,” she explains.
Certifying post-consumer waste content
Greiner’s PET packaging is certified by the Sustainable Certifications Group (SCG) for its post-consumer waste content, meeting the Sustainably Sourced Certification Scheme requirements.
“Our certification confirms that Greiner’s products contain at least 30% recycled PET, exempting them from the UK Plastic Packaging Tax,” says SCG Sustainability Director Andy Whyle.
“This validation helps supply chain actors comply with regulations, avoid penalties, and quantify the carbon saved through recycling.”
Greiner Packaging has also achieved EU food safety approval for its PET recycling process.
“Two years ago, we became the first in the UK to secure European Food Safety Authority approval for the decontamination process used at our Dungannon facility,” says Sheldon.
“This compliance with EU Regulation 2022/1616 supports our expansion into the food-approved rPET tray market.”
Leading through collaboration
Greiner Packaging emphasizes collective industry action to drive sustainability. As a founding member of the UK Plastics Pact and an active participant in RECOUP, the company demonstrates its commitment to achieving a circular economy.
“Our K3 cardboard-plastic innovation, introduced in 2007, marked the beginning of continuous investment in sustainable packaging,” Sheldon concludes.
“We remain focused on improving environmental performance and delivering innovative solutions that support a more sustainable future.”
By combining innovation, certifications, and collaboration, Greiner Packaging positions itself as a leader in sustainable plastic packaging, setting benchmarks for transparency and environmental responsibility in the industry.
