HySum: Making Packaging Carbon Footprint Visualizable

HySum leads the way in sustainable packaging at the 2024 China Packaging Industry-Academia-Research Collaborative Innovation Conference

From 14 to 16 June 2024, the 2024 China Packaging Industry-Academia-Research Collaborative Innovation Conference, hosted by the China Packaging Federation, was held in the scenic city of Hangzhou. During the event, HySum made a significant contribution by organising the "Big Health Theme Forum" and the "Soft Packaging Carbon Footprint Visualisation Platform Launch" on June 16, which attracted widespread attention from industry professionals and sustainability advocates.

Current status: Carbon emission intensity of pharmaceutical packaging exceeds that of the automotive industry by 55%.

Flexible packaging, often made from multi-layer materials, is typically incinerated or landfilled after use. This not only results in high carbon emissions, but also contributes to plastic pollution in the natural environment.

The pharmaceutical packaging industry, for example, has an alarming statistic: the carbon emission intensity of this sector is approximately 55% higher than that of the automotive industry. A study of 25 pharmaceutical companies found that the carbon footprint of pharmaceutical packaging is significant, highlighting the urgent need for carbon reduction in the packaging sector.

Business opportunity: 86% of consumers prefer sustainable packaging

From a policy perspective, as of November 2022, nearly 140 countries have set or are considering net-zero greenhouse gas emission targets. Approximately 60% of these countries have committed to achieving carbon neutrality within the next 30 to 40 years through legal frameworks, policy declarations and target discussions.

Consumer sentiment is also shifting towards sustainability. According to the 2022 Sustainable Packaging Consumer Report, 86% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that offer sustainable packaging, highlighting the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions.

Expert view: Single material, recyclable packaging will become the mainstream trend

At the conference, experts shared their latest research and practical experiences and discussed the challenges and opportunities for the soft packaging industry in its green and low-carbon transformation during the roundtable forum.

Li Bin, a researcher from Donghua University, pointed out that the key to reducing carbon emissions in the packaging industry lies in energy management and low-carbon raw materials, as well as avoiding waste treatment (such as incineration) and prioritising recycling. He emphasised that single-material, recyclable packaging will become the mainstream trend for soft packaging.

HySum unveils industry's first soft packaging carbon footprint visualisation platform

During the Forum, HySum unveiled its groundbreaking Soft Packaging Carbon Footprint Visualisation Platform, marking a milestone in the industry's efforts to reduce emissions.

The carbon footprint is a critical tool in the fight against global warming, measuring the greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout a product's lifecycle - from raw material extraction, manufacturing and transportation to distribution, use and final disposal.

With HySum's new platform, companies can digitally manage the carbon footprint of their products across the entire lifecycle, identify carbon reduction opportunities in production and develop effective strategies to reduce emissions. This innovation will help companies achieve their carbon neutrality goals more efficiently and accelerate their transition to smart, green and sustainable operations.

Driving packaging towards a green, low carbon future

HySum integrates sustainability into its core business strategy, integrating environmental considerations into decision-making and long-term investments. The company encourages a rethinking of resource use and product manufacturing methods to reduce waste and support natural regeneration. By using technologies such as material thinning, substitution and the use of recycled materials, HySum has reduced the use of packaging materials while maintaining the performance of the original materials. This approach ensures that packaging materials remain recyclable and sustainable.

Looking ahead, HySum is fully committed to creating a leading hub for sustainable soft packaging innovation. The company will continue to provide technical solutions and project demonstrations to support the industry's goals of recyclability and carbon reduction, driving the sector towards a greener, low carbon future.