Due to the growing awareness of the impact we have on the planet, companies and individuals are nowadays well informed about the possibilities to make a positive contribution to sustainable economic growth. Sustainability is no longer a trend; instead, it is the new normal. If everyone does their bit, we can keep our seas filled with fish instead of plastic. Making a contribution doesn't have to be complicated. To make that clear, have a look at: the '4 R's of sustainability'.
Which are the 4 R's of sustainability?
The 4 R’s are a simple way of reminding us how we can make a difference in sustainability. They make us aware of how we handle materials and how we throw them away. The 4 R’s are clear, easy to remember, and attainable. They help us to make simple changes that have a significant impact on the sustainability of our planet. The 4 R’s stand for:
- Reduce;
- Reuse;
- Recycle;
- Recover.
By now, these terms are used worldwide. With the 4 R’s in mind, the Canadian government has interpreted the hierarchy between these actions as follows:
- If possible, the reduction of waste is preferred.
- If waste is produced, every effort should be made to reuse it.
- The third option is recycling. While recycling helps to conserve materials and reduce waste, it should not be forgotten that recycling involves costs, both economic and environmental. Therefore, recycling should only be considered when reduction and reuse are not possible.
- In some cases, it is possible to extract materials or energy from waste when that waste is not suitable for reduction, reusing, or recycling. In other words, recover.
1. Reduce
To support a sustainable earth, it is essential to reduce the waste we produce. JASA has been processing thinner packaging materials for many years already, thus contributing to waste reduction. And why not consider using reusable water bottles with a company logo on them for your staff. That saves an enormous amount of plastic water bottles! Tea and coffee cups can easily be replaced by mugs. Additionally, take a critical look at your purchasing. Does what you buy, fit the need? Do items remain lying around or worse get thrown away? The growing number of small packaging in supermarkets shows that consumers are genuinely concerned about this. Small packaging prevents food waste, which is good for a healthier environment. JASA too, considers the environment by packing small bags of lettuce and small bags or trays of fruit.
2. Reuse
Reuse means giving a new life to something. The product is reused in its entirety. As a result, you also have to buy fewer products, good for your wallet and the environment at the same time. More and more products are being reused to make new furniture such as e.g., lamps. A leftover pallet after a delivery? Reuse it by turning it into a garden table for your office garden! A product does not necessarily need to be converted to be reused. Someone else may be thrilled with an item you no longer use, like an old desk or chair.
3. Recycle
Recycling is the reuse of materials. In this process, waste is processed so that something new is made from it. This is different from reuse, where the product is reused in its entirety. Raw materials that are often recycled are:
- Glas;
- Aluminium;
- Cardboard;
- Plastic.
The Netherlands is one of the European countries where most of the waste is recycled. Collected plastics are turned into new packaging while aluminum is melted down and turned into parts for new laptops. Many companies are committed to recycling, there even is a Top 25 of Dutch Recycling Companies. Ultimately, we are moving towards full reuse. Companies will have to fully recycle their waste, and everyone in that company will have to participate. To stimulate employees to recycle, separation bins can be placed in strategic places. This way, you make it as easy as possible for your staff!
4. Recover
The last stage in the circular economy: recover. Meaning, energy is recovered from waste materials, or waste materials are converted into compost. This stage comes after the actions of reduction, reuse, and recycling have been unsuccessfully tried.
If there is waste left after these three options, it can be used as fuel to heat water. With the steam coming from that water, a turbine can be powered to produce electricity. Energy from waste!
JASA and sustainability: the Bag-2-Paper™
JASA believes it is essential to reduce plastic and therefore puts extra focus on paper packaging. And successfully so. JASA is currently the market and product leader in the field of paper packaging. In 2019 JASA came up with a major innovation: the Bag-2-Paper™. Because the new Bag-2-Paper™ packaging can be recycled along with the recycling stream, it is 100% suitable for recycling. This revolutionary packaging has already won three (!) awards.
JASA and sustainability: the JASA Sleever
The JASA Sleever is another great success. From apples to kiwis, with the JASA Sleever, the products can be packed entirely plastic-free. The Sleever is also extremely suitable for other packaging, such as meal salads. Guaranteed that your product will stand out on the shelf!
The advantages of JASA's paper packaging at a glance:
- 100% paper
- No plastic
- Fully recyclable
- Rapid packaging
- Energy efficient
Are you interested in JASA's paper packaging? Download our whitepaper or contact us to make an appointment with our sales department! Are you interested in even more sustainable packaging solutions from JASA? Then take a look at our Paper Sleever brochure.
