Packaging
Schur Flexibles Group 
By 2020, Schur Flexibles wants to offer at least one recyclable solution in each segment.
AUSTRIA, Wiener Neudorf. The packaging manufacturer Schur Flexibles wants to offer 100 percent recyclable products by 2025. This strategy seeks to make it one of the top-five players in the industry.
Recycling, Replace, Reduction, Renewal, Responsibility: The sustainability programme of the Schur Flexibles Group based in Vienna is based on these five "R" pillars. "A more responsible approach to plastics along the entire value chain is a major social challenge that the entire industry faces," argues Dr. Martin Berlekamp, Head of Sustainability at the Schur Flexibles Group.
At Schur Flexibles, sustainability is a management goal for which the Group provides the necessary resources and sets clear targets: By 2025, it wants to offer 100 percent recyclable products. According to the company, it is already one of the leading companies in the field of material-saving applications and its portfolio also includes a whole range of innovative recyclable products. "For 2020, we have set ourselves an ambitious short-term milestone: By then, we want to have at least one recyclable solution on offer in every segment. At the same time, we have a project plan that ensures compliance with our own targets and specifications for 2025," explains Berlekamp. Fritz Humer, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Schur Flexibles, sees the company currently in an exciting phase of realignment, which has recently brought the group strong growth.
However, achieving sustainability is a particular challenge in the field of flexible film packaging. An essential aspect is recycling as an integral part of a recycling economy. Packaging films with their various barrier functions to protect the contents generally consist of a material mix of different polymers whose recyclability is not always guaranteed.
Martin Berlekamp therefore sees a decisive approach in reducing the use of plastics and thus CO2 emissions by using extremely thin materials: "Packaging accounts for only around three to ten percent of the CO2 footprint of packaged food. Nevertheless, it is precisely this small percentage that we have to take care of. Offering more sustainable solutions is the simplest way to reduce the CO2 footprint."
To further strengthen its commitment to sustainability, the packaging specialist is not only a member of the Ceflex and Save Food initiatives, but also of other European organisations such as UK Plastics Pact and Ainia. Ceflex is the joint initiative of a consortium of European companies and associations with the aim of creating an infinite resource cycle - a circular economy. The raw materials that are used for the production of plastic packaging must no longer be lost, but should be transferred to a circular economy. The Group also expects competitive advantages and growth from the sustainability offensive.
At Schur Flexibles, sustainability is a management goal for which the Group provides the necessary resources and sets clear targets: By 2025, it wants to offer 100 percent recyclable products. According to the company, it is already one of the leading companies in the field of material-saving applications and its portfolio also includes a whole range of innovative recyclable products.
Stage goal 2020
However, achieving sustainability is a particular challenge in the field of flexible film packaging. An essential aspect is recycling as an integral part of a recycling economy. Packaging films with their various barrier functions to protect the contents generally consist of a material mix of different polymers whose recyclability is not always guaranteed.
Martin Berlekamp therefore sees a decisive approach in reducing the use of plastics and thus CO2 emissions by using extremely thin materials: "Packaging accounts for only around three to ten percent of the CO2 footprint of packaged food. Nevertheless, it is precisely this small percentage that we have to take care of. Offering more sustainable solutions is the simplest way to reduce the CO2 footprint."
To further strengthen its commitment to sustainability, the packaging specialist is not only a member of the Ceflex and Save Food initiatives, but also of other European organisations such as UK Plastics Pact and Ainia. Ceflex is the joint initiative of a consortium of European companies and associations with the aim of creating an infinite resource cycle - a circular economy. The raw materials that are used for the production of plastic packaging must no longer be lost, but should be transferred to a circular economy. The Group also expects competitive advantages and growth from the sustainability offensive.
Source: Schur Flexibles