Originally published by FlexPack Voice magazine

By Joel Berg

Different Approaches

Others see reasons to disengage from the work of the foundation, even as they continue to press forward with their efforts to create a circular economy. Sealed Air Corporation was a member of the EMF-led New Plastics Economy initiative from 2016 to 2018. Afterward, the company shifted its focus on strengthen­ing the recycling system for flexible plastics, says Ron Cotterman, vice president of sustainability innovation and strategy at Sealed Air.

“Bringing together like-minded companies to collaborate on circularity initiatives for flexible plastic packaging created a better opportunity for us and our industry,” Cotterman says. “As a result, we created some pretty remarkable circular plastic loops for flexible packaging.”

Sealed Air focused on total system design where it is better to find ways to recycle materials that bring significant societal value, rather than targeting to eliminate materials difficult to recycle today, according to Cotterman.

EMF was an early inspiration for Sealed Air’s commitment to design 100% of its packaging solutions to be recyclable or reusable by 2025 while offering an average of 50% recycled or renewable content across all material solutions. But Sealed Air moved beyond the EMF’s work by leading supply chain collaborations, with partners worldwide to solve the problems with the recycling systems, Cotterman says.

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Sealed Air

Sealed Air

Sealed Air (NYSE: SEE) is in business to protect, solve critical packaging challenges, and make our world better than we find it. Our automated packaging solutions promote a safer, more resilient, and less wasteful global food supply chain, enable e-commerce, and protect goods transported worldwide.

Our globally recognized brands include CRYOVAC® brand food packaging, SEALED AIR® brand protective packaging, AUTOBAG® brand automated systems, BUBBLE WRAP® brand packaging, SEE Automation™ solutions, and prismiq™ smart packaging solutions.

SEE’s Operating Model, together with our industry-leading expertise in materials, engineering and technology, create value through more sustainable, automated, and digitally connected packaging solutions.

We are leading the packaging industry in creating a more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable future and have pledged to design or advance 100% of our packaging materials to be recyclable or reusable by 2025, with a bolder goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions in our global operations by 2040. Our Global Impact Report highlights how we are shaping the future of the packaging industry. We are committed to a diverse workforce and caring, inclusive culture through our 2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion pledge.

SEE generated $5.5 billion in sales in 2021 and has approximately 16,500 employees who serve customers in 114 countries/territories. To learn more, visit sealedair.com.

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