close
close
close
Regulatory requirements and an increasing need to preserve resources are driving a transformation of packaging solutions in the home care segment. While recyclability has long been considered the key lever for sustainability, the focus is now shifting clearly toward reducing material usage and packaging volume.
Despite rising recycling rates, packaging waste in the European Union amounted to approximately 177.8 kg per person in 2023 (Source: Eurostat). Moreover, recycling involves material losses and requires additional energy, meaning that primary raw materials can only be partially replaced, depending on the material and application.
For the first time, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (EU) 2025/40 introduces binding requirements for reducing packaging weight and volume. This elevates material efficiency to a core regulatory requirement while accelerating the development of material-efficient packaging solutions, particularly in high-volume packaging segments.
In the home care segment, concentrated and soluble products are a tangible example of this approach. By requiring consumers to add water at the point of use, transportation volumes and material flows can be significantly reduced, as water often accounts for more than 80% of the total product volume.
Refill concepts are another example. Compared to primary packaging, they have lower functional requirements and enable larger fill volumes with less material per use.
Beyond reducing material usage, energy efficiency can also be optimized. Cleaning products that perform effectively at lower temperatures reduce energy consumption for water heating and help lower the carbon footprint throughout product use.
Material efficiency cannot be achieved through isolated measures. It requires a close alignment of product design, packaging design, material selection, and process engineering across the value chain.
Achieving long-term reductions in material use requires precise engineering and a close alignment of product and packaging design. Only then can transport stability, product protection, and dispensing performance be maintained. Advances in technology and automation make this possible through thinner material structures, improved barrier performance, and highly precise, reproducible dosing.
Reducing volume and material flows lowers transportation costs, storage requirements, and CO₂ emissions across the entire supply chain. The advantages also include enhanced regulatory compliance and operational predictability.
When combined with fiber-based solutions, this approach creates value on both environmental and economic levels while enabling more efficient resource utilization.
Sustainable packaging in the home care segment requires a shift in thinking: rather than focusing solely on recyclability, the entire system must be optimized through reduced material usage, optimized product design, and efficient process engineering.
Optima systematically integrates sustainability requirements into its development process. Current projects aim to improve material efficiency in the home care segment while helping consumers reduce waste. By combining fiber-based alternatives to plastic with intelligent packaging design, Optima supports the industrial implementation of user-friendly and energy-efficient products with the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions.
