Plastic when needed. Paper only if possible.

The health of the environment is an important issue that is drawing increasing attention.

Each of us, in our own small way, is seeking to play our part, through small acts that can make a big difference. Waste separation and awareness of how different materials should be treated are the clearest indicators of how each of us is trying to do what we can.

All of this is leading to the demonisation of plastic, and an associated attempt by many to eliminate it completely, as it is regarded as a polluting material that is harmful both to the earth and to marine environments.

What really makes plastic harmful is its excessive use by humans without the ability to manage it properly, and its disposal in the environment. We should not overlook the importance and irreplaceability of the material in certain sectors, such as the pharmaceuticals and food industries, where plastic packaging ensures greater integrity and product protection.

And so, the total elimination of plastic is not always the right solution.

Simonato, eco-sustainable packaging and the role of plastic
Simonato has designed and produced eco-sustainable packaging solutions that are entirely plastic-free. These include BioKepos, made from compostable and biodegradable materials, and Bio&PaperPack, in which plastic has been replaced with paper.

Nevertheless, we are aware of the importance of plastic, now and in the future, to the production stage (plastic pots are essential for growing, as they allow the plant to stay in contact with the water used for irrigation) and in packaging, as plastic is a more heavy-duty material that is easier to handle both for workers, in the case of manual packaging processes, and for machines in the case of automated packaging.

As such, we believe that even closer attention must be paid to issues concerning sustainability and environmental wellbeing, seeking appropriate alternatives to the misuse of plastic, which should not be demonised but instead managed properly.