Sustainability, a key focus in the lead-up to drupa 2024, demands commitment, collaboration, and ongoing innovation. With the target year for many sustainability goals set for 2025, including the Global Commitment for a circular economy for plastics, progress has been notable, with signatories outperforming their peers in tackling plastic waste. However, many of the ambitious 2025 targets are expected to be delayed.
The European Parliament recently adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), emphasizing packaging reduction, restrictions on certain single-use packaging, and recyclability requirements for all packaging placed on the EU market.
drupa 2024 has identified sustainability as one of its two ‘megatrends,’ alongside digitalization. This recognition underscores the view that Industry 4.0 is integral to overall sustainable production in the print and packaging sector.
“At BOBST, the four pillars of our industry vision – digitalization, automation, connectivity, and sustainability – include the two megatrends, and are indeed all mutually enabling and together are empowering great progress in our industry,” says a spokesperson.
In 2022, BOBST joined the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning its climate action targets with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Operational improvements have been a major focus, with targets set for a 42% carbon reduction by 2030.
BOBST is also enhancing its equipment to reduce environmental impact. Innovations like ACCUCHECK, oneECG, and Start&Go aim to reduce waste and energy consumption. Retrofitting older machines with features like automatic EcoMode and ventilation efficiency kits further enhances sustainability.
Regarding packaging sustainability, BOBST has developed the oneBARRIER family of recyclable mono-material substrates, offering alternatives to non-recyclable materials. These solutions, like PrimeCycle and FibreCycle, are designed to be industrially viable and recyclable.
“The oneBARRIER family demonstrates our commitment to collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainability goals. Collaboration with industry partners has been instrumental, and we look to continue this progress and help our customers achieve their sustainability objectives,” the spokesperson adds.