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Ecological packaging – history, current status and future use in Poland
Ecological packaging is one of the key elements of environmental protection efforts. In Poland, the trend of using this type of packaging is growing, but it is still an underestimated market that has the potential for significant development. In this article, we will present the history and current situation with ecological packaging in Poland and forecasts for its future.
The history of the use of ecological packaging in Poland dates back to the 1990s, when the first initiatives related to recycling and sustainability emerged. In the following years, with the development of the information society and growing environmental awareness, more attention began to be paid to the ecological aspects of packaging production and use. In 2013, the Waste Act was introduced in Poland, requiring businesses to segregate waste and increasing the cost of disposing of non-recyclable waste. As a result, many companies began to look for alternative, environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Currently, ecological packaging in Poland is still an underestimated market. According to the ‘Ekopakowanie 2021’ report published by PMR in December 2020, the value of the biodegradable and compostable packaging market in Poland in 2020 was around PLN 80 million, and it could grow to PLN 500 million by 2025. Despite this, research conducted by Deloitte in 2019 indicates that 43% of Poles are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products.
The use of sustainable packaging in Poland is mainly concentrated in the food and cosmetics sector. Recently, it has also started to appear in the logistics sector, where companies are looking for sustainable packaging solutions for the transportation of goods.
Implementing eco-friendly packaging is a step towards sustainability. Businesses that invest in green solutions gain a positive image and are increasingly appreciated by customers. Furthermore, such solutions contribute to environmental protection, waste reduction and the saving of natural resources.
Forecasts for the future use of ecological packaging in Poland are optimistic. As we have already mentioned, according to the ‘Ekopakowanie 2021’ report published by PMR, the market for biodegradable and compostable packaging in Poland may grow to PLN 500 million by 2025. The aforementioned report indicates that this market is developing dynamically in Poland, and that trends in Europe and worldwide, such as the increased environmental awareness of society, are contributing to the growing interest in ecological packaging.
The future of green packaging also depends on changes in government policy. In April 2021, Poland adopted the ‘Polish Green Deal’, which envisages the introduction of a number of solutions related to environmental protection, including the increase of biodegradable waste resources and the development of the green packaging market. All this should encourage entrepreneurs to invest in green packaging solutions.
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Through the Norwegian and EEA Funds, Norway contributes to reducing social and economic inequalities and strengthening bilateral relations with beneficiary countries from Central and Southern Europe and the Baltic Sea area.
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