We choose a different entry point in this blog. Are you familiar with the Golden Circle (Why, How, What), by Simon Sinek? Many have since become acquainted with his model. A brief explanation:
What: these are the products (including packaging) your company sells.
How: this is the explanation of how your company does it. For example: a distinctive value. The term ‘How’ is then often used to explain why something should be different or is better.
Why: this is not about making a profit, but about what companies believe, about what drives them.
For your information, success starts with a shared ‘Why’.
Our contention is that we quality people approach knowledge and information from the ‘How’ and then quickly translate this into the ‘What’. This is often very sensible within our field. However, with ‘recyclable packaging’ comes something extra. As long as your company does not subscribe to the ‘Why’ from within, this will not come about overnight. People often think that this mainly involves costs, not benefits. This assumption is incorrect.
Why = SDG 12
Are you familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The 17 goals came about based on global input from organisations and individuals. Goal 12: ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Subgoal 12.5: significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse by 2030.
Your ‘Why’?
You too have a place in this chain. We still see many companies that have yet to explicitly flesh out their ‘Why’, linked to SDG 12.5. And if it is not felt, recyclable packaging will not naturally follow. You may be wondering what you can do about this as a quality manager. This is a very logical question. As a QA, you are not called ‘the ambassador’ of the organisation for nothing. ‘So BE the ambassador’. Also for the ‘Why 12.5’!
Your ‘How’?
Now you need to get concrete. This is where you can go all out, so to speak. This is where your strength lies! What will be your ‘How’? How are you going to reduce your footprint for packaging? What concrete targets will you set? Practice is complicated, as knowledge is often still evolving. Are cardboard coffee cups better than plastic cups? How do we ensure food safety in paper packaging? These are questions you may face.
Here, collaboration can be a solution.
Your ‘What’?
In practice, the How and What are closely linked. Sometimes you think of something but it turns out not to be feasible. Suppose you opt for separate collection of cardboard coffee cups. Nice plan, but it has to be feasible and you also need a sales channel. Or do you opt for a new type of packaging material? Fine, but food safety and quality must remain guaranteed. Some potential possibilities:
omitting packaging as much as possible for fresh produce
adapting the material used and adjusting the dimensions
making plastic packaging thinner
switching to materials that are recyclable
using alternatives that take over the function of packaging
bio-coatings
dry misting
laser tagging
communicating the complex sustainability benefits to customers
