Organisations in both the public and private sectors are increasingly aware of the need to train staff in energy efficient behaviour and operations. SMEs are beginning to follow suit, realising that the cost of training staff about energy efficiency is balanced by operational savings, improved competitive edge and image with customers and investors, and the positive effect on the environment. Saving electricity by switching off lights and turning down thermostats is a good start.

Sustainable packaging may include packaging made from recycled (e.g. paper, plastic) or bio-based materials, reusable packaging, take-back schemes, etc. In order to save resources in line with circular economy and environmental principles, sustainable packaging issues should be integrated into everyday business processes. One of the main preconditions for sustainable packaging development is to reduce its environmental impact while securing food/product quality and safety.

Biopolymer, the 'whey' forward

• Innovative EU project develops whey protein-based polymer 
• New 'green' product performs as well as traditional plastics but can be easily recycled 

An EU-funded initiative created innovative biopolymers from cheese byproducts as a green packaging solution. This promising technology, developed by the Wheylayer project, received significant scientific and commercial attention, leading to a follow-up project and eventual spin-off.

Greening the paper trail 

• A company providing paper, visual communication and packaging decided to improve its CSR strategy
• It developed an eco-analysis tool to communicate the benefits of recycled paper to customers

Antalis is a professional paper distributor and provider of packaging and visual communication solutions in Europe and the world (outside of the United States). It is the only operator in its sector with an international presence in 43 countries, among them the Czech Republic.

Rock the cradle

• Specialist firm goes all the way in cradle-to-cradle thinking, design philosophy and manfacture for lab installations
• Develops range of lab furniture that meets C2C Product Standard Certification 

Burdinola is a company specialised in the planning, integration, and installation of laboratories. The company has become an integrated solution provider through a value proposal involving development and management of all project phases.

Pioneering spirit...

• Carpet tile-maker sets out to reduce its environmental impact
• Launches recycled nylon line and expands it to many colour combinations

Interface is a global manufacturer of carpet tiles and a pioneer in sustainability. The use of secondary materials for their products is one of the company's main business strategies.

What one company or sector considers a residue, byproduct or waste, another company or industrial sector only sees potential raw materials. More and more industries are trying to transform their waste into valuable resources. This can lead to a win-wins for both the waste generator and manufacturer using the secondary material.

Rethinking carbon

• Biological conversion of waste carbon from industrial processes
• Transforming it into useful commodities and fuel

LanzaTech is revolutionising the way the world thinks about carbon. The company's patented process involves the biological conversion of carbon to products through gas fermentation. 

The human factor