Our Approach

A circular economy aims to eliminate waste and keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, rather than following the traditional linear model of taking resources, making products and disposing of them.

For food packaging, this means reducing unnecessary material use, designing packaging for reuse where practical, incorporating recycled materials and improving opportunities for recycling at the end of a product's useful life.

At Bonson, we believe moving towards a circular economy is essential to reducing packaging waste and making better use of valuable resources.

Bonson supports circular economy principles by offering a range of packaging solutions designed to reduce waste, encourage reuse and support recycling.

Our approach includes developing reusable packaging solutions, manufacturing selected products using recycled materials such as rPET, optimising packaging design to minimise unnecessary material use and helping customers understand their packaging's end-of-life options.

We recognise that different businesses have different needs, so our focus is on providing practical choices supported by clear, transparent information.

The waste hierarchy is a framework that prioritises how resources and waste should be managed to achieve better environmental outcomes.

It generally places waste prevention and reduction first, followed by reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery, with disposal to landfill as the least preferred option.

For food packaging, this means considering whether packaging can be reduced, reused or recycled before deciding how it should be disposed of.

Bonson encourages customers to use the waste hierarchy as a guide when evaluating packaging options and developing their sustainability strategies.

Reducing unnecessary packaging can avoid the consumption of raw materials, energy and other resources in the first place.

Reusing packaging can extend the useful life of a container, reducing the need to manufacture a new one for every use.

Although recycling is important, it still requires collection, transportation, sorting and reprocessing, all of which consume resources.

Where practical and supported by effective systems, reducing and reusing packaging before recycling can help conserve resources and minimise
waste.

No single packaging material is the best environmental choice for every application.

Plastic, paper, fibre-based and other packaging materials have different properties, benefits and environmental impacts.

The most appropriate choice depends on factors such as food protection, material efficiency, manufacturing processes, transport, opportunities for reuse and available recycling or composting infrastructure.

Bonson encourages customers to consider the entire packaging lifecycle rather than relying on assumptions about individual materials.

Greenwashing occurs when environmental claims are misleading, exaggerated or lack sufficient supporting evidence.

Businesses can reduce the risk of greenwashing by looking for clear, specific and verifiable information about packaging materials,
recycled content, recyclability, compostability and other environmental attributes.

Claims such as "eco-friendly", "green" or "100% sustainable" should be  treated carefully unless supported by credible evidence.

Bonson believes transparency and education are essential to helping customers make informed packaging decisions and communicate their sustainability commitments responsibly.

Reducing packaging waste starts with selecting packaging that provides the right level of protection without using unnecessary materials.

This may involve optimising container sizes, choosing packaging suited to the food application, exploring reusable options or selecting materials that can be recovered through available recycling systems.

However, packaging must still protect food quality, hygiene and safety. Packaging that fails to protect its contents can contribute to food spoilage and waste, creating additional environmental impacts.

Bonson can help businesses evaluate packaging options that balance food protection, functionality and resource efficiency.

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a product stewardship organisation that works with businesses, government and
industry to improve packaging sustainability and support the transition towards a circular economy in Australia.

As an APCO member, Bonson supports the adoption of sustainable packaging principles and incorporates APCO's Sustainable Packaging Guidelines into relevant product procurement and development decisions.

These guidelines encourage businesses to consider packaging design, material efficiency, recovery opportunities and environmental impacts throughout the packaging lifecycle.

Businesses should consider more than whether a packaging material is technically recyclable or compostable.

Important factors include the type of food being packaged, the materials and coatings used, relevant certifications, collection services and whether suitable recycling or composting facilities are available.

For example, packaging described as industrially compostable may require specialised processing facilities and may not be suitable for home composting or standard recycling bins.

Bonson encourages customers to understand the practical end-of-life options available before selecting a packaging solution.

Bonson offers a range of food packaging materials and formats to help businesses work towards their sustainability objectives.

Our team can help you compare packaging options, understand material properties, explore opportunities for reuse and recycling, and consider the environmental implications of different packaging choices.

Whether you're reviewing existing packaging or developing a new product, we aim to provide practical guidance and transparent information
to support your decision-making.

Contact Bonson to discuss your packaging requirements and sustainability goals.