Sustainability
At Balcan Innovations, sustainability is all about supporting a circular economy to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We strive to generate the lowest environmental impact possible – from purposeful measures throughout our operations to an evolving lineup of sustainable films.
Our
Approach
Corporate social responsibility is not a siloed initiative – it’s a collective effort. That’s why our sustainability strategy ensures that our sustainable development goals extend across all departments within our company and aim to confront the goals set forth by the United Nations.
Our strategy is focused on 3 pillars:
Circular Design
Circular Design
By end of 2025, all shipping sacks and shrink bundling film made by Balcan Packaging will contain PCR content. Our experienced team of R&D and engineering experts have been committed to testing, qualifying, and perfecting a lineup of sustainable films that foster a more circular economy, where plastic never becomes waste.
Our Goals
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100 %
Of our technical films & flexible packaging to be recycle-ready, compostable or reusable by 2030
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50 %
Of all resin purchases used in our technical films & flexible packaging will be PCR by 2030
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10
Circular design projects (open or closed loop) implemented across the company by 2030
Our Lineup of Sustainable Films
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EcoB Recycle-Ready
All our products are designed to be monomaterial with 100% recyclable resin and additives. That’s the standard.
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EcoB Recyclable ProDesign
Our packaging engineers can help further optimize your EcoB Recycle-Ready film for increased recyclability with several pointed strategies.
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EcoB PCR
Products that incorporate post-consumer recycled resin into our film blends (up to 70%, subject to safety and performance).
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EcoB PCR Loop
Recycling programs and services that enable our PCR clients to participate in open and closed loop projects.
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EcoB Circular Loop
We offer open and closed loop services with options, resources, and recycler networks to take care of your plastic waste and/or packaging at the end-of-life phase and foster a circular economy.
Our Program Highlights
Closed Loop PCR Project for Shrink Pallet Covers
We’ve developed a closed loop project (with 20% PCR shrink hood) for one of our major roofing customers. Post-consumer plastic is bailed by our customer and collected and pelletized by a partner recycler. We then buy PCR resin from the same recycler to insert back into their next wave of shrink pallet covers.
FFS Insulation Bags with PCR
In early 2023, one of our largest insulation customers came to Balcan Packaging with a challenge: incorporate 30% PCR across all their packaging SKUs without sacrificing durability or retail appeal. Since then, we’ve qualified and commercialized a new series of FFS films with post-consumer recycled resin for all their insulation products.
Tamper-Evident Deposit Bags made with 70% PCR
Since early 2020, NELMAR has been producing deposit bags and coin bags with 70% PCR resin for one of our largest armored carrier customers and their cash-in-transit operations.
Safe and Efficient Operations
Safe and Efficient Operations
Balcan Innovations’ manufacturing principles are based on “No Harm” and “No Waste”. We aim to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, while increasing the positive impact that we have on our employees and our global partners. View our Occupational Health, Safety & Environment Policy.
Our Focus
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Injuries
Prevention of work-related injuries
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Waste
Reduction of solid waste through recycling and reuse
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COV
Decrease in COV emissions (per printed tonnes)
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Energy
Increase in energy efficiency across all plants
No Waste: Our Operations
We strive to cause no harm to our environment. That’s why we have measures and targets in place to reduce the impact of our manufacturing processes on the environment and our communities with an emphasis on energy and waste management and emissions.
No Harm: Health & Safety
Above all else, safety is our #1 priority. This starts with our conviction that all accidents, harm, and work-related ill-health are preventable. Balcan Packaging's end goal is NO injuries – ZERO. We record and analyze our safety performance and have a Healthy & Safety team in place to proactively empower our teams with the training, skills, and support to always make the right decisions.
Sustainable Business Practices
Sustainable Business Practices
We’re committed to being a fair, ethical employer and business partner. To strengthen the positive influence on our Balcan family, supply chain, and community, we uphold a stronggovernance for transparency and ethics across our operations – and for our vendors and partners whom we work with. View our latest Annual Report regarding Bill S211: Combatting Modern Slavery in Supply Chains.
