A Barry-Wehmiller Company
Sustainability

Sustainability

At BW Flexible Systems, we stay true to our name. We're flexible not only in finding flexible packaging solutions for our customers but also in the way we work. We're a team with versatile experience from all around the world that shares resources, insight, best practices, and perspectives to give our customers a dedicated experience and match them with the best possible solution.

We enjoy collaborating with our customers to develop the sustainable packaging solutions they want and need. Your priorities are our key drivers when it comes to meeting customer needs.

Our Approach

Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable Machinery
Sustainable Machinery
Sustainable Manufacturing
Sustainable Manufacturing
Sustainable Business Practices
Sustainable Business Practices

Eco-Friendly Packaging Alternatives from BW Flexible Systems

Sustainable packaging solutions are not a one-size-fits-all approach.

At BW Flexible Systems, we work with you to understand your goals and priorities, identify your challenges, and map out solutions and processes that are appropriate for you and your business goals.

With over 100 years of experience building packaging machines, we've seen packaging materials and trends come and go. At BW Flexible Systems, we pride ourselves on staying up to date on the latest innovations in packaging materials sciences – especially when it comes to advancements in eco-friendly packaging materials.

Considering investing in sustainable packaging? Are there options in plastics beyond your current film capabilities? Our knowledge will help you cut through the noise to find the packaging material and equipment that best suits your product and your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Environmental Impact of Good Machine Maintenance: Upgrades, Parts, & Reman

Regular maintenance of your equipment is a vitally important step to maintaining production efficiency. Additionally, ensuring that you take good care of your equipment is key to protecting the longevity of your machines and preventing the injury and damage of your operators.

Sourcing your maintenance parts directly from the machine supplier ensures that you're getting the best quality and the right parts. Programs like our TCO Flex are a fantastic way to stay on budget and maintain your equipment correctly.

At BW Flexible Systems, we can retrofit your existing equipment to increase its longevity and productivity. Additionally, we have parts that can make your machine compatible with more lightweight and biodegradable materials. This way, your machine will not only last longer and increase productivity, but also keep up with your industry's sustainability standards.

If investing in a new machine isn't in your business budget, we have several options to upgrade or remanufacture your equipment. With Barry Wehmiller, we'll help you discover and understand your options.

Environmental Impact of Buying Effective Machinery

The most expensive machine is one that is cheaply made. Investing in a quality machine does not just mean that you are getting one that reliably packages, bags, or palletizes your product for you – the price tag also reflects your investment in creating the machine itself, from the early design stages to the entire production process.

Taking the time to build a high-quality machine, instead of focusing on how cheaply or quickly it can be made, drives labor and material costs. Having intuitive HMIs, ensuring that it can be cleaned effectively, complete changeovers efficiently, and maintain consistent throughput by not breaking down, are all parts to consider when buying a quality packaging machine. Additionally, our machines have sensors to detect when the packaging is out of place, preventing the damage of any products during the packaging process.

You'll never regret investing in a high-quality product that can package product efficiently while reducing your business' carbon footprint. Let BW Flexible Systems find the right sustainable packaging solution for your business today.

Managing Food Waste in the Packaging Industry

Food waste is a crucial, yet commonly overlooked, piece of any sustainability strategy. In the United States, it is estimated that 30-40% of food supply is wasted, making up about $161 billion dollars' worth of food. In Europe, estimates are around 10% of food wasted, equaling about 130 billion euros a year.

Surplus food that could have fed people in need gets sent to the landfill, effectively wasting everything that went into making that food: the land worked to grow the food, the water, the labor, the energy, and more. Anything that went into producing, processing, transporting, preparing, and more gets wasted when surplus food is disposed of needlessly.

One way we can combat food waste is by ensuring that food is properly packaged and stored, giving it the longest possible shelf-life. Plastic films are the best option for increasing or optimizing shelf-life length, giving more people the chance to consume their food over time, or to pass it on to others.

Sustainable Film Packaging Options

Film materials, such as plastic cling film, are often used in packaging solutions. Though considered essential in the packaging industry, there are ways to reduce waste by using packaging films made of recyclable, compostable, or even paper materials. Learn more about some additional sustainable packaging solutions in lieu of traditional plastic film.

Let's Discuss Your Options

  • Recyclable Packaging Options
  • Compostable Packaging Options
  • Paper Packaging Options