Green Friday: How businesses can tackle packaging waste with circular solutions

Black Friday is often associated with high consumption and significant packaging waste. Green Friday provides an alternative approach, focusing on sustainability and responsible choices. For businesses, this day is an opportunity to review packaging strategies, reduce environmental impact, and demonstrate leadership in circular solutions.

Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases. Research indicates that 67% of shoppers prioritise sustainable materials, and companies that actively promote environmental responsibility gain a competitive advantage. Despite this trend, packaging waste remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges.

Why circular packaging matters

Packaging accounts for a substantial share of global waste. 40% of all plastic waste originates from packaging, and much of it ends up in landfills or incineration. In Europe, the average person generates 178 kilogrammes of packaging waste annually. This reality highlights the urgent need for businesses to rethink their packaging strategies.

Circular packaging offers a smarter, more sustainable alternative. Instead of following the traditional make, use, dispose model, circular solutions are designed for continuous use, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. Using recycled fibres also requires less energy than producing virgin materials, which helps lower carbon emissions.

Circular solutions also help businesses comply with European regulations, such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), while staying competitive and meeting their sustainability goals.

Turning packaging waste into opportunity

At Solidus, packaging is not considered as waste. Our solid board packaging is designed for circularity, with fibres that can be recycled up to 25 times, making it significantly more sustainable than single-use alternatives.

After consumer use, paper and board fibres are collected from local municipalities and traders and seamlessly integrated back into Solidus’ production process, effectively closing the loop and minimising waste. With over 90% recycled fibre, our packaging meets PPWR standards and actively supports the circular economy.

Our sustainability efforts extend beyond recyclability. At our Coevorden mill, we have replaced fossil fuels with waste wood biomass, enabling us to offer CarbonNeutral® certified board. These initiatives help customers reduce Scope 3 emissions and achieve carbon reduction targets.

Why businesses should act on packaging waste now

Green Friday is more than a symbolic initiative. It is an opportunity for businesses to lead in sustainability. Choosing fibre-based, circular packaging reduces packaging waste, meets consumer expectations for environmentally responsible products, and strengthens brand reputation. It also supports cost efficiency and compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations.

Make this Green Friday count

Packaging is more than a functional element; it reflects a company’s values and commitment to sustainability. By adopting circular solutions, businesses can turn packaging waste into a sustainability success story.

Contact Solidus today to explore fibre-based, circular packaging solutions that support your sustainability goals via info@solidus.com.