introducing leaf packaging in the netherlands - a survey · introducing leaf packaging in the...

IIIInnnnttttrrrroooodddduuuucccciiiinnnngggg LLLLeeeeaaaaffff PPPPaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg

iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee NNNNeeeetttthhhheeeerrrrllllaaaannnnddddssssAAAA SSSSuuuurrrrvvvveeeeyyyy

by

Prof. Michel Boko, National University Benin (UNB)

Drs. Antoine Heideveld, University of Amsterdam (UvA)

Drs. Anne Elsen, UNEP-Working Group on Sustainable Product Development (UNEP-WG-SPD)

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD

¥ Introducing Leaf Packaging in the Netherlands, A Survey ¥ A UNB/ UvA / UNEP-WG-SPD collaborative project,December 1997

1

0000.... AAAACCCCKKKKNNNNOOOOWWWWLLLLEEEEDDDDGGGGEEEEMMMMEEEENNNNTTTTSSSS

We would like to thank the following people for their contribution to the survey:

Conny Bakker, Conny Bakker Eco-Design Consultant; Jorn E. Behage, KIEM Product Development Support; M.J.

Boone, Centrum voor Plantenverdelings- en Reproductie Onderzoek (CPRO-DLO); Jenny Botter, Eco Fair

Foundation; Dale Anne Bourjaily, Ecooperation; Paul Eilbracht, Paul Eilbracht Engineer and Consultancy Bureau;

John Havermans, TNO Industry, Division Paper and Board; Gert Hoogenstrijd, Tool Consult B.V.; Remy Jongboom,

Agrotechnological Research Institute (ATO–DLO), Department of Polymer, Carbohydrate-, Fatty Acid Chemistry;

Jan Juffermans, De Kleine Aarde (Small Earth); Sytze Kalisvaart, O2 Global Network; Roland ten Klooster, Plato

Product Consultants; Piet Laan, Laan Snacks; Bas de Leeuw, Ministry of the Environment (VROM/DGM),

Department of Industry Construction Products and Consumers; Jacob Prins, Provincie Noord Holland,

Department of Economy, Agriculture and Environment; Schaap, Nederlands Verpakkings Centrum (NVC);

Smallenburg, TNO Industry, Division Paper and Card Packaging; W. Tieltjes, KNP BT Royal Dutch Paper

Manufacturers Bührmann-Tetterode, Development Department; Bob Ursem, Hortus Botanicus; Jan Velthuizen

(Product Design); Van Heugten, Sustainable Technological Development(DTO); Westphal, PROSEA Publication

Office, Wageningen Agricultural University, Department of Taxonomy and Agriculture; Hans van Weenen, Yorick

Benjamin and Han Hegeman, UNEP-Working Group on Sustainable Product Development (UNEP-WG-SPD).

Source picture cover: Proterra, International Centre for Agro-Based Materials

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


2

CCCCOOOONNNNTTTTEEEENNNNTTTT

0. Acknowledgements

1. Background p. 5

2. Introduction

2.1 The leaf as a renewable material resource p. 7

2.2 Examples of leaf applications p. 8

2.3 Scope of this survey p. 11

3. Survey

3.1 Methodology p. 13

3.2 Questions

3.3 Outcome interviews p. 14

3.4 Internet search outcome p. 21

4. Recommendations for a feasibility study\\

\

4.1 What is a feasibility study? p. 23

4.2 Feasibility study necessary?

4.3 Recommendations

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


3

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


4

1111.... BBBBAAAACCCCKKKKGGGGRRRROOOOUUUUNNNNDDDD

The National University of Benin (UNB) and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) are collaborating on several

research and training projects within the framework of the Sustainable Development Treaties between Benin,

Costa Rica, Bhutan and the Netherlands. One of these collaborative projects involves the exchange on

Environmental Science Education between the Coordinative Centre of Environmental Science (UNB) and the

Interfaculty Department of Environmental Science (IDES, UvA). Another one involves the exchange on

Sustainable Product Development Research and Education between the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (UNB)

and the UNEP-Working Group on Sustainable Product Development (UNEP-WG-SPD).

From 22 September till 18 October 1997 the scientific coordinator from the Committee for Sustainable

Development at the UNB, Prof. Michel Boko, visited IDES, to acquaint himself with interdisciplinary problem-

oriented higher education. For this purpose IDES contacted the UNEP-WG-SPD and asked them to participate in

an interdisciplinary project investigating the feasibility of introducing leaf packaging for food purposes in the

Netherlands. This can be seen as a follow-up to a project between the UNEP-WG-SPD and the National University

of Benin (1996/97) researching and documenting leaves for food packaging in Benin.

A small interdisciplinary team was established, supervised by Dr. Hans van Zonneveld, Education Coordinator at

IDES. For three weeks this team carried out a survey on the feasibility of introducing leaf packaging in the

Netherlands. The team consisted of Prof. Michel Boko (geographer-climatologist), Drs Antoine Heideveld

(biologist and junior policy employee IDES), and Drs. Anne Elsen (environmentalist and network coordinator of

the UNEP-WG-SPD). \

Professor Michel Boko very much appreciated this experience. The warm ambience, the helpful atmosphere

and the aptitude for discussion were some well appreciated impressions he got from this interdisciplinary team

work. It will help him in adopting a more integrated way of teaching and researching at the National University

of Benin, where people are used to work with monodisciplinary working groups often repeating the same

things in different words. According to Professor Boko it is easier to work with people from different scientific

fields and experiences, as they have a lot to exchange and to learn from one another. He would like his

colleagues in Benin to have a similar experience.

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


5

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


6

2222.... IIIINNNNTTTTRRRROOOODDDDUUUUCCCCTTTTIIIIOOOONNNN

2222....1111 TTTThhhheeee lllleeeeaaaaffff aaaassss aaaa rrrreeeennnneeeewwwwaaaabbbblllleeee mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallll rrrreeeessssoooouuuurrrrcccceeee

Within the industrialised countries there is now a recognition of the environmental harm that industrialisation

has caused. The industrial revolution has increasingly been built upon scarce and polluting fossil resources,

synthetic production based material development and use, and an incremental dependence upon non

sustainable energy. Making products from renewable resources as a starting point is now recognised as an

essential factor to making sustainable products.

Leaves are examples of renewable material resources. Around the world leaves have been and still are used for

a huge variety of product purposes among which food packaging. Developing countries like Benin have a rich

knowledge in this area which evolved over many generations. The UNEP-WG-SPD with its international network

is also aware of several countries (Trinidad, India, Pakistan - and Costa Rica soon) involved with simple leaf

plate pressing technology - used for ‘street food’. The Netherlands with its substantial agriculture industry can

learn from the work being done and the experience available in developing countries.

As Dr. Joseph Hounhouigan from the National University of Benin put it: “In fact, although populations from

developing countries consider developed countries a model to follow, at village level, they still have a daily life

style that supports the preservation of natural resources for the present and for the future. For example,

whereas developed countries are doing research to produce biodegradable packaging, populations from

developing countries have improved the primitive technology of ‘leaf use’ to pack food, through cultivation,

treatment, etc - biodegradable packaging already exists in everyday life. However, it is also noticeable that, due

to urbanisation and resulting population density, a scarcity of this traditional packaging method has emerged. As

a result environmentally unsound packaging technology from developed countries with more detrimental

consequences on environment and human health have been introduced, e.g. the cooking of food in plastic film

instead of traditional washed leaves is now practised and toxins in the plastic migrate to the food. Taking this

aspect into consideration, we (developing countries and developed countries) do have to work together to

reverse the tendency and promote SPD.”

In 1996/97 the National University of Benin and the UNEP-WG-SPD carried out a collaborative project in

which leaves for food packaging purposes from Benin were documented. (see UNEP-WG-SPD web site:

http://unep.frw.uva.nl). In the following paragraph some of these examples are shown to you. This survey

builds upon this research by exploring the Dutch potential for future sustainable product development in this

exciting area.

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


7

2222....2222 EEEExxxxaaaammmmpppplllleeeessss ooooffff lllleeeeaaaaffff aaaapppppppplllliiiiccccaaaattttiiiioooonnnnssss

The following examples are taken from the UNEP-WG-SPD product example database. Most of the examples

and their information sources can be found online on the UNEP-WG-SPD web site: http://unep.frw.uva.nl/

Teak Tree Akassa packed in the leaves of Teak Tree

The teak tree (Tectona Grandis) grows in tropical areas and is valued for its wood, which is used in cabinet work and shipbuilding. The teak tree is well known in Benin because it provides people with fire-wood for cooking and timber for carpentry and woodwork. It also provides people with leaves. Teak leaves are used to pack many products such as akassa (fermented maize dough), tomatoes, peppers, kola and cooked vegetables.

Banana tree A lot of akassa packed in banana leaf

and ready for the market

Musa sinensis is a well known tree which grows in many tropical countries. Its fruit, the banana, is highlyappreciated all around the world. In Benin, not only the banana, but also the leaves (commonly named kokoema) are used for different purposes. Musa sinensis has very wide leaves which are used to pack foodstuffs like akassa (a fermented maize dough from West Africa). Akassa is very popular in West Africa, where it is widely consumed in Togo, Benin and Nigeria. According to the region the produce comes from, akassa is packed in different leaves and sold in the markets. Akassa packed in

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


8

banana leaves is particularly appreciated by people from the South-west zone of Benin. In their natural state the leaves break easily and are not suitable for packing akassa, but methods have been developed which make the leaves smooth, supple and easy to use.

Samples of lio (fermented maize dough packed in a combination of leaves)

Manihot esculenta is a plant which grows in tropical countries. The tuber commonly known as cassava is one of the most popular staple foods in Benin. Many foodstuffs are produced from cassava, such as gari (a popular semolina of West Africa), tapioca and lafu (cassava meal). But the leaves of manihot esculenta are also useful for packing lio (a very popular fermented maize dough from Benin). When lio is packed and steamed cooked in cassava leaves, this is considered as a guarantee of its quality. Cassava leaves are mostly available in the rainy season. Whereas not all the varieties of cassava can be used to produce any food, leaves from any variety of cassava can be used to package lio.

A bag made of polypropylene (left) and a coloured raphia bag (right) made of ede (a plastic film from the leaf)

The Raphia hookeri tree grows in swampy areas, mostly in southern Benin. Like the palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), it provides materials used to manufacture many goods. The bough of Raphia hookeri is used to manufacture raphia thread, raphia bags, raphia hats, kpanyan (a very stout bedding mat woven with raphia hookeri fibres and raphia thread), and adokpo (a traditional bag woven from the Raphia hookeri bough without its vein).

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


9

Kola preserved on the leaves of Napoleona imperialis in market

Napoleona imperialis is a tree which grows in swampy area’s in the Golf of Guinea. Its stalk is used as heating wood and the leaves to pack kola. According to the users, this leaf keeps kola fresh. Because of that, it is one of the rare leaves used not only to store kola, but also to keep kola fresh during the selling in markets.

leaf plate machine leaf plate

Leaf plate products are biodegradable, disposable, hygienic and inexpensive alternatives to conventional paper, plastic or reusable (metal, ceramic, plastic) plates and bowls (fig 1, 2). Developed in India, Leaf plate products have been used for many years for serving dry or moist foods at roadside food stalls or small restaurants in rural or urban areas, and at large gatherings such as weddings and receptions. If they are used for dry foods, the leaf plates can be reused.Leaf plate products can be made from a variety of partly dried biomass derived from trees and plants, e.g., Areca or Manila palm spathe, banana leaf and its pseudo-stem, and leaves of Butea frondosa, Tectona grandis, Butea monosperma, and Madhuca indica among others that are common to the tropical areas of Asia, Africa, Central and South America. Smaller leaves

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


10

can be sewn together to make larger plates and bowls. Leaf plate product can also be used as packaging for short term storage or shipping of a variety of goods. These products will retain shape and rigidity for long periods if stored in low humidity environment.

Packaging for eggs made out of water lily stem

2222....3333 SSSSccccooooppppeeee ooooffff tttthhhhiiiissss ssssuuuurrrrvvvveeeeyyyy

This survey aims to:

1• Evaluate the need for a feasibility study on the introduction of leaf packaging (for food purposes) in the

Netherlands.

2• If necessary, make recommendations for a feasibility study.

Although the initial focus was on leaf packaging for food purposes, the survey was open to information on other

leaf (packaging) applications(e.g. leaf plate, soap packaging)and other renewable packaging materials than

leaves (e.g. bamboo, jute).

From the survey the team got a first impression of the feasibility of introducing leaf packaging in the

Netherlands. The survey helped gaining a better picture on opportunities and barriers involved with introducing

leaf packaging in the Netherlands. It also helped in getting into contact with the right people interested in

future research in this area. Chapter 3 outlines the survey methodology, - questions and - outcome. On the basis

of the outcome of the survey it was concluded that a feasibility study will be necessary. Recommendations for

such a study can be found in chapter 4.

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


11

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


12

3333.... SSSSUUUURRRRVVVVEEEEYYYY

By means of a survey one examines the general view of a given situation or subject.

3333....1111 MMMMeeeetttthhhhooooddddoooollllooooggggyyyy

Within a period of three weeks a survey was carried out in order to obtain a general view of opportunities and

barriers for introducing leaf packaging in the Netherlands. On the basis of this general view, the need for a

feasibility study on the introduction of leaf packaging (for food purposes) in the Netherlands was evaluated.

The following steps were taken:

• The team developed a list of general questions as well as specific questions for industry, for policy makers and

for NGO’s, researchers and designers.

• 20 Telephone interviews and 2 face to face interviews were held with Dutch contacts within various sectors of

society. Most of them were drawn from the contact list of the UNEP-WG-SPD. It included: 2 policy makers, 3

NGO's, 5 designers, 9 researchers and 3 industry representatives. In this way a first impression was gained of

people’s reaction to the idea of introducing leaf packaging in the Netherlands.

• Besides an internet search was carried out, looking for relevant sources of information on the WWW.

• The team met once or twice a week in order to discuss the findings from the survey and divide tasks.

• Every week the team met with the supervisor to evaluate the interdisciplinary working process.

• After three weeks a draft report was written, including the outcome from the survey. \

• A presentation was given on the content of the draft report.

An overview of the survey questions is given below.

3333....2222 QQQQuuuueeeessssttttiiiioooonnnnssss

General Questions:

1a) Do you know of any research programmes on / examples of/ techniques for the use of leaves for

packaging or other product purposes? Please describe.

b) Do you know of any research programmes on/ examples of/ techniques for the use of other renewable

materials for packaging purposes? Please describe.

2) What do you think about the idea of introducing leaves as a packaging material in the Netherlands?

3a) Do you think a packaging material influences the demand for a particular product? If so, in what way?

b) Do you think leaf as a packaging material will appeal to people? Why (not)?

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


13

c) If not, how do you think the leaf packaging image could be improved?

4a) Is there a need for a feasibility study for introducing leaf packaging in the Netherlands? Why (not)?

b) If so, would you be willing to contribute to such a study? in what way?

c) Do you know of other people that should be involved in such a study?

Questions for (packaging) Industry

1a) What packaging material / techniques are you using?

b) Are you making use of renewable materials?

2a) Does your company have an environmental policy?

b) If so, does this policy include a section on packaging materials?

c) What does this section say?

3a) Would your company be interested in research and development on the use of leaves for packaging?

b) Would your company have the financial means to do so?

Questions for Researchers / Product Developers/ NGO’s

1) Which Dutch leaves can you think of that might be used for packaging?

2) Do you have any suggestions for improving the environmental friendliness of our current packaging

materials?

Questions for Policy Makers

1a) Can you think of any legislation (food and drugs act/ warenwet) that could form a barrier for

introducing leaves as a (food) packaging material?

b) If so do you have suggestions for dealing with these constraints?

2a) Can you think of any legislative constraints to import leafs for product development purposes?

b) If so do you have suggestions for dealing with these constraints?

\

3333....3333 OOOOuuuuttttccccoooommmmeeee iiiinnnntttteeeerrrrvvvviiiieeeewwwwssss

In the following an outline is given of the outcome of the survey. Questions 4b and c are left out as the answers

to these questions do not provide further insight into the subject. Knowledge gained from answers to these

questions will be used when future research in this area is carried out. The questions to industry are left out for

anonymity reasons.

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


14

GGGGEEEENNNNEEEERRRRAAAALLLL QQQQUUUUEEEESSSSTTTTIIIIOOOONNNNSSSS

1111aaaa)))) DDDDoooo yyyyoooouuuu kkkknnnnoooowwww ooooffff aaaannnnyyyy rrrreeeesssseeeeaaaarrrrcccchhhh pppprrrrooooggggrrrraaaammmmmmmmeeeessss oooonnnn //// eeeexxxxaaaammmmpppplllleeeessss ooooffff//// tttteeeecccchhhhnnnniiiiqqqquuuueeeessss ffffoooorrrr tttthhhheeee uuuusssseeee ooooffff lllleeeeaaaavvvveeeessss ffffoooorrrr ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg oooorrrr ooootttthhhheeeerrrr pppprrrroooodddduuuucccctttt ppppuuuurrrrppppoooosssseeeessss???? PPPPlllleeeeaaaasssseeee ddddeeeessssccccrrrriiiibbbbeeee....\\\\ResearchEight respondents were familiar with the UNEP- Working Group on Sustainable Product Development (UNEP-WG-SPD)research on leaf packaging in Benin and the workshop they organised on this subject. Besides this research project no other research projects seem to exist.

Examples/TechniquesLeaves are used to bundle food. In the Caribbean they have Arepas. It is rice with chicken, packed in leaves. Japanese use leaf packaging for food intensively as does the Greec kitchen. Those countries might have done research into leaves for other product purposes. Quite a number of plants are very useful for food packaging, such as banana’s, colocasia, tania, cocoloba etc. The whole leaf can be used. Besides food there are examples of tea packaged in woven boxes of palm leaf. However in order to package it properly, plastic is used as well. Banana leaves are well known examples of leaves used for various purposes, such as an umbrella or food plate. In order to find out more about Dutch examples a respondent suggests to visit the open air museum in Arnhem which might exhibit historical products made out of leaves.

1111bbbb)))) DDDDoooo yyyyoooouuuu kkkknnnnoooowwww ooooffff aaaannnnyyyy rrrreeeesssseeeeaaaarrrrcccchhhh pppprrrrooooggggrrrraaaammmmmmmmeeeessss oooonnnn//// eeeexxxxaaaammmmpppplllleeeessss ooooffff//// tttteeeecccchhhhnnnniiiiqqqquuuueeeessss ffffoooorrrr tttthhhheeee uuuusssseeee ooooffff ooootttthhhheeeerrrr rrrreeeennnneeeewwwwaaaabbbblllleeee mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallllssss ffffoooorrrr ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg ppppuuuurrrrppppoooosssseeeessss???? PPPPlllleeeeaaaasssseeee ddddeeeessssccccrrrriiiibbbbeeee....

ResearchIn the Netherlands research is carried out into the use of renewable resources for material purposes for application in various products, like the use of flax, linen and straw for packaging purposes. In two years time a research project is planned in which all existing knowledge on well and lesser known plants and fibre crops in South East Asia is inventoried. This will include data on the use of these plants for food and other product purposes like packaging and ropes. Biopolymer research is carried out in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. Many tests have been carried out on starch based polymers (biodegradables)Incentives for becoming a partner in this sort of research differs from acquiring knowledge in order to keep ahead of competitors, to finding out about direct application opportunities. Often a market is lacking as biopolymers are still too expensive.

Examples/TechniquesBiodegradable plastic made out of renewable materials in for example the catering industry. Out of the waste compost can be made if renewable materials are used only. It is expected that, as far as it seems functional, in the future more often bioplastic(foil)will be used instead of PE en PP.A Dutch supermarket sells Indonesian food in bamboo baskets, Currently in order to keep the food fresh and to meet hygiene regulations, plastic is used inside the basket. The manufacturer is thinking of using banana leaves instead of the plastic. This would require an “ultra fresh method” in which the food is made just a few hours before it is sold. Then the production line from manufacture to shop to consumer will become much shorter.Starch and popcorn are used as a buffer material in order to protect the material for fragile items, Corn is also used as an isolation material. In India handbags are made out of coir, jute and textiles. Baskets are woven out of reed and straw. Sometimes renewable materials, like hemp, jute and flax, are only used to strengthen non-renewable (packaging) materials.

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


15

2222 WWWWhhhhaaaatttt ddddoooo yyyyoooouuuu tttthhhhiiiinnnnkkkk aaaabbbboooouuuutttt tttthhhheeee iiiiddddeeeeaaaa ooooffff iiiinnnnttttrrrroooodddduuuucccciiiinnnngggg lllleeeeaaaavvvveeeessss aaaassss aaaa ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallll iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee NNNNeeeetttthhhheeeerrrr llllaaaannnnddddssss????

Sixteen respondents were (very) enthusiastic about the idea, for three others skepticism prevailed, the rest was not sure about what to think of it. \ According to all many questions need to be answered in order to find out whether the idea will have a chance of succeeding.

RecommendationsSeven respondents recommend introducing leaf packaging on a small scale. As someone indicated: it will not be easy to use leaves in an industrial process in which small unsimilarities can make the difference between a good and a bad product. To another respondent it does not seem very likely that leaf packaging can be an alternative to the currently used packaging materials/techniques that are less complicated to develop. It will not be easy to compete with other packaging material. It is not an easy market. Gifts and luxury products shops, but also luxury restaurants and exclusive food shops are given as examples of market niches for the leaf. One respondent thinks it will not work for food purposes. It is suggested by two respondents to use leaves as a basis material for biopolymers. A packaging material needs to be able to bundle, to protect and to form easily. Leaves used in its original form can probably not be used for packaging purposes on a large scale. One respondent suggests to use leaves as a basis material for papier mâché. Papier mâché application is used more and more. Pulp of leaves (excluding nerves) and water can be given several forms, water is pressed out. The material is rough from the outside and soft from the inside. Examples of current papier mâché products are egg boxes, in the medical world it is used for packaging, bandage cups for which hygiene requirements are lower; protective pieces e.g. for television packaging. Most respondents feel the packaging has to fit with the product. So you have to pack natural products into natural packaging material, like sugar in reed for example. You do not package steel into leaves. Leaf packaging has a nice eco-look and real eco quality to it, so perceived and real impact are nicely consistent. Nevertheless the environmental friendliness of the product needs to be communicated to the consumer for example by means of a product label. You have to offer people something extra so they are going to buy it. It should look good and it should meet our standard.

Research QuestionsIt would be interesting to look into the reasons behind changing from using renewable to non- renewable materials and technologies and whether this change from a sustainability point of view has been a good choice. Other more future oriented research questions that were brought up: On what scale do you want to introduce it? What are the environmental and socioeconomic effects of importing the leaves from abroad? What about the final price and the quality of the product? What about the demand for leaf packaged products? What about legislation on hygiene and other packaging requirements? What about the durability of the leaf and other leaf properties (toxic or other components that can effect the product)? Is gluing necessary and if so, how much, what type? Can you use natural binding material in cellulose by pressing and cooking the leaves? (cf. Plato process for making cheap wood like poplar more durable)Answers to all such questions would have to make it clear whether leaf packaging offers a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging. (See also Chapter 4 Recommendations for a feasibility study.)

3333aaaa)))) DDDDoooo yyyyoooouuuu tttthhhhiiiinnnnkkkk aaaa ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallll iiiinnnnfffflllluuuueeeennnncccceeeessss tttthhhheeee ddddeeeemmmmaaaannnndddd ffffoooorrrr aaaa ppppaaaarrrrttttiiiiccccuuuullllaaaarrrr pppprrrroooodddduuuucccctttt???? IIIIffff ssssoooo,,,, iiiinnnn wwwwhhhhaaaatttt wwwwaaaayyyy????

Nine respondents think a packaging material influences the demand for a particular product. Three people think it does not. Six respondents think the packaging material will only influence the demand of gifts, not for ordinary products. The rest think it might sometimes but they do not have clear thoughts about this.

Yes it doesThis has to do with things like an attractive presentation and possibly the hygiene. Bad quality will lower the demand. Good quality will help increasing the demand. Nowadays products are bought for reasons which are

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


16

hardly functional or rational - so a particular marketing/advertising/product/packaging combination may at a given moment influence cultural perception of products at a mini-scale (see semiotics theory - products are a language of signs). A nice packaging helps the customer over the threshold. An eco-packaging may reduce the buyers sense of guilt of again buying something which is perhaps somewhat useless - I am doing something good as well. The bottom line is that the packaging should reflect the product: if it is a green product, it is allowed to have a green packaging. If the product is not green, a green packaging is fake and misleading.

No it does notPackaging is an integrated part of a product and can not be seen loose from the product. Generally speaking the consumer is not environmentally aware. Research found out that only for the better-off consumer the economical and environmental aspects are weighed equally. The ordinary consumer is not willing to pay for the environment. According to one respondent a change in thinking with respect to the environment and packaging has taken place in the Netherlands, in which industry has had the biggest role, then well-off consumers and then government.

3333bbbb)))) DDDDoooo yyyyoooouuuu tttthhhhiiiinnnnkkkk lllleeeeaaaaffff aaaassss aaaa ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallll wwwwiiiillllllll aaaappppppppeeeeaaaallll ttttoooo ppppeeeeoooopppplllleeee???? WWWWhhhhyyyy ((((nnnnooootttt))))????

Four respondents think leaf packaging material will appeal to people. It was thought by four that only a selective group of consumers will find it appealing. 15 respondents feel that this will depend on the product and /or the packaging material itself. Three respondents think the consumer will be hesitant at first but can be convinced.

Yes!Right now it is trendy to be natural, people like natural looking products. But you never know how long these trends last. So you have to make it something more than a hype. It should be something classic and lasting.

Only to a selective groupSnacks in leaves can appeal to customers of exclusive restaurants, - food stores, traiteurs and other special events like evening markets. As a packing material for products in supermarkets or a shopping mall it will not have a big market. Leaves can give a product a natural look which will attract especially younger and older people.

Depending on the product it might Leaf packaging for food products will not attract consumers, because of hygiene and other food requirements. People are rather critical and bounded to trade marks when it comes to food products. For non-food products it will be more easy as you will come across less legislative constraints and more easy consumers. If there is a market for food products then it should involve products which last for a longer time.The leaf packaging should be in line with the product. If the product needs a natural image the use of leaf packaging might help in getting the message across. In this respect colours are very important to be aware of. It should be an obvious combination. You have to make the people curious about the product. They should combine well with the product. \\Like leaf packaging for flowers and soap. The bamboo basket containing Indonesian food which is sold in a Dutch supermarket is an example of a good product- package combination: original food packaged in original packaging sells. (Only a shame that inside the basket the food is packaged in plastic red.)

Depending on the material it mightThe packaging should look very neat, attractive and professional. You have to be sure that it is more than a trendy product. So you have to offer something extra over the ordinary. Besides people prefer disposable packaging so the packaging should not leave you with leftovers, Glass collection and recycling only worked as glass is a dangerous material to keep at home.

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


17

Consumer over the thresholdInitially the consumer will be hesitant, as he/she is not used to it. By promoting the material through professional advertisement in which its environmental friendliness is demonstrated, consumers might start buying it. If packaging influences the taste in a nice way this will attract the consumer as well.

3333cccc)))) IIIIffff nnnnooootttt,,,, hhhhoooowwww ddddoooo yyyyoooouuuu tttthhhhiiiinnnnkkkk tttthhhheeee lllleeeeaaaaffff ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg iiiimmmmaaaaggggeeee ccccoooouuuulllldddd bbbbeeee iiiimmmmpppprrrroooovvvveeeedddd????

That leaf packaging can be made very attractive using simple techniques, is shown in several developing countries. Some leaf/plant products in the tropics can serve as an example. If leaf products are imported from developing countries, those products will have to meet Western requirements. In some cases 50% or of the product is lost due to bad packaging compared to only a few percentages in Europe.

The material should look like current plastic packaging material. There needs to be a balance between functionality, design, hygiene and aesthetics. \ Leaves can be combined with other materials in order to make the material more attractive and accepted. On the packaging it should be clearly stated that material is biodegradable and thus more environmentally friendly. Another way of improving the image of leaves is by introducing them in restaurants, so that consumers get more familiar with the idea of using leaves.

4444aaaa)))) IIIIssss tttthhhheeeerrrreeee aaaa nnnneeeeeeeedddd ffffoooorrrr aaaa ffffeeeeaaaassssiiiibbbbiiiilllliiiittttyyyy ssssttttuuuuddddyyyy ffffoooorrrr iiiinnnnttttrrrroooodddduuuucccciiiinnnngggg lllleeeeaaaaffff ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee NNNNeeeetttthhhheeeerrrrllllaaaannnnddddssss???? WWWWhhhhyyyy ((((nnnnooootttt))))????

Twelve respondents think it is necessary to carry out such a feasibility study. Six respondents think a feasibility study is necessary only if this involves a practice oriented study resulting in a leaf packaged product on the shelves. Three respondents were in favour of the study under the condition that particular requirements for such a study are met. Only one respondent thinks it is not really necessary.

YesIt is always important to study things more deeply before introducing it. The idea is interesting and it is worthwhile to find out whether it is feasible. Many questions should be answered related to: useful plant species and their properties, the products to be packed in leaves, hygiene, the influence of leaves on the product and the environmental friendliness of leaves as a packaging material (Life Cycle Analyses). The study should also include a market investigation. which market segment is interesting, is the consumer willing to buy these products?

Yes, if study is practice orientedThe intention should be to really do something with it in the Netherlands. It should not be an investigation because of the investigation but it should be a practice oriented study involving the package and food industry(e.g. tofu packaging or fish packaging or Fair trade shop gift wrap)and resulting in a leaf packaged product on the shelve. All the bottlenecks (production, storage, distribution, folding, closing, durability, resistance to humid etc) need to be touched upon and written down in a short report. The study should be targeted on a specific product and market niche, finding a substitute for a conventional fossil-based packaging material causing environmental problems.

In principle yes, depending on the nature of the projectThe reason for introducing leaf packaging in the Netherlands needs to be better defined. If you want to make it a niche technique for a couple of years, you don't need a feasibility study. However, if you want it to really replace an amount of existing plastic packaging, there are more requirements to fulfil, making it less obvious that you will succeed.One respondent states it shouldn’t just focus on leaves. Other alternatives like palm/ grass (like) plants would have to be researched as well. Another one is not in favour of a feasibility study if it would focus on direct application of leaves, rather than the use of leaves as a basis material for product application. Two respondents

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


18

feel the study should only focus on non-food products.

Not necessarySome manufacturers introduce products without any investigation in advance using their business instinct. If a feasibility study is carried out, it should have a practical rather than a scientific approach. Otherwise someone else will do it before you. You have to come up with examples. The packaging and the product should fit with each other.

QQQQUUUUEEEESSSSTTTTIIIIOOOONNNNSSSS FFFFOOOORRRR RRRREEEESSSSEEEEAAAARRRRCCCCHHHHEEEERRRRSSSS //// PPPPRRRROOOODDDDUUUUCCCCTTTT DDDDEEEEVVVVEEEELLLLOOOOPPPPEEEERRRRSSSS//// NNNNGGGGOOOO’’’’ssss

1111)))) WWWWhhhhiiiicccchhhh DDDDuuuuttttcccchhhh lllleeeeaaaavvvveeeessss ccccaaaannnn yyyyoooouuuu tttthhhhiiiinnnnkkkk ooooffff tttthhhhaaaatttt mmmmiiiigggghhhhtttt bbbbeeee uuuusssseeeedddd ffffoooorrrr ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg????

The following plants/trees were mentioned: big leaves like from the plane tree, maple leaf which turns nicely red, rose, ivy, willow, oak, chestnut, reed (candy packaged in reed) and crops like cabbage, rhubarb, lettuce or other leaf-vegetables. By pressing leaves or grinding them, any kind of leaf could be used for material development, also in combination with other leaves/ renewable resources. One person suggested to make papier mâché out of pulp from leaves and water. If the leaf itself is used, a special treatment / technique will be necessary to prevent it from drying out for instance. Somewhat more greasy leaf material may be more flexible when dried, such as the chestnut leaves which have conserving properties. Somewhat more greasy leaf material may be more flexible when dried (chestnut, plane). \Two respondents are rather skeptical about the use of Dutch leaves. One thinks Dutch leaves are not suitable for packaging purposes because they are too small (the food will not stay fresh in it) and not strong enough. Another argues the labour cost are too high in the Netherlands.

2222)))) DDDDoooo yyyyoooouuuu hhhhaaaavvvveeee aaaannnnyyyy ssssuuuuggggggggeeeessssttttiiiioooonnnnssss ffffoooorrrr iiiimmmmpppprrrroooovvvviiiinnnngggg tttthhhheeee eeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll ffffrrrriiiieeeennnnddddlllliiiinnnneeeessssssss ooooffff oooouuuurrrr ccccuuuurrrrrrrreeeennnntttt ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallllssss????

According to one respondent it is impossible to improve the environmental friendliness of packaging material in general. Packaging as such does not exist. Washing liquid - and television packaging do. It is possible to assess or compare the technology and for example the compostability of the material. One should always talk of a particular form/ type of packaging for a particular purpose rather than in general terms. Other things that are part of packaging is ink, consumers and the material strength.

Although packaging has a strong influence, it has already been optimised quite a bit in the last years. This was primarily using the old requirements, arrangements and materials. So it is time for something new to further improve the eco-effects.

The following suggestions were made: • Use less material. • The amount of plastic should be reduced by looking for a renewable, plant based, biodegradable alternative. • • Existing plastic packaging materials need to be recycled. • The product developers should work with a method in which environmental aspects are integrated. \• Improve logistics and the safety of handling. This will save much of the transport energy and rejected products because of damage. It is perhaps even more important than the packaging itself. • Reward the consumer buying leaf packaged product. • Shrink wrap is still used a lot to show that glossy products (even cassette tapes) have not been touched by others (tamper proof). It is hard to open too. Solution: make them not glossy anymore - no need for shrink wrap. Leaf packaging may replace the glossy with something other but equally attractive - eco, tactile quality.

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


19

• Packaging of products in fast food/take away stores can be improved.

QQQQUUUUEEEESSSSTTTTIIIIOOOONNNNSSSS FFFFOOOORRRR PPPPOOOOLLLLIIIICCCCYYYY MMMMAAAAKKKKEEEERRRRSSSS

1111aaaa)))) CCCCaaaannnn yyyyoooouuuu tttthhhhiiiinnnnkkkk ooooffff aaaannnnyyyy lllleeeeggggiiiissssllllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ((((ffffoooooooodddd aaaannnndddd ddddrrrruuuuggggssss aaaacccctttt)))) tttthhhhaaaatttt ccccoooouuuulllldddd ffffoooorrrrmmmm aaaa bbbbaaaarrrrrrrriiiieeeerrrr ffffoooorrrr iiiinnnnttttrrrroooodddduuuucccciiiinnnngggg lllleeeeaaaavvvveeeessss aaaassss aaaa ((((ffffoooooooodddd)))) ppppaaaacccckkkkaaaaggggiiiinnnngggg mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallll????

In particular the food and drugs act (American FDA, )could constrain the packaging of food in leaves, especially if packaging material is in direct contact with the product. It is about hygiene and the maintenance of the quality of the packaged food. Also the development of toys is protected by regulations for the sake of public health.

1111bbbb)))) IIIIffff ssssoooo ddddoooo yyyyoooouuuu hhhhaaaavvvveeee ssssuuuuggggggggeeeessssttttiiiioooonnnnssss ffffoooorrrr ddddeeeeaaaalllliiiinnnngggg wwwwiiiitttthhhh tttthhhheeeesssseeee ccccoooonnnnssssttttrrrraaaaiiiinnnnttttssss????

There were no suggestions made.

2222aaaa)))) CCCCaaaannnn yyyyoooouuuu tttthhhhiiiinnnnkkkk ooooffff aaaannnnyyyy lllleeeeggggiiiissssllllaaaattttiiiivvvveeee ccccoooonnnnssssttttrrrraaaaiiiinnnnttttssss ttttoooo iiiimmmmppppoooorrrrtttt lllleeeeaaaaffffssss ffffoooorrrr pppprrrroooodddduuuucccctttt ddddeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppmmmmeeeennnntttt ppppuuuurrrrppppoooosssseeeessss????

Legislation related to plant diseases

2222bbbb)))) IIIIffff ssssoooo ddddoooo yyyyoooouuuu hhhhaaaavvvveeee ssssuuuuggggggggeeeessssttttiiiioooonnnnssss ffffoooorrrr ddddeeeeaaaalllliiiinnnngggg wwwwiiiitttthhhh tttthhhheeeesssseeee ccccoooonnnnssssttttrrrraaaaiiiinnnnttttssss????

Radiation or steaming of leaves before or if possible after packing

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


20

3333....4444.... IIIINNNNTTTTEEEERRRRNNNNEEEETTTT SSSSEEEEAAAARRRRCCCCHHHH OOOOUUUUTTTTCCCCOOOOMMMMEEEE

Besides the UNEP-WG-SPD leaf packaging examples (http://unep.frw.uva.nl)and numerous sites on the Dolma

or stuffed vine leaf, no other information on leaf packaging research was found on the internet. Although

extensive search terms were used such as : (Dutch) leaves, (leaf) packaging, packaging, food packaging etc.

These search terms did identify associated information on: various packaging techniques; cultural attitudes

towards packaging colours, numbers, shapes, sizes and symbols; embedding ecological principles in packaging

design; scientific research on packaging techniques and materials (School of Packaging at the Michigan State

University).

Besides a publication entitled ‘Packaging: Food cycle technology source books’ from Intermediate Technology

was found, dealing with packaging functions in detail and looking at traditional and mechanised packaging

systems for use by small-scale producers. Case studies from around the world examine the introduction of

improved packaging technology, and there are useful lists of manufacturers and organisations which can help

small businesses.

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


21

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


22

4444.... RRRREEEECCCCOOOOMMMMMMMMEEEENNNNDDDDAAAATTTTIIIIOOOONNNNSSSS FFFFOOOORRRR AAAA FFFFEEEEAAAASSSSIIIIBBBBIIIILLLLIIIITTTTYYYY SSSSTTTTUUUUDDDDYYYY

\\\\

4444....1111 WWWWhhhhaaaatttt iiiissss aaaa ffffeeeeaaaassssiiiibbbbiiiilllliiiittttyyyy ssssttttuuuuddddyyyy????

A feasibility study evaluates the potential for success of a certain action before actually undertaking it.

By carrying out a survey we investigated the need for such a feasibility study. From people’s reactions we got a

first impression as to how the idea is received and whether a feasibility study is generally thought to be

necessary. From the internet search we gained a first impression of the (sort of) information already available

on this subject.

4444....2222 FFFFeeeeaaaassssiiiibbbbiiiilllliiiittttyyyy ssssttttuuuuddddyyyy,,,, nnnneeeecccceeeessssssssaaaarrrryyyy????

Generally people participating in the survey answered “yes” to this question. Most of them were attracted by the

idea of leaf packaging. However a lot of questions remain that need to be answered first, as so far no research

or investigation seems to be carried out on the issue. Therefore according to respondents there is a need for a

feasibility study. Recommendations for such a study are outlined in the following paragraph.

\\\\

4444....3333 RRRReeeeccccoooommmmmmmmeeeennnnddddaaaattttiiiioooonnnnssss

The recommendations given below in phase 1-3, are based partly on the respondents’ answers to the questions

and partly on suggestions given by the authors themselves. They should be considered as a first step in the

direction of future research in this area.

The feasibility study should focus on the introduction in the Netherlands of product packaging made out of

leaves or other plant parts, as a more sustainable alternative to an existing plastic packaging material. Questions

to be dealt with are: What are the possibilities and what are the barriers for such introduction? It should

preferably involve applied scientific research aimed at a leaf packaged product ‘on the shelve’.

The feasibility study should consist of three phases based on some fundamental considerations (Phase 0): Phase

1. Selection of a product-material combination; Phase 2. Research into sustainability aspects; Phase 3. Pilot study

/ demonstration project resulting in the marketing of a product packaged in leaves as an alternative to an

existing plastic packaging material.\\

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


23

PPPPhhhhaaaasssseeee 0000.... FFFFuuuunnnnddddaaaammmmeeeennnnttttaaaallllssss ccccoooonnnnssssiiiiddddeeeerrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnnssss

Product Development is directed to the fulfilment of needs. Sustainable Product Development is aimed at

fulfilling elementary needs. In the case of leaf packaging first the need for it has to be assessed, by studying the

options that already exist in countries where leaf packaging is well established, such as Benin. Thus possibilities of

various leaf packaging systems and their advantages and disadvantages can be analysed. Based on that, an

overview can be made of types of leaf, leaf treatment technologies, types of food and other products packed in

leaves, and in the case of food, ways in which the leaf packed food is prepared, cooked and eaten. Also the leaf

packaging life cycle should be studied and different leaf packaging life cycles distinguished. Thus, various leaf

packaging options can be indicated. From those options a choice must be made.

A leaf can be considered as a system that consists of several sub-systems. Theoretical options can be identified

for the use of parts of the leaf, the leaf as a whole and combinations of several of (the same) leaves. Such use

options can be combined with various treatment techniques or combinations of techniques. A distinction can be

made e.g. in leaf use without modification (natural use), with partial modification (natural/technical use) or

with total modification (technical use). From such an approach, general insights can be gained concerning the

whole use of a leaf. This can then be projected upon the actual use of leaf packaging in Benin and (if feasible)

in other countries. Thus more detailed knowledge can be gained, on problems and potential solutions as well as

on possibilities for improvement.

It is important to start with identifying in the Netherlands the current packaging types and applications that

most closely resemble or relate to existing leaf packaging examples. For those products their characteristics

should be assessed and application areas indicated that will be appropriate for the introduction of leaf

packaging in the Netherlands.

Basic to any product development process is the product/technology/market combination and how this is

commonly dealt with. This is important to consider in order to determine whether a prevailing product

development process will be developed or whether another approach will be taken.

PPPPhhhhaaaasssseeee 1111.... PPPPrrrroooodddduuuucccctttt----MMMMaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallll CCCCoooommmmbbbbiiiinnnnaaaattttiiiioooonnnn

Phase 1 should result in the selection of one or more interesting product-material combinations which needs to

be further investigated in terms of sustainability and marketability. It should involve obvious combinations

meeting a basic human need.

Product and material (combination) related questions should be considered, such as:

\

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


24

Material related questions

• What sort of plant materials do we include: just leaves or also other parts of the plant.

• Which Dutch leaves have been used in the past, are used now or could be used?

• What can we learn from the people abroad using or having used leaves for packaging purposes?

• Is the importing of leaves by the Netherlands a serious option? Opportunities, barriers.

• What about the durability of the leaf and other leaf properties such as toxic or other components that might

have negative health implications and effect the product’s taste and colour, possibilities to fold and close the

material, resistance to humid etc.? Is gluing necessary and if so, how much, what type? Can you use natural

binding material in cellulose by pressing and cooking the leaves (cf. Plato process for making cheap wood like

poplar more durable)?

• Explore leaf (treatment) technologies and new combinations of techniques: \

- Use of leaf without modification (use of leaf as a whole; parts of leaf or combinations of several leaves)

- Use of partially modified leaf

- Use of a totally modified leaf resulting in new materials, new structures and new substances.

• Testing of material with respect to, among others: hygiene and health. \\

Product related questions

• Do we focus on packaging only or do we include other product categories that can be made out of leaves?

• What sort of product categories are best suitable for leaf packaging? (food/non-food)

• What examples of leaf packaged products can we think of?

• What are the cost implications of the leaf packaging in relation to the total price of the product compared to

other current packaging materials?

• What product packaging legislation has to be taken into account and what are the related opportunities and

constraints?

Product - Material Combinations

• Which leaves combine best with what products?

• Is the introduction of these leaf packaged products economically viable?

PPPPhhhhaaaasssseeee 2222.... RRRReeeesssseeeeaaaarrrrcccchhhh iiiinnnnttttoooo SSSSuuuussssttttaaaaiiiinnnnaaaabbbbiiiilllliiiittttyyyy AAAAssssppppeeeeccccttttssss

In this phase a comparison is made between a leaf packaging material and plastic packaging material from a

sustainability point of view for the material-product combinations selected in the first phase. Is the leaf-material

a sustainable alternative, are better alternatives possible?

Various questions need answering, such as:

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


25

• What have been the reasons behind changing from using renewable to non- renewable materials and

packaging technologies and has this change from a sustainability point of view been a good choice?

• On what scale (large, small or medium)do you want to introduce the product?

• Availability: Would there be enough leaves available throughout the year to introduce leaf packaging on a

larger scale? How do environmental trends like population growth and deforestation influence the availability of

leaves? What alternative measures can be taken in order to prevent leaf scarcity? (cultivation, sustainable

harvesting). In case of a need for an increase in availability how can productivity be improved? How can

storage measures be improved?

• Cost-benefit analysis, including environmental effects, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), life cycle screen, comparing

current plastic material to leaf material.

PPPPhhhhaaaasssseeee 3333.... PPPPiiiillllooootttt SSSSttttuuuuddddyyyy //// DDDDeeeemmmmoooonnnnssssttttrrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnn pppprrrroooojjjjeeeecccctttt

This phase includes market investigation, product development, production process, distribution, storage and

marketing. All this should result in the launching of a leaf packaged product into the market and eventually on

the shelve in the store.

Several questions need answering, such as:

Market Investigation

• Selection of a specific product for a particular market niche.

• What about the demand for the product, is there a market?

• Find partners (packaging industry, product developers, retail, fair trade, potential customers) and identify

their roles in this third phase.

Product development

• What are different leaf characteristics such as: folding, storing; closing durability, resistance to humidity?

Production, Distribution & Storage

• What should the production process look like?

• How should the product be distributed and stored?

Marketing of product.

• Who are the potential buyers?

• Product information: Why should people buy the product? What are the advantages?

Cleaner

Production

WG/SPD


26

introducing leaf packaging in the netherlands - a survey · introducing leaf packaging in the...

Documents