More brand owners are moving towards sustainable packaging so that they can meet consumer demand, stay ahead of key regulatory compliance and improve their environmental credentials – especially when it comes to single-use packaging. As a key supplier of packaging and labels to the beauty and cosmetics industries, OPM Group is continually looking at ways to reduce the environmental impact of our materials, manufacturing processes and products, to help customers meet their crucial sustainability targets and connect with today’s engaged audience. OPM Group maximises focus on sustainability by working with suppliers who demonstrate that their ‘green’ credentials are more than skin deep; these suppliers source label materials from sustainably managed forests (PEFC & FSC – certified forests) and we have a commitment to recycling tricky waste such as silicone release liner trim. As a business, we prioritise suppliers offering eco-friendly alternatives alongside their traditional core products. These materials reduce waste and pollution by making better use of recycled or bio-based materials and help to close the loop in plastics and packaging. Material choice is also key to enabling the recyclability of a product at the end of its life, which is becoming ever more important to consumers. Another avenue for brands to consider is materials reduction – think thinner. OPM Group offers face stocks and liners that are up to 50% thinner than traditional products. These materials are manufactured using less oil, water, and energy, reducing the carbon footprint compared to many conventional label materials. The weight reduction also translates into lower transportation costs on the products retail journey, more labels per reel and less reel change downtime on your production lines. When looking at flexible packaging substrates that reduce the environmental impact of packaging, what options are available to brands and product designers?