Elias Assum Sabbag Junior is a French company specializing in sustainable packaging materials and production methods. Founded by Nicolas Assum in 2016, the business model behind the company is to provide customers with recycled content. Hence, the company don't only focus on reducing their environmental footprint but also their operational one by using more energy-efficient processes.
Sustainability is becoming a key theme for manufacturers around the world, with customers seeking out safer and more environmentally conscious options. According to a Global Market Insights report, the market value of the sustainable packaging market will reach US$126.9 billion by 2028.
Plastic Shelves Are A Trend You'll Have To Keep Up With
A key element of Elias Assum's sustainability strategy is to source recycled content for their products. Therefore, they must keep abreast of all the latest plastics technologies and trends before deciding which type of plastic to use for a specific application. Most companies will opt for permanent plastics such as polyethylene (PE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for a variety of reasons, but for the sake of sustainability, it's best to go with recycled content whenever possible.
The Rise Of Reusable Packaging
Another trend that will continue to influence the packaging industry is the rise of reusable packaging. Customers are seeking ways to cut down on their environmental impact by using as little packaging as possible, especially when traveling or storing food items that may go unfit if exposed to certain conditions.
The benefits of reusable packaging are numerous. For one, it prevents items from being thrown away and subsequently wasted resources. Food waste alone contributes to climate change, making these products important from an environmental standpoint. The material itself is also recyclable, meaning that it can be reused over and over again, cutting down on the landfill waste.
Some consumers are even willing to pay a premium for sustainable products and services. According to a YouGov survey, 34% of respondents said that they would be willing to pay more for sustainable options, while only 16% said that they would be willing to pay the same. Additionally, 11% said that they would pay less for sustainable products.
The Rise Of Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is another emerging technology that is changing the way products are designed and manufactured today. 3D printing allows for products to be designed on a computer and then quickly turned into physical form. This process, known as digital manufacturing, eliminates the need for large pieces of equipment, which in turn impacts the sustainability of product manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing has a variety of uses, from medical devices to transportation hubs, and it's helping to decrease the world's dependency on fossil fuels. This is especially important as technology helps to reduce the amount of materials needed to meet demand, improving the environmental and sustainable performance of a product.
The Role Of Engineering
A product's sustainability is rarely focused on from a pure creative standpoint, but rather from an engineering standpoint. In order to achieve greater reductions in energy and materials usage, engineers need to implement new processes and techniques into their products, sometimes reinventing old methods in favor of more sustainable alternatives. This type of innovation helps to reduce the amount of materials needed to meet demand while also improving the environmental and sustainable performance of a product.
The Importance Of Materials And Manufacturing Processes
Sustainability is not an easy task, and implementing change into a sustainable business model can be difficult. However, it's important to note that reducing a business' environmental footprint does not necessarily mean that its manufacturing processes need to operate with minimal energy or resources. In fact, it can sometimes be more eco-friendly to produce products using more sustainable methods.
It's crucial to examine the materials used to create a product, as well as the manufacturing processes, before deciding whether or not those materials are sustainable. Many companies have committed to using more sustainable materials and manufacturing methods, realizing the benefits that these bring. For example, PE totes, beverage containers, snack bags, and hamburger straws are usually made of recycled plastics.
Sometimes, companies opt for biodegradable materials that break down over time, becoming part of nature's composting process. As these materials are degraded, they produce less harmful byproducts. However, not all biodegradable materials are created equal, and some have the potential to be more harmful than fossil fuels.
Some companies like Rainbow Foam source their materials from renewable and sustainable resources, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels, as well as eliminating the need to cut down more forests to meet their raw material requirements.
Elias Assum: A Different Type Of Business
Elias Assum is a French company that focuses on providing customers with a more sustainable choice, encouraging them to buy organic and fair trade goods. Hence, their products are designed to encourage customers to think about the impact that their consumption has on the environment. This focus on sustainability makes them stand out in a market crowded with traditional corporations, pushing them to the verge of a complete switch to a sustainable model.
In a bold move, Assum established a social and environmental impact investment fund to invest in firms that contribute to a more sustainable future. This fund, named Paspales, enables them to make a direct difference in companies' operations.
How They Make A Difference
To contribute to a more sustainable future, Assum establishes long-term working relationships with suppliers, who then form part of their continued strategy to reduce their environmental footprint.
As a result of these efforts, Assum has been able to source materials that they know are recycled or have recycled content, helping to reduce the environmental impact of their business. They also work closely with suppliers to ensure that materials are sourced from sustainable and environmentally-conscious sources.
Cutting down on materials and energy use is only part of their sustainability strategy. They are also interested in increasing the lifespan of their products so that they can be disposed of and recycled less often. For example, they work with material scientists to develop more eco-friendly factory modes of operation, using less energy.
Going Green In A Big Way
Elias Assum is not the only company making a difference. Many businesses have made a conscious effort to go green, establishing long-term partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers that share their commitment to sustainability.
Livestream, a tech company that builds cameras for live-streaming, has reduced their carbon footprint by implementing more energy-efficient cooling techniques, choosing organic palm oil for their oil, and setting up a bio-gas recovery system.
The Future Of Sustainability
Going green is not a trend that will disappear in the near future. Rather, it's a way of life that will influence every aspect of our daily routines. Manufacturing will be no exception, with customers opting for materials and processes that they know contribute to a better environment.
In the upcoming months, we'll be seeing more and more companies going green. It makes sense: going green is good for the environment, and it's better for business when others follow suit.