CAREERS IN PRINTING: A Printing Technologist’s Research Odyssey in Sustainable Packaging
The Rising Wave of Sustainable Packaging
One cannot stress enough how important packaging is to the safe delivery and movement of goods along the supply chain. A quality package should guarantee that the safety and quality of goods are maintained throughout the product’s storage and transportation to reduce loss and waste. Nevertheless, a significant drawback of packaging is that it is often disposed of as soon as the product is used, thus increasing the environmental footprint of the planet. Paper (including cardboard), wood, glass, metal, and a variety of polymers are the primary materials used in packaging, with paper being regarded as one of the least harmful materials to the environment. Largely, these materials take their toll on the environment when disposed of after use. Therefore, making packaging more sustainable has drawn considerable attention from manufacturers, consumers, and governments in the past 20 years.
Indeed, packaging needs to employ more environmentally friendly materials to be sustainable. Stated differently, packaging that aims to minimize its environmental impact at every point of its life cycle — from production to disposal — is referred to as sustainable packaging. Omobolanle Oloyede and Stella Lignou, researchers at the Sensory Science Centre, University of Reading in the United Kingdom addressed consumer preference and willingness to buy products with environmentally friendly packaging. In their study on sustainable paper-based packaging, they highlighted consumers’ preferences for sustainable packaging. Their report established that consumers disliked over-packaging and preferred paper over plastic as long as the packaging was attractive, practical, and simple. As the researchers noted, “Participants expect sustainable packages to have all the functionality of a package and be sustainable”.
The researchers’ study provides an example of how customer insights may influence and propel innovation in packaging. It also demonstrated the importance of research in bridging the gap between what consumers want and the provision of sustainable packaging solutions.
A Printing Technologist’s Doctoral Explorations in Sustainable Packaging
A previous article in this series explored the interdisciplinary nature of printing technology practice within the digital economy of nations. The current discourse on sustainable packaging solutions brings home the intersectionality of printing and packaging, highlighting the opportunities for diversification presented to printing technologists, especially researchers in printing. Research technologists who understand both printing and sustainable materials can play vital roles as sustainable packaging specialists.
A reference point is Shalida Rosnan, the coordinator of the Printing Technology program at the College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Malaysia. Rosnan started her academic training with a diploma in Multimedia from the International Islamic University College Selangor. Thereafter, she earned a diploma and a Bachelor’s in Printing Technology from UiTM. She went on to receive a Master’s in Arts and Design from the same university. Leveraging a Japanese Government Scholarship offer, Rosnan diversified into packaging research, pitching her tent with the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan. Under the supervision of Professor Toshiharu Enomae, she researched the realm of laser cutting for paper-based packaging. The exploration led to uncovering the intriguing phenomenon of heat-affected zone (HAZ) in laser technology. Through meticulous experimentation and image analysis techniques, she was able to minimize this zone, paving the way for cleaner, more precise cuts. In simple terms, Rosnan’s study looked at using laser cutting technology to make customized packaging. Instead of traditional methods like die-cutting, laser technology was deployed to cut out specific shapes on environmentally friendly materials (such as paperboard, a type of thick paper). By using lasers, more time can be saved just as more customized packaging can be quickly done.
In terms of commercial application, Rosnan’s doctoral study demonstrates the potential of using laser cutting technology to create personalized and sustainable packaging, which aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in packaging design.
A Vision for a Greener Future Through Sustainable Packaging
In the quest for sustainable development, Shalida Rosnan has been collaborating with a team of researchers at Universiti Teknologi MARA to pioneer innovative packaging solutions that blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. Their research focuses on creating environmentally friendly packaging, particularly for Malaysia’s culturally significant products like the Songkok and various food items. By integrating QR codes and augmented reality (AR), Rosnan’s team offers consumers enhanced engagement and access to essential product information while promoting sustainability by reducing paper waste (see Rahmat et al., 2023; Borhan et al., 2023).
A cornerstone of their research is the use of biodegradable materials and technological advancements to minimize environmental impact. For instance, the team has explored the use of aluminium hydroxide in heat-resistant paper to improve its laser-cutting efficiency and reduce waste (see Rosnan et al., 2022). These innovations not only ensure the durability and quality of packaging but also align with global efforts to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. By optimizing manufacturing processes and incorporating sustainable materials, the research contributes significantly to Malaysia’s sustainability goals (see Rosnan & Enomae, 2021).
Moreover, the collaborative nature of this research highlights the importance of multidisciplinary efforts in addressing environmental challenges. By working closely with industry stakeholders, Rosnan and her colleagues have developed practical solutions that cater to both consumer needs and environmental consciousness. Their work demonstrates how integrating technology with traditional practices can revolutionize the packaging industry, positioning Malaysia as a leader in sustainable packaging development (see Borhan et al., 2023). Through these initiatives, Rosnan’s research not only fosters a culture of responsible consumption but also sets a new standard for innovative and sustainable packaging practices.
On the whole, Shalida Rosnan’s research trajectory demonstrates a purposeful and resourceful approach to navigating the changing media landscape, particularly within the print media sector. By embracing innovation, sustainability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a longitudinal perspective, she positions herself as a proactive and adaptive researcher at the forefront of print media innovation and scholarship.
“Made-in-Nigeria” as Driver for Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Packaging
It is instructive to note that the rising consumer demand for eco-friendly products has opened up significant entrepreneurial opportunities in the realm of sustainable packaging. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on these insights by developing innovative packaging solutions that balance sustainability with competitive pricing and high quality. In the Nigerian context, a further propellant is the promotion of made-in-Nigeria products, which would presumably encourage local production. Not surprisingly, the packaging industry in Nigeria, deemed a sunrise industry, is poised for significant growth. According to an analysis by Ahmed Alex Omah, President of the African Packaging Organization, the industry has the potential to generate employment and skill development across various sectors like food processing, pharmaceuticals, IT, and manufacturing. Besides, the government’s efforts to reduce food wastage and improve supply chains further drive demand for specialized packaging, promising substantial opportunities. As Omah submitted, this growth, supported by public-private partnerships and international investments, positions Nigeria to become a global manufacturing hub with high-quality packaging solutions.
Innovating for Packaging Excellence in Nigeria
Nigeria is poised to become a global center for manufacturing, and this presents a wealth of prospects for innovation, expansion, and investment in the packaging sector. Businesses and SMEs need to take advantage of this opportunity to adopt cutting-edge, eco-friendly packaging options that not only preserve and protect goods but also increase their appeal to consumers. Nigerian companies can satisfy the rising expectations of both local and international markets by implementing cutting-edge technologies and emphasizing quality. Stakeholders must work together, come up with new ideas, and promote the “Made-in-Nigeria” brand to guarantee the prosperity of the nation’s packaging sector and its substantial contribution to overall economic growth.
Innovate. Thrive. Excel.
Afolabi is a PhD researcher in communication (publishing and media technology) at Universiti Sains Malaysia. He teaches publishing and digital prepress at the Department of Printing Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. He is the author of the book Graphic Communication in Nigeria, available for free download here
