The way to a more sustainable future: less and more environmentally friendly packaging

The right packaging for the right product, in all circumstances. And also: downsizing together for a lasting relationship. These are the goals that the Topa Group, which blew out one hundred candles in 2022, is fully committed to. Since 2015, the Belgian division, Topa Packaging, has been building on this mission from Kontich. Less CO2, less material, less waste, but at the same time more quality packaging solutions and more satisfied customers on board. Tom Vermeersch, sales director of Topa Packaging, guides us through the company's sustainability strategy.

The story of the Topa Group started in 1922, when the father of the current owner sold packaging from his home in Amsterdam (the vof Touwhandel Amsterdam). Over the following years, Topa (TOuw and PApier) grew into a wholesaler with its own warehouses, two production locations and two sales offices. "Today, the group has four entities," Tom explains. "Topa Packaging in the Netherlands, Topa Packaging in Belgium, Topa Institute and Topa Thermal. In our Topa Institute - which celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year - we research, among other things, how to generate less waste and reduce costs. Thanks to this in-house development, testing and research center, we support our customers in their quest for lower CO2 emissions, less use of raw materials and lower costs in their logistics process. Our international branch Topa Thermal focuses on the development and production of insulating packaging, mainly for the pharmaceutical industry."

Sustainable packaging in practice

Tom gives some examples of sustainable packaging solutions already realized by the Topa Group. "We develop and test the packaging of tomorrow. This is how our wrapping film Fiber Film was born. It requires half as much material in the production process, but still offers better load securing than conventional wrapping film. Another example is our fully recyclable shipping bags. These are less environmentally damaging than cardboard because no padding material is required, so you're not sending air. A final example is rPET-Tape®, a sustainable tape made from recycled PET packaging for more than 85%. This ultra-thin tape - at just 19 microns - is also fully recyclable, by the way."

Climate neutral company

This green approach earned Topa Group great recognition last year. "In May 2022, we were allowed to crown ourselves a 'climate neutral company' for the first time," Tom says proudly. "When mapping out the total CO2 emissions, the group clocked in at 1,660 tons per year. We offset these emissions through the construction of a wind farm in Brazil. Last year we managed to reduce our CO2 emissions by over 27%, to 1,212 tons. By 2030, we aim to reduce our Corporate Carbon Footprint further, to at least 55%.Also in 2023, our trading activities are again certified. This time we will offset our emissions by supporting a wind turbine project in Chile. When the windmills are built, this project will save some 197,420 tons of CO2 emissions per year."

Engaging sustainability journey

Along with its sister companies, Topa Packaging continues to invest in green business. "This year, for the first time, we are using green electricity for a full year," said Tom. "Add to that a future-proof mobility plan, the rollout of a waste plan and a critical review of packaging use in specific sectors, and you can understand that the road to greater sustainability - which, by the way, we're traveling together with our customers and other partners - can still become very exciting."

'Handle with care'

Finally, through the Topa Institute, the Topa Group also helps customers from various sectors prevent damage during transport and reduce logistics costs. "We do this through conducting distribution tests, both at the pallet and package level," says Tom.

"We study how during transportation products can be impacted by vibration, shock, pressure-loading, temperature fluctuations or changes in humidity. We also like to share this expertise with entrepreneurs." ■