Abdul Jebbar PB, the Group Managing Director of Hotpack Global, says as a packaging manufacturer, there are challenges in communicating material segregation to consumers

Please tell us about your efforts that ensure a sustainable and equitable digital future.
At Hotpack, our commitment to sustainable growth involves meticulous measures, focusing on the right metrics. Operating with multiple plants across continents, we strategically invested in advanced Industry 4.0 equipment. This decision enables real-time data collection from manufacturing plants, retail centres, warehouses, and our web store, ensuring optimal efficiency with minimal resource consumption, including energy and manpower.

What is your commitment to combat climate change?
Our dedication to combating climate change is ingrained in the design principles of our products: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We adhere to stringent criteria for lower-impact materials, extend product lifecycles for multiple uses, prioritize energy-efficient manufacturing, and minimize the use of hazardous substances. These measures not only promote sustainability but also mitigate the likelihood of our products ending up in landfills or marine environments.

What are the challenges in combating global environmental issues?
As a packaging manufacturer, we encounter challenges in communicating material segregation to consumers and ensuring complete circularity in waste management. Currently, only 11% of manufactured packaging is recycled due to consumer awareness gaps regarding “after-use” disposal. The lack of proper waste collection, separation, washing, and recycling processes results in non-recycled waste ending up in landfills or marine environments, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

What sort of trends do you foresee in the areas of sustainability and technology?
In the sustainability and technology space, we anticipate a trend towards more eco-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable packaging materials. Hotpack is proactive in investing in the latest-generation equipment to stay ahead of regulatory changes and produce goods efficiently and sustainably. Our R&D team collaborates with global solution providers to develop products that align with evolving sustainability requirements.

How do you envision your role in shaping a more sustainable future in 2024 and beyond?
Our role in shaping a more sustainable future involves bringing innovative and sustainable products to market efficiently. We collaborate with stakeholders across the ecosystem, including brand owners, recyclers, and consumers. Our partnership with RECAPP, the world’s leading recycler, exemplifies our commitment to achieving sustainability goals, including reductions in carbon emissions and achieving Net Zero standards.

How are you aligning your sustainability initiatives in line with the themes of COP28?
Aligning with the themes of COP28, Hotpack emphasizes the inclusion and participation of diverse stakeholders. Our collaboration with RECAPP demonstrates our sincere commitment to sustainability. Our advanced manufacturing processes prioritize energy efficiency, and we will continue innovating to bring environmentally friendly products produced with cutting-edge technology, contributing to the global effort towards a sustainable future.