Reduce
At ILIP, we are committed every day to reducing the use of plastic materials by decreasing the thickness and weight of packaging while maintaining the performance required for different applications.
At the same time, we develop solutions that can help preserve the quality of packaged food during distribution and storage, with the aim of limiting food waste throughout the supply chain.
DOWNGAUGING
Reducing packaging weight has been a key element of ILIP’s Fit4Purpose approach for more than a decade. Reducing packaging weight (DOWNGAUGING), while maintaining its intended functionality, safety, consumer convenience, and the performance required for the preservation and protection of packaged food, helps optimize the use of raw materials.
The chart highlights the continuous reduction in the average weight of fresh produce punnets and trays achieved by ILIP since 2010. Between 2010 and 2025, the average weight was reduced by 18.46%, corresponding to approximately 5,5 k tonnes less raw material (PET, R-PET and PP) used, while maintaining the performance required for the intended applications.
In addition to weight reduction, ILIP focuses its development activities on the Eco-Design of packaging, with particular attention to recyclability and closed-loop recycling models, as well as on the certification of product environmental performance through Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). See the recycling section.
Sustainable package is “Fit4Purpose”
More freshness, less waste
The environmental impact of packaging can only be assessed in relation to the product it contains and the function it serves. This is why a balance must be sought between “underpackaging” and “overpackaging”: efficient packaging protects food products in an optimal manner, extending their shelf life and minimising both food waste and environmental impact. Ilip supports scientific research on the role played by packaging in food preservation with the aim to reduce food waste.
We were the first manufacturer of thermoformed plastic packaging to adhere to and support the Save Food initiative.