Group 14
Group 14
GROUP 14
Komal Rehan (MG-71)
Usman Ali (MG-50)
Muhib Salman (MG-56)
SUBMITTED TO:
Sir Farhan Ahmed
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
INTRODUCTION
PREAMBLE
Packaging are designed and manufactured to fulfill many functions important for its users
– consumers, and producers of packaged products. In globalization, the development of
international corporations takes place, which is possible thanks to the free flow of goods
and the opening of state borders and all of this favors the development of packaging. In
addition to exports, the packaging market is fueled by the consumption and trends of the
society and the development of other industries showing a need for packaging. Modern
society cannot survive without packaging. The world's population is steadily increasing
and supply chains are becoming increasingly complex.
Currently, environmental aspects have also gained importance in global packaging
development trends. Unfortunately, after the packaging are used, they are waste that can
have a significant impact on the environment. The concept of "sustainable packaging" is
increasingly used in international literature. Sustainable packaging is a major focus in
efforts to reduce the environmental impact and carbon emissions generated by the
packaging industry. Sustainable Packaging is not just a trend but an urgent need to reduce
the environmental impact and carbon emissions generated by the packaging industry. The
main goal of sustainable packaging is to reduce environmental impact and increase
resource efficiency.
Theoretically, these are packaging that, compared to conventional packaging, meet higher
environmental, economic and social standards, have better performance and quality
features, and at the same time bring new possibilities in the field of the recovery and waste
management. These standards should apply to the entire packaging life cycle – from
production, through packaging, distribution, transport processes, to use and disposal.
Traditional packaging materials often contain hazardous substances such as phthalates,
BPA, and VOCs, which pose risks to human health and the environment. Sustainable
packaging solutions prioritize the use of non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials,
thereby reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
Sustainable packaging encompasses a diverse array of strategies aimed at reducing the
environmental footprint of packaging materials and processes. These innovations include
the adoption of recyclable materials, development of biodegradable packaging solutions,
implementation of lightweight designs, and utilization of renewable resources. Such
approaches reflect a paradigm shift towards eco-conscious packaging practices, aligning
with global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability. Sustainable
packaging innovations have emerged as a critical avenue for addressing environmental
concerns and enhancing operational efficiency. The adoption of sustainable packaging
innovations profoundly influences HSE practices industry. It fosters a culture of
environmental responsibility, prompting companies to prioritize eco-friendly materials and
production processes.
RESEARCH PROBLEM
Sustainable packaging practices have gained significant ground in global markets, with
innovative and eco-friendly materials being increasingly integrated into product design,
marketing strategies and packaging. Pakistan's market is also witnessing and adopting a
growing trend towards sustainable packaging practices. Companies are increasingly
adopting eco-friendly materials and innovative designs to reduce their environmental
footprint and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. "The aim of this research is
to evaluate global sustainable packaging practices and identify key lessons that Pakistan
can adopt to enhance its own sustainable packaging initiatives."
Research Questions
Through this research, the following questions will be answered:
1. What are the sustainable packaging practices throughout the globe and what are
their affects?
2. What challenges Pakistan faces in developing sustainable packaging practices?
3. Is sustainable packaging actually beneficial for Companies?
4. How can Pakistan overcome the challenges and hurdles in developing sustainable
practices in packaging?
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
a. To explore the sustainable packaging practices throughout the globe and their affects.
b. To identify the problems that Pakistan face in bringing sustainability in packaging.
c. To explore the promotional strategies used to promote sustainable packaging.
d. To compare the sustainability practices in packaging between Global industries and
Pakistani industries.
e. To identify the key lessons that Pakistan can take in order to enhance its sustainability
practices in packaging.
f. To evaluate whether the sustainable practices in packaging helping companies to grow
or not.
JUSTIFICATIONS
This study in conducted to evaluate the sustainable packaging practices that are practiced
throughout the globe and how effective they are in developing eco-friendly environment.
Furthermore, it will discover to what extent sustainability in packaging is practiced in
Pakistan and whether these practices are increasing or not and what hurdles are faced by
Pakistan in increasing these practices. Some of the stakeholders of this research are as
follows:
I. Companies who are operating in Pakistan or wish to do so would benefit from this
research as they would get to know the overall viewpoint of the industry towards
sustainable packaging packages. Moreover companies who do actually practice or do
not practice sustainable packaging can make a decision after reading the findings of the
study.
II. Both students and teachers will acquire insights from the research on the Sustainable
packaging practices used in the Pakistani market, as well as in the global market.
III. Customers will benefit indirectly from this research because if the study's findings
suggest that sustainable packaging is a viable strategy for the Pakistani market, the
excessive amount of plastic waste and non-eco-friendly materials they encounter daily
will be reduced. This shift would provide marketers with an alternative approach to
showcase their brands while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
LIMITATIONS
1. Limited access to comprehensive data on current packaging practices and sustainability
efforts in Pakistan may hinder accurate comparisons.
2. The diversity of packaging materials and regulations across different countries can
make it challenging to find universally applicable solutions.
3. This study will only take into account the Pakistani industry due to the limited time
period of the research; and the recommendations and conclusions will be beneficial to
existing and potential companies in Pakistan.
4. Global practices may not be directly applicable to Pakistan due to differing economic,
cultural, and regulatory environments also differences in financial resources between
developed countries and Pakistan can limit the feasibility of implementing certain
sustainable practices.
SCOPE
1. This study aims to investigate the sustainability of packaging materials and practices,
focusing on evaluating their environmental impact, economic viability, and social
implications.
2. Development of sustainable packaging in Pakistani industries to achieve sustainable
developmental goals and Improvement in the environment.
3. Assessing the cost-effectiveness of sustainable packaging solutions compared to
traditional options, including initial investment, long-term savings, and market trends.
4. Understanding consumer attitudes and behavior towards sustainable packaging,
including awareness, acceptance, and willingness to pay for eco-friendly options.
5. This study will take into account the Pakistani market and the recommendations and
conclusions will be beneficial to existing and potential marketers in Pakistan.
6. The research will take into account the companies’ perspective; as to how they carry
out product placement, whether or not it is a beneficial option etc.
ASSUMPTIONS
1. The economic and political factors will remain constant in Karachi (where we will
conduct our study) throughout the duration of our research.
2. Limited access to comprehensive data on current packaging practices and sustainability
efforts in Pakistan may hinder accurate comparisons.
3. The key stakeholders in Pakistan, including businesses, consumers, and policymakers,
will be willing to engage in discussions about sustainable practices.
DEFINITION OF KEYWORDS
1. Biodegradable Materials: Natural materials used in packaging that decompose over
time without leaving harmful residues, unlike plastics, which take hundreds of years to
break down.
2. Carbon Footprint: The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by packaging
production, materials, and disposal processes. Sustainable packaging aims to minimize
this footprint by using renewable resources or recycled materials.
3. Greenwashing: The practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the
environmental benefits of a product or packaging to appeal to eco-conscious consumers
without delivering significant sustainability improvements.
4. Phthalates: Chemical compounds often used to make plastics more flexible. They are
considered harmful to both human health and the environment, and sustainable
packaging solutions avoid such hazardous substances.
ACRONYMS
1. HSE = Health, Safety, and Environment
2. VOCs = volatile organic compounds
3. BPA = Bisphenol A
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH DESIGN
This study will adopt a qualitative research design aimed at evaluating global sustainable
packaging practices within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry and
exploring how these practices can inform the development of sustainable packaging
solutions in Pakistan. The research will primarily focus on the analysis of documentaries,
case studies, industry reports, and regulatory frameworks from around the world. By
concentrating on qualitative insights, this study will provide a deep, context-specific
understanding of sustainable packaging innovations, regulations, and their potential
adaptation to the Pakistani context.
PROCEDURE
The research will be conducted using a systematic qualitative approach, focusing on the
analysis of documentaries, case studies, and secondary data from academic literature and
industry reports. The procedure for this research will be divided into five main steps:
literature review, documentary selection, case study analysis, data analysis, and synthesis
and reporting. Below is the detailed step-by-step procedure:
POPULATION:
In this research study population will be comprised of all firms and organizations around
the world, regardless of their size or trade that have adopted the use of sustainable
packaging solutions. These range from multinationals to SMEs (small and medium sized
enterprises) and non-profit-making organizations. Those targeted here are those who have
made great strides in reducing adverse impacts on the environment through sustainable
packaging solutions.
Frame of Reference:
This study will form its frame of reference with the global sustainable
packaging landscape. Key stakeholders would comprise:
1. Documentary Sampling
Sampling Method: Purposive Sampling
o This method is used to deliberately select documentaries that focus on
sustainable packaging practices in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
(FMCG) sector. Documentaries will be chosen based on their relevance to the
research objectives, with a focus on regions with advanced packaging
regulations and practices (e.g., EU, U.S., Japan).
Selection Criteria:
o Focus on sustainable packaging innovations (e.g., bioplastics, recycling
systems, circular economy).
o Coverage of various geographical regions, including Europe, North America,
and South America.
o Inclusion of documentaries showcasing successful corporate case studies
(e.g., Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestlé).
o Attention to regulatory frameworks and policy discussions regarding
sustainable packaging.
Sample Size:
o Approximately 3-5 documentaries will be selected, ensuring a divers
representation of global packaging trends.
2. Case Study Sampling
Sampling Method: Purposive Sampling
o Case studies of international companies that have successfully implemented
sustainable packaging practices will be purposively selected to provide deep
insights into specific innovations and strategies.
Selection Criteria:
o Companies with a track record of sustainability leadership, such as Unilever,
Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, or other FMCG leaders.
o Industries that have been early adopters of sustainable packaging solutions.
o Companies with publicly available data, reports, and case studies on their
packaging practices.
o Geographical diversity in case studies (e.g., companies from Europe, North
America, South America).
Sample Size:
o Approximately 3-5 case studies from different sectors and geographical
locations will be analyzed.
3. Literature and Regulatory Review Sampling
Sampling Method: Purposive and Snowball Sampling
o The literature review will involve purposive sampling to select relevant
academic papers, industry reports, and regulatory documents that directly
address sustainable packaging practices and regulations. Snowball sampling
will be used to identify additional relevant documents as key papers and
reports reference other critical sources.
Selection Criteria:
o Peer-reviewed academic articles that focus on sustainable packaging, circular
economy, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the packaging industry.
o Industry reports from key organizations (e.g., World Packaging Organization,
Ellen MacArthur Foundation) that focus on sustainable materials, packaging
innovations, and regulatory frameworks.
o Policy documents and regulations from countries with advanced sustainable
packaging initiatives, such as the European Union’s packaging waste
directive, U.S. EPA guidelines, and South American policies.
Sample Size:
o Around 5-10 academic papers, industry reports, and regulatory documents
will be selected to ensure comprehensive coverage of global sustainable
packaging practices and Pakistan’s regulatory context.
The diverse sampling methods employed will ensure the research covers a wide range of
perspectives, regions, and innovations, allowing for a well-rounded evaluation of how
global sustainable packaging practices can inform Pakistan’s packaging industry
INSTRUMENT SELECTION
Qualitative assessment will be the principal data collection method for this research. This
will help dig into the detail of how global sustainable packaging is adopted and more
importantly what are the key Lessons for Pakistan. Data will be taken from the existing
research papers and case studies on the companies which are enforcing sustainable
packaging.
PROPOSITIONS
The proposal supports the following propositions:
PLAN OF ANALYSIS
The data will be analyzed using a qualitative thematic analysis approach, focusing
specifically on evaluating Corporate and Industrial Sustainability Practices (CISP) to
derive lessons for Pakistan. Case studies from various studies will be observed to gain
insight into key themes and patterns associated with drivers of successful adaptation of
green packaging, challenges faced while implementing such practices, and how such issues
could be addressed. The discussion addresses how the global companies have implemented
sustainable materials and practices into their packaging systems and explored challenges
in Pakistan by way of economic constraints, infrastructural inadequacies, and lack of
knowledge of sustainability among people. It has also discussed solutions for Pakistan that
may include government incentives, investments in recycling infrastructure, and public
awareness campaigns. It identifies alternative materials for traditional packaging in
Pakistan, such as innovative environment-friendly packaging material named
biodegradable plastics and plant-based polymers. Review of case studies gave analysis that
provides insight into how Pakistan can learn from global sustainable practices in place and
bridge the gap that ensures feasibility.
RESEARCH SCHEDULE
Year
Weeks Week 6 Week 7 Week 9 Weeks 10 Week 11 Week Week
12-13 14
SOFTWARES EMPLOYED
The following software tool were used for data analysis and report writing:
1. Word processing software: Microsoft Word or Google Docs
REQUIRED RESOURCES
The research required the following resources:
REFERENCES
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