# Significance of Sustainable Packaging: A Case-Study from a Supply Chain Perspective
## 1 Introduction  
Consumer behavior is changing with time and now consumers are getting in details of the packaging. It is not just enough to buy and consume any product; customers need to know the source of raw material, its processing, and its effects on the environment [1]. Considering the United Nations sustainable packaging goals, sustainability has shifted from being a non-factor for package producers and customers to becoming a driving force. United Nations 193 members created new global objectives for sustainable development during UN-Sustainable development summit in 2015 [2]. The objectives created a roadmap for every industry to strive toward sustainability. The proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are being established by the international community under the charter of the United Nations, set targets for eliminating poverty, safeguarding the climate, and empowering individuals and organizations. The packaging sector is among the most applicable industry that, quite rightfully, receives a lot of attention. As per UN-sustainable development goals, by 2030 all materials used will be environmentally friendly, with the goal of completely implementing packagingthat does not need the usage of additional coal and oil [2]. Polyethylene terephthalate material utilization per bottle should also be decreased by 35% by 2030 [3]. From manufacturing to logistics and from warehousing to end consumer packaging industry plays a crucial role in each transition. Making sustainable packaging and implementing it in mass industrialization can be a tough task due to supply-chain challenges that are further studied in the article. The key focus of the study is to analyze through the perspective of supply-chain professional, the importance of sustainable supply chain in packaging industry. Since packaging has an impact on overall supply chain, from material producers to product manufacturers and retailers than trash collection organizations then it is back to the recyclable facility. Unsustainable packaging practices have become a threat for sustainable development and ultimately to the development of a circular economy [4]. The packaging industry plays an important role in world economy [5]. Packaging is not only about a simple carton or a box or a plastic wrap, but it is a process that ensures safe, cost effective, and efficient storage, delivery, and handling of the products from point of production till the point of consumption [6]. Although packaging is an important aspect of supply chain and the economy, there is still lack of proper implementation of policies with respect to packaging; many local companies continue to rely on environmentally degrading options for packaging, such as single-use plastics and multi-layered packaging, where unsustainable consumption and dumping of packaging by end consumers creates ecological complications [7]. This growing concerns for the climate and for the world of tomorrow have made companies to think out of the box in order to achieve competitive advantage by taking the sustainability aspect into consideration in terms of a better management of their processes, mainly those to do with packaging in supply chain [8]. With the world moving rapidly toward sustainability by adapting sustainable practices in their processes, it is important for our local supply chain management to adapt sustainability in their operational aspects and logistics processes and their strategic decisions in order to stay competitive with the global shift toward sustainable development. Sustainable packaging has become a vital force in shifting packaging industry toward recyclable materials [9]. In Pakistan, the shift is negligible [10]; however, according to the Europe's Circular Economy policy, the countries that have trade with Europe, must make their process aligned with the circular economy policy by 2030. As nearly 60% exports are done with Europe in Pakistan, therefore moving toward sustainability has become vital for Pakistan as a faster pace.