According to the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), the amount of plastic rubbish produced in Germany in 2019 weighed 6.3 billion kilograms. Half of it came from disposable packaging – a trend that shows no signs of abating. “This is neither eco-logically nor economically logical,” says Arndt Papenfuß, Marketing Director and Head of Product Management at the Sauerland-based fittings specialist Kludi (www.kludi.com). Since 2019, the manufacturer of premium fittings for bathrooms and kitchens has been gradually transitioning its packaging concept towards sustainable, 100% plastic-free materials. Initially, the move to plastic-free packaging was limited to new products; however, since the beginning of the year the family-run company has begun expanding this packaging concept to include its existing products. First in line to be repackaged is KLUDI’s best-selling Pure Function range with its three series of fittings: Pure&Easy, Pure&Solid and Pure&Style.

Biodegradable bags made from cornstarch
Kludi has replaced conventional plastic bags for small parts with bio-degradable packaging material, which is made from 100% renewable raw materials; in this case, cornstarch, which is obtained from potato skins or other residual material left over from food production. “Visually and functionally, this material is no different to plastic. However, it is fully biodegradable and is compostable according to the European standard EN 13432,” says Arndt Papenfuß. All in all, Kludi is already saving over half a million plastic bags per year.

Environmentally friendly cardboard packaging
Environmental sustainability also plays a key role in the rest of the packaging. The packaging box and the transport inlays are made from extra sturdy, FSC-certified corrugated cardboard, which is pro-duced from at least 85% recycled waste paper in an extremely energy-efficient process. The corrugated cardboard is glued together using a natural adhesive made from corn, wheat or potato starch. The printing method uses an economical water-based ink, which makes it easier to recycle the boxes. We also use materials that are environmentally tested and certified. “We only work with suppliers who support our environmentally friendly packaging concept,” says Papenfuß. He sums up by saying: “There's hardly any other packag-ing in the sanitary equipment industry that's as sustainable as ours!”