The art world thrives on creativity and innovation, but traditionally the supporting industries, such as art packing and shipping, often, quite rightly, face scrutiny for their environmental impact. From the heavy use of non-recyclable materials to the carbon emissions associated with global transportation, the art packing industry has significant room to improve its sustainability practices. Embracing eco-conscious solutions, such as artPAKK’s industry-leading packaging, is no longer optional but a necessity for galleries, packers and artists themselves who aim to align with global sustainability goals and the values of contemporary art consumers.
The Environmental Challenges of Art Packing
The primary goal of art packing is to protect artworks during storage and transit. However, achieving this,often involves materials and processes that leave a heavy environmental footprint:
Excessive Use of Single-Use Plastics: Bubble wrap, plastic foam, and shrink wrap are ubiquitous in art packing. While effective in providing cushioning, these materials are typically non-biodegradable and challenging to recycle.
Wood Consumption: Wooden crates, often custom-built for artworks, contribute to deforestation if sourced unsustainably. Improper disposal can also lead to landfill overflow.
Carbon Emissions: The transportation of art, especially for international exhibitions, contributes to carbon emissions. The logistics chain includes air freight, road transport, and sometimes shipping, all of which leave a carbon trail.
Chemical Use: Some materials used in art preservation, such as adhesives and coatings, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm both the environment and human health.
It has been estimated that in 2018, 4.2 million tons of bubble wrap was produced with 3.04 million tons ended up in landfills. Indeed, only 2% of film and flexible packaging materials are recycled each year and over the last 10 years, there have been over 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging produced a year. There is a solution..
Why Sustainability Matters in Art Packing
As global awareness of climate change grows, businesses across industries are being held accountable for their environmental impact. In the art world, sustainability is particularly pertinent for many. Collectors, museums, and galleries increasingly favour businesses that demonstrate eco-friendly practices. Aligning with these values enhances brand reputation and shows forward thinking practices. ArtPAKK have, for over XXX YEARS, worked with collectors, packing companies and galleries with our multi-use, sustainable offerings.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainable practices, traditional packaging materials are falling out of favor. Styrofoam, for example, is non-biodegradable and contributes significantly to landfill waste. Similarly, single-use bubble wrap and plastic materials exacerbate environmental problems.
Our range of products are made with sustainable, recyclable materials, helping reduce the environmental footprint of art handling and shipping. The reusability of our artPAKKs means fewer materials are discarded after each use, making it a more sustainable choice in the long run. We are committed to helping the world reduce it’s dependency on unsustainable materials with easy to use, protective solutions.
Sustainability in the art packing industry is a shared responsibility. Businesses, museums, galleries, and even individual collectors have a role to play. By prioritising and using artpAKK’s eco-friendly packaging supplies, the art world can set an example for other industries, proving that cultural preservation and environmental conservation can go hand in hand.
Ultimately, adopting sustainable art packing practices is about more than compliance or consumer demand. It’s about safeguarding the planet for future generations of artists and art lovers. By investing in sustainable innovation today, the art packing industry can contribute to a more resilient and eco-conscious tomorrow.
Discover our eco-friendly range of wholesale art packaging supplies today. Call +44 (0)1245 95 69 17 info@artpakk.com.
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