Mood Etc, create a range of diverse Think Pieces, allowing individuals
to examine their perceptions, to stretch their mental models, and to
develop a shared view of uncertainty, all of which lead to an increased
confidence in decision-making.
The Back to the Future Blog series seeks to harness the work and
achievements of people renowned for their historic work in diverse
fields such as the environment, economics, naturalism, ethology, etc;
and, using AI, examine how their values and beliefs would shape their
views on the printing and packaging sector given net zero,
sustainability and the circular economy. The first in this series is based
on India and features Mahatma Gandhi and Sunderlal Bahuguna.
Mahatma Gandhi
Question: What would Mahatma Gandhi write about net zero and the
circular economy?
Mahatma Gandhi, as a proponent of simplicity, sustainability, and
ethical living, would likely approach the concepts of net zero and the
circular economy through a lens of deep respect for nature and human
equality. Here’s how he might articulate his thoughts on these
contemporary issues:
On Net Zero: Gandhi would emphasize the moral and ethical
responsibility of individuals and nations to strive for a net-zero impact
on the environment. He would likely argue that true progress does not
stem from reckless consumption but from a commitment to living in
harmony with the Earth. He might write:
‘The essence of our being is to coexist with nature, not to dominate it. Achieving
net zero is not merely a goal; it is a profound realization of our place in the
great web of life. We must reduce our consumption, embrace humility, and
recognize that our actions today dictate the legacy we leave for future
generations.
’
On the Circular Economy: On the topic of the circular economy,
Gandhi would resonate with the idea of reducing waste and rethinking
production processes to minimize the extraction of resources. He might
assert:
‘The principles of the circular economy reflect a return to the wisdom of living
sustainably. Just as the earth is a circle of life, our practices should mirror this
cycle—where nothing is wasted and everything is repurposed. By valuing each
resource as sacred, we renew not just our materials but our moral commitment to
one another and the world around us.
’
Integration of Both Concepts: Furthermore, Gandhi would likely
connect these ideas to the broader goals of social justice, advocating
that sustainability must include equitable distribution of resources and
opportunities for all. He might conclude:
‘In our pursuit of a net-zero future and a circular economy, we must not forget
those who are often left behind. Our commitment to the Earth must be
intertwined with our commitment to humanity. Only by uplifting all can we
truly achieve a balance where nature and society thrive together.
’
In summary, Gandhi’s perspective would likely highlight the need for
ethical living, communal responsibility, and a profound respect for
both the environment and humanity.
Question: In the context of sustainability, what should printing and
packaging companies do to promote their businesses based on
Mahatma Gandhi values and beliefs?
Incorporating Mahatma Gandhi's values and beliefs into the practices
of printing and packaging companies can greatly enhance their
sustainability efforts. Here are several strategies that align with his
principles: Embrace Simplicity and Minimalism:
Reduce Excess:
Design packaging that minimizes material use while still serving its
purpose. Focus on eliminating unnecessary layers or components.
Practical Design: Create packages that are easy to open, store, and
dispose of, embodying the principle of simplicity that Gandhi
championed.
Select Eco-friendly Materials: Sustainable Materials:
Use recycled, biodegradable, or compostable materials in packaging.
Ensure that printing inks are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Local Sourcing: Source materials locally to reduce transportation
emissions and support local economies, resonating with Gandhi's belief
in self-sufficiency.
Increase Efficiency and Reduce Waste: Optimise Production Processes:
Implement lean manufacturing techniques to minimize waste during
production. Recycle and repurpose excess materials within the facility.
Digital Printing Technology: Utilize digital printing techniques to reduce
waste associated with traditional printing methods, allowing for more
efficient and smaller print runs.
Educate Consumers: Awareness Campaigns: Inform customers about
the importance of sustainability in printing and packaging. Share
information about how their choices affect the environment,
encouraging environmentally responsible consumption.
Guidance on Disposal: Provide clear information on how to recycle or
dispose of products responsibly, promoting a circular economy mindset.
Foster Community Responsibility: Engage in Community Initiatives:
Participate in local environmental initiatives, reinforcing the idea of
collective effort and responsibility. Encourage employees and the
community to partake in sustainability projects.
Fair Labour Practices: Uphold ethical labour practices within the supply
chain, ensuring fair wages and conditions that reflect Gandhi’s principles
of justice and equality.
Promote a Culture of Sustainability: Internal Policies:
Establish company policies that prioritize sustainability in all operations.
Encourage employees to contribute ideas for reducing waste and
improving eco-friendly practices.
Long-Term Vision: Develop a long-term sustainability plan that outlines
goals and benchmarks, aligning business growth with environmental
stewardship.
Advocate for Change: Collaborate with Industry Peers:
Work with other companies and organizations to push for industry
standards that support sustainable practices, advocating for systemic
change.
Influence Legislation: Engage with policy-makers to promote sustainable
practices in the industry, aligning with Gandhi’s advocacy for social and
environmental justice.
Conclusion: By integrating these strategies into their operations,
printing and packaging companies can not only promote their business
in alignment with Gandhi’s values but also contribute positively to the
environment and society.
Sunderlal Bahuguna
Question: What would Sunderlal Bahuguna write about net zero and
the circular economy?
Sunderlal Bahuguna was a prominent Indian environmentalist and a key
figure in the Chipko Movement, which sought to protect trees and
forests from deforestation. Known for his deep commitment to
ecological preservation and sustainable development, he would likely
approach the concepts of net zero and the circular economy from a
perspective rooted in grass-roots activism, traditional knowledge, and
ecological conservation. This is how he might articulate his views:
Bahuguna's Perceived Perspective on Net Zero
Connection to Nature: Bahuguna would likely emphasise the intrinsic
connection between humanity and nature. Achieving net zero would be
seen not just as a technical goal, but as a moral and spiritual obligation to
restore balance with the environment. He might advocate for a lifestyle
that respects the natural world, urging individuals and societies to
recognise their role in protecting the Earth.
Community and Local Knowledge: Bahuguna often championed the
importance of local communities and their knowledge in environmental
conservation. He would argue that achieving net zero requires engaging
local populations, utilising traditional practices that promote
sustainability, and ensuring that solutions are culturally relevant and
context-specific.
Forests as Carbon Sinks: Given his focus on forest conservation,
Bahuguna would likely stress the importance of preserving and restoring
forests as critical strategies for achieving net zero. He might advocate for
policies that protect existing forests and promote reforestation,
highlighting their role as vital carbon sinks and their broader ecological
benefits.
Holistic Approach: Bahuguna's world-view emphasises the
interconnectedness of ecological systems. He would argue that
achieving net zero should not be seen in isolation, but as part of a
broader ecological agenda that includes biodiversity conservation,
water resource management, and sustainable agriculture.
Bahuguna's Perceived Perspective on a Circular Economy
Sustainable Practices: Drawing from his experience with traditional
ways of living, Bahuguna would likely advocate for a circular economy
as a return to sustainable practices that minimise waste and maximise
resource use. He might stress the importance of local craftsmanship,
organic farming, and the responsible use of natural resources.
Community Empowerment: He would argue that a circular economy
must be rooted in community empowerment and participation.
Bahuguna could advocate for policies that support local economies,
such as promoting small-scale enterprises that practice recycling and
sustainable resource management, thereby fostering economic
resilience.
Ethical Consumption: Bahuguna might emphasise the need for
conscious consumerism, urging individuals to reduce their ecological
footprints by supporting circular practices. He would likely call for a
shift in societal values towards prioritising sustainability over
consumerism, aligning with a more ethical approach to production and
consumption.
Resistance to Industrialisation: Given his critical stance on unchecked
industrialisation, Bahuguna might caution against solutions that merely
translate existing linear economic models into circular ones without
deep consideration for ecological impacts. He would likely argue for a
fundamental rethinking of our economic systems to prioritise
ecological harmony and community well-being.
Conclusion: In summary, Sunderlal Bahuguna would likely view net
zero and the circular economy through the lens of ecological justice,
community empowerment, and respect for nature. His emphasis on
grass-roots activism and traditional knowledge would shape his
advocacy for sustainable practices, highlighting the necessity of
returning to an intimate relationship with the environment, where
humans live in harmony with the natural world.
Question: In the context of sustainability, what should printing and
packaging companies do to promote their businesses based on
Sundelal Bahugunas values and beliefs?
Sunderlal Bahuguna, the Indian environmentalist and a leader of the
Chipko Movement, emphasised the values of ecological protection,
simplicity, and community welfare. His beliefs in non-violence toward
nature and sustainable resource use would suggest a transformative
approach for printing and packaging companies. Here’s how these
companies could promote themselves while aligning with Bahuguna’s
values:
Prioritise Resource Conservation and Minimalism
Bahuguna strongly believed in minimising resource consumption and
respecting the Earth’s finite resources. Printing and packaging
companies could adopt minimalistic designs and practices that reduce
material use. They might embrace eco-friendly, lightweight materials,
or offer streamlined packaging that avoids excess waste. Reducing ink,
adhesives, and coatings that are difficult to recycle would also align
with a minimalist, low-impact approach.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘Sustainable by Design:
Using Only What’s Needed for a Greener Future.
’
Use Renewable, Biodegradable, and Local Materials
Bahuguna advocated for using materials that are locally sourced and
renewable. Printing and packaging companies could promote the use
of biodegradable and compostable materials, such as plant-based or
recycled fibers, and minimise reliance on plastics. Sourcing materials
locally would reduce transportation emissions and support local
economies, creating a smaller carbon footprint and promoting
community welfare.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘Our materials are locally
sourced and Earth-friendly, designed to return to nature.
’
Support and Empower Local Communities
Bahuguna’s work was rooted in community empowerment, especially
the involvement of local people in preserving forests. Packaging
companies could adopt this value by supporting local communities,
particularly those affected by industrial resource extraction. They could,
for example, reinvest a portion of profits into environmental projects
that support reforestation, or initiatives that offer skills training to local
artisans in sustainable packaging practices.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘Giving Back to Our
Communities: A portion of each sale supports local reforestation and
sustainable livelihoods.
’
Commit to Zero-Waste and Closed-Loop Systems
Bahuguna’s vision of sustainability would align with a zero-waste
approach, ensuring that materials do not pollute the environment.
Printing and packaging companies could promote circular practices,
encouraging customers to return used packaging for recycling or
repurposing. Offering refillable or returnable packaging options would
create a closed-loop system that reduces waste.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘Circular and Sustainable: We
design our packaging to be reused or recycled, contributing to a zero-
waste future.
’
Educate and Inspire Through Transparent Storytelling
Bahuguna was a powerful communicator who raised awareness about
ecological issues and inspired communities to take action. Printing and
packaging companies could adopt this principle by being transparent
about their environmental impact and the steps they are taking toward
sustainability. Sharing information about sustainable materials,
environmental impact, and reduction goals on packaging or through
digital platforms would align with Bahuguna’s values of awareness and
transparency.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘Our journey to sustainability:
Every package has a story – follow ours as we protect the planet.
’
Advocate for Environmentally Conscious Consumption
Bahuguna believed in simplicity and opposed consumerism that led to
ecological damage. Packaging companies can embody this by
encouraging consumers to think sustainably about their purchases. For
instance, offering bulk or refillable packaging and encouraging customers
to avoid single-use products can support a culture of mindful
consumption.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘Simplicity in Sustainability:
Buy less, choose eco-friendly, and join us in reducing waste.
’
Promote Organic and Non-Toxic Inks and Processes
Bahuguna would be deeply concerned about the toxic impact of
chemicals on soil, water and human health. Printing companies can
adopt environmentally safe printing techniques, such as using water-
based or vegetable-based inks, and avoiding harmful chemicals in
coatings and finishes. This reduces the toxic load on ecosystems and
aligns with Bahuguna’s principle of protecting nature from pollution.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘Printed with Nature in Mind:
Our eco-friendly inks and processes protect our water, soil, and air.
’
Reinvest in Ecosystem Restoration and Carbon Offsetting
Bahuguna believed in restoring balance to nature. Printing and packaging
companies could commit to offsetting their carbon emissions and
contributing to ecosystem restoration. This could involve investing in
reforestation projects, supporting biodiversity initiatives, or funding
renewable energy. They could calculate their carbon footprint and
actively work toward carbon neutrality.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘We Plant Trees with Every
Product: Every package sold contributes to reforestation and
biodiversity.
’
Collaborate with Environmental Advocates and Non-profits
In the spirit of Bahuguna’s collaborative approach to environmental
protection, companies could partner with environmental NGOs and
grass-roots organisations. These partnerships would not only support
conservation efforts but would also enhance their brand’s credibility and
commitment to sustainability.
Social Responsibility/Marketing Message:
‘Together for the Planet:
Partnering with local environmental groups for a sustainable future.
’
By adopting these principles, printing and packaging companies would
not only promote their businesses but also embody Bahuguna's vision
for an economy that respects the environment and uplifts communities.
Such a sustainable model would honour Bahuguna's legacy of ecological
protection and social responsibility.
About the Author - John Gilchrist
John's particular interests lie in future trends and scenario development and his use of AI to ‘modernise’ the values and beliefs of yesteryears and today’s great ‘influencers’ offers a different perspective on the net zero, sustainability, and the circular economy debate.
The Back to the Future Blog Series aims to add an extra dimension to the many business challenges, facing the Printing and Packaging sector today.
Mood Group welcomes views and feedback on the Back to the Future Blog Series.
