There Are Big Changes Happening – Is Your Next Product Wrapped in Eco-Friendly Packaging?
This is a Guest Post by Cory Levins
Increased consumer transparency and the desire to make the world a better place have meant that companies all over the world are committing to better environmental policies. One area that’s getting a lot of attention is eco-friendly packaging.
There used to be a lot of waste when it came to packaging materials – but now we are seeing more and more packaging innovations that focus on using reused, reusable and recyclable materials.
Companies are investing in reducing their carbon footprint, and finding solutions that help reduce the waste from packaging materials. For example:
- PepsiCo committed to designing 100% of its packaging to be recoverable or recyclable by 2025, while partnering to increase packaging recovery and recycling rates.
- Walmart ‘s sustainability playbook focuses on three key areas: source sustainably, optimize design, and support recycling. They committed to using 100% recyclable packaging for all private label brands by 2025.
(Editor’s Note:- Of course I’m happy they’re making these changes. But these companies should have made this a reality already, and not still be several years away from implementation. Walmart and PepsiCo are so huge that their changes (or lack of) have a huge impact on the environment – think how many soda or soft drink bottles litter our oceans and land).
What are The Trends?
Most companies use packaging of some sort, from the box used to ship the product to the box the product is in – all along the supply chain as well as with the finished product.
Eco-friendly packaging is definitely a key priority for businesses across the globe and as such, new trends in eco-friendly packaging are emerging. Let’s look at them.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Trend #1 – Increase in Recycled and Recyclable Materials
There is a growing trend to maximize recycled content in packaging, or at least use sustainably-sourced renewable content. Cardboard, paper, recyclable plastic, etc. will continue to increase in use from food packing to packing used for shipping materials around the world.
There is also a growing trend toward using materials that are themselves recyclable. Brands and recycling experts are working together to find new solutions for hard-to-recycle materials, as well as evaluating a product’s full lifecycle to see where improvements can be made.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Trend #2 – Optimize Packaging Design
Companies are focusing on finding ways to reduce unnecessary packaging materials, such as extra boxes, ties, or layers while still maintaining what is necessary to protect the product. A huge package for a tiny product is a waste all around. Minimalist packaging is definitely on the rise, and companies are looking for innovative ways to reduce package waste and explore sustainable packaging options.
Many brand owners are putting just about every type of product in flexible packaging. If items can be safely and securely packaged via “pouches,” then many brands are opting for this route. Pouches can offer better packaging performance and consumer convenience. They are better for the environment because they are lighter, require fewer structural elements, and can be recycled – and if they do get discarded, they take up less space in landfills.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Trend #3 – Bioplastics
The market for bio-based plastics made from plant-derived material continues to boom, although there are still large barriers to overcome, such as the number of industrial facilities equipped to process bioplastics. It is an exciting and growing sector in sustainable packaging.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Trend #4 – Clearer Labeling
It’s great to use recyclable packaging! But customers need to see clear labelling – on the outside of the box – on how to recycle the package or if they need to dispose of it. In this way, it’s easier for buyers to make informed choices.
For example, clear labelling means buyers can decide whether to buy the same product (a box of tissues, for example), from choices that are:-
- wrapped in a thin film of plastic (which can’t be recycled, making it a single-use, disposable plastic),
- wrapped in a cardboard box made from recycled paper (which was sustainably sourced, used resources to make, and can be recycled or will bio-degrade),
- or wrapped in a plant-based plastic (which took agricultural land to grow and resources to process).
Clearer labels on the outside of the product package will increase transparency, informing consumers on how to recycle the product packaging correctly – and which product to buy and which to avoid.
Concise, clear labelling has become a top priority for major brands in order to increase transparency. It is increasingly important for brands to make their commitments to the environment and social responsibility clear on packaging, as well as directing consumers to online resources that outline sustainability plans.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Trend #5 – Lightweight Packaging
With innovative packaging material, the concept of lightweight packing is gaining momentum. The benefits of lightweight packaging are clear: reduced material and manufacturing costs, reduced environmental impacts from transportation, and, potentially, less waste bound for landfills.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Trend #6 – Shipping Materials
An important part of the supply chain, packaging materials will continue to get an eco-friendly makeover. More and more companies are using recyclable and reusable shipping materials. The main priority is to make sure the item is shipped safely and securely. Many sustainable shipping materials do that, but are also better for the environment.
Eco-friendly air pillow cushions block and brace the product in the carton and protect against shock trauma in transit. Sold in a variety of sizes, they are ideal for filling awkward gaps. They are designed to operate specifically with biodegradable and recycled film. They can be reused, recycled in the appropriate waste stream, or disposed of to decompose.
Filler packing materials, such as packing peanuts, will continue to receive an environmentally friendly makeover. Biodegradable peanuts still offer great cushioning material to prevent damage during transportation, but they are made of 100% recyclable materials.
The sustainable makeover isn’t just for packaging materials. Drum spill control centers are being made of up to 100% recycled, post-industrial polyethylene. Previously, polyethylene would have been discarded into the waste stream. They still offer reliable, high-performance spill control, but now also reduce landfill waste.
What’s Next?
Packaging will get smarter, more intelligent, and more active. As more and more companies commit to building a more sustainable supply chain, we’ll see innovations in packaging materials from design to construction. The good news is that we will continue to see new developments in eco-friendly packaging.
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Warm regards,
Related:
- Ugh. Almost 1/3 of fast food packaging is actually toxic!
- Get rid of all the toxic products in your life (you’ll be shocked at where they hide!). It’s easy – see how here!
