As consumers slowly become more and more aware of environmental issues, the demand for sustainable packaging is growing. Many now actively look for brands that focus on eco-friendly practices, with sustainability often being at the forefront of a purchasing decision.
Companies that use eco-friendly packaging aren't just contributing to overall sustainability, but rather are also gaining an edge in the market.
By using eco-friendly packaging, companies reduce waste and emissions but also increase brand loyalty. This can ultimately lead to higher sales.
Thanks to various government incentives, as well, businesses can now actively benefit from adopting eco-friendly materials in their packaging. Learn all the benefits you need to know so that you can find an industrial packaging company in your area that can assist your business.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Packaging
Several traditional packing materials, such as Styrofoam, plastic, and other non-biodegradable substances have horrible effects on the world.
Specifically, plastics take hundreds of years to break down, and they end up sitting in landfills and oceans which causes long-term pollution. To add some perspective, microplastics that come from the products we've purchased are very harmful to marine life.
In fact, packaging waste is one of the largest contributors to overall pollution. According to the United Nations, there are roughly 400 million tons of plastic waste produced each year, with much of it coming from packaging.
Even worse is that much of this waste isn't properly disposed of, meaning it ends up in natural habitats, waterways, and food sources.
Furthermore, excessive packaging, particularly that which is not eco-friendly, also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and other negative environmental consequences.
The Key Benefits of Eco-Friendly Packaging
There are several significant advantages associated with using eco-friendly packaging:
Reducing the Carbon Footprint
A key advantage of sustainable packaging is that it reduces carbon emissions. Recycled cardboard, biodegradables, and other sustainable materials don't consume as much energy during the production process compared to plastics, Styrofoam, and other traditional types of packaging.
Furthermore, many of these options are now designed to naturally break down within just a few years or even months.
Improving Brand Image
Another advantage of using eco-friendly packaging to consider is that it helps to improve the overall brand image of your business. Not to mention it also bolsters customer loyalty.
Generally speaking, global customers are willing to pay much more for sustainable products than those that are actively harming the environment.
For those companies that use eco-friendly packaging, it's much easier to build strong customer relationships. After all, as people are becoming more eco-conscious, they're also watching what they purchase.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards
The other benefit of using eco-friendly packaging is that it allows your company to continue to be compliant with government regulations and industry standards. For instance, many countries have outlawed the use of single-use plastics, therefore requiring businesses to use more eco-friendly alternatives.
Common Types of Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials
As the world becomes more focused on eco-friendly packaging, many types of eco-friendly materials have been developed. Options such as recyclable materials, biodegradable and compostable options, and other innovative alternatives have become the norm for many businesses:
Recycled Materials
One of the most popular options for eco-friendly packaging is recyclable materials. For instance, paper-based packaging and corrugated cardboard are renewable, biodegradable, and easy to recycle.
Furthermore, recycled plastics are also becoming more common, as they help to reduce the overall demand for raw materials. Although recycled plastics may not be overly beneficial for the environment, the fact that they don't require any new raw materials is a step in the right direction.
Compostable and Biodegradable Options
Various types of compostable packaging are also becoming more common and popular as well. Compostable packaging breaks down completely into various natural elements which prevents any harm from happening to the environment while actively enriching the soil.
There are also plant-based packages in materials, such as those made out of mushrooms, cornstarch, or sugar cane. These leave behind minimal waste and decompose extremely quickly making them very environmentally friendly.
Innovative Options
There are other innovative packaging options to consider too. Edible packaging is just one example. There are many restaurants and food brands that are testing edible packaging derived from various natural ingredients such as rice and seaweed.
The future of packaging sustainability
In terms of long-term business success, switching to eco-friendly packaging materials is a must.
Environmental concerns continue to grow around the world. For companies to be viewed as industry leaders, they must stay on top of these trends. Therefore, take action now and start using more eco-friendly and sustainable packaging materials.
Whether you are a small business or an industrial packaging company yourself, all businesses must begin to look for more sustainable packaging alternatives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
