The world produces more than 381 million tonnes of plastic annually, with 50% being single-use plastic. This staggering statistic is one that today’s businesses can no longer afford to ignore.
As conscious consumerism rises, customers are making purchase decisions with an environmental perspective. Eco-friendly packaging plays a crucial role, not only in driving sales and growth but also in making a positive impact for the future.
In this blog, we will explore the significance of eco-friendly packaging and its benefits. So, let’s dive in!
What is Eco-Friendly Packaging?
Simply put, eco-friendly packaging or green packaging is designed to reduce its impact on the environment over time.
This can be done in several ways:
- Ingredients: Using 100% recycled or raw materials
- Production process: Reducing the production steps, supply chain, and carbon footprint
- Reusability: Creating a system where the packaging can be reused, extending its life and use
While eco-packaging mainly focuses on helping the environment, it also needs to consider costs and social factors.
For example, plant-based packaging might seem like a good option, but it can sometimes lead to cutting down endangered rainforests to grow crops.
Eco-packaging should be priced competitively compared to traditional oil-based or single-use packaging options.
So yes, the definitions can get a bit complicated at times!
A fancy custom label that says ‘eco-friendly’ doesn’t always mean it’s sustainable. Similarly, labelling something as sustainable doesn’t mean it’s ethical.
Definitions aren’t always clear-cut. It’s wise to ask your packaging manufacturer several questions.
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition is a great resource. Here, you can check the certifications of various brands and products and learn more about recyclable packaging.
Sustainable product packaging, paired with sustainable package design, is a strong combination. These features can help set your brand above your competitors.
The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Packaging
Unlike plastic packaging, eco packaging has a more positive impact on the environment. It is manufactured more sustainably, creating a solution to reduce packaging waste. Let’s unpack the top benefits for your business and the environment.
1.Reduces Carbon Footprint
Most eco-friendly packaging solutions are made from recycled or natural materials, automatically reducing your carbon footprint. In some cases, the growth of natural alternatives, like bamboo, can further reduce carbon.
By reducing carbon emissions during production and using energy-efficient resources, your eco-friendly packaging can make a real difference.
2.More Storage
As a business owner pursuing eco packaging, you’ll need to find more creative ways to drive efficiency. It starts with the product itself and extends to the space required for transport.
If you have more space, you can ship more products, reducing your costs. By finding eco-friendly solutions that eliminate excess packaging, you can streamline your entire operation.
3.Multipurpose
In your effort to reduce packaging to the essentials, you’ll discover more versatile solutions. Instead of fitting your product into traditional packaging sizes, you’ll create or source eco-friendly options that prioritize efficiency.
How to Get Started With Eco-Friendly Packaging
While the need for eco-friendly packaging is clear, it’s not always straightforward. Thanks to trends like conscious consumerism, it’s fashionable for brands to be “sustainable.”
Inevitably, this means “eco-friendly” labels are often used, even when the solutions may not be the best. Businesses sometimes seek quick-fix solutions to boost their brand image, but these may not always be sustainable or truly eco-friendly.
Step 1: Research
The first step to eco-friendly packaging is research. Spend some time on sites like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, which shares knowledge and best practices for various packaging alternatives.
Look out for blended or multilayer packaging alternatives. Something as simple as your average chip packet contains several layers of material. Some layers may be recyclable, but others aren’t.
Any municipal recycling system will reject this due to non-recyclable contaminants. If you find yourself in this situation, consider reaching out to other companies, even competitors.
Manufacturer Hain Celestial did precisely this when they partnered with TerraCycle to create a free recycling program for their snack bags, turning old chip bags into 3D printing supplies.
Step 2: Chat with Your Supplier
If you have an existing packaging supplier, set up a meeting to ask a few questions:
- Can I order boxes without an imprint?
- What is the shipping time for no-print boxes?
- Is it necessary to cushion products for shipping?
- What type of printing do you use?
- What paper do you use to manufacture products?
- What paperboard do you use to manufacture shipping and mailer boxes?
- What packaging alternatives do you offer?
Step 3: Define Your Needs
Once you have reviewed your current packaging process, highlighting the materials used, you can rework the logic. Start by eliminating unnecessary components. As online retail continues to grow, so does the need for shipping packaging.
Find ways to reduce where possible, implementing eco-friendly alternatives to ensure your products continue to arrive undamaged.
You’ll likely need to adjust your packaging specs completely, finding a solution that’s eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective.
Sustainable packaging examples for Your Business to Explore
1.Corrugated Bubble Wrap
Instead of disposing of or recycling cardboard waste, businesses like Ranpak make minor cuts into old cardboard to produce a concertina effect, protecting products against shock similarly to bubble wrap.
2.Seaweed Packaging
Eco-friendly packaging companies like Notpla use seaweed to create plastic-free solutions for sauce pots, salad dressings, and condiments. If you operate in the food industry, it’s a 100% biodegradable solution to single-use products often used for takeaways.
There will undoubtedly be seaweed solutions for other packaging needs as these products continue to advance.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Examples in Action
1.GE Energy
To reduce unnecessary packaging inside a box, designer Esther Li created eco-friendly light bulb packaging for GE Energy’s Efficient Bulb. It used one single strip of recyclable cardboard, offering complete protection for the lightbulb while still displaying it to customers.
2.Origin X Performance
The UK-based clothing company Origin X Performance introduced eco-friendly best practices into their entire product life cycle. Each garment is shipped in a branded mailing bag made from natural, biodegradable ingredients.
It’s as durable as regular plastic without single-use waste. The garments themselves are also made from recycled plastic collected from the ocean.
3.Puma
Puma has introduced a packaging system that reduces its environmental footprint while supporting local initiatives. They worked with Fuseproject to design new packaging that’s cost-effective and efficient.
The “clever little bag” was born, drastically reducing the space required for shipping. This small change has reduced water, energy, and diesel consumption on the manufacturing level by 60%.
4.Pangea
Pangea Organics creates 100% plant-based beauty products with compostable packaging. They’ve taken it a step further, turning a zero-waste product into a plantable solution to grow trees. They’ve incorporated organic seeds into the packaging, meaning customers can replant their containers to grow something tangible.
5.Cotopaxi
The outdoor gear brand Cotopaxi is Climate Neutral Certified (CNC). This means they have worked closely with CNC to ensure they’re 100% carbon neutral. For a brand to be carbon-neutral certified, it needs an accurate estimate of carbon emissions.
Cotopaxi’s total footprint is 13,859 tCO2e, giving them the amount they need to offset to remain neutral. They purchase offsets from verified projects like Pachama and BEF, giving them enough carbon credits to break even.
FAQs
How does eco-friendly packaging work?
It uses sustainable materials like recycled paper, biodegradable plastics, and natural fibers to minimize environmental impact. It’s designed to reduce waste, carbon footprint, and be easily recyclable or compostable.
Is eco-friendly packaging cheap?
It is often more expensive upfront due to sustainable materials and production methods. However, it can offer long-term cost savings through efficiency and increased customer loyalty.
Is eco-friendly packaging biodegradable?
Yes, it is usually biodegradable. It breaks down naturally over time, reducing environmental pollution and waste compared to traditional plastic packaging.
Conclusion
Embracing eco-friendly packaging is essential for both the environment and business growth. By adopting sustainable practices, you can significantly reduce waste and attract conscious consumers.
Consider starting your journey towards sustainability with innovative solutions from Qodenext, and lead the way in eco-friendly packaging advancements.
