Sustainable packaging involves the process of wrapping your products before shipping—with eco-friendly materials that are non-hazardous to the environment.
As consumers are increasingly becoming more intentional in their purchasing habits—they are not only opting for eco-friendly goods and services but also packaging materials. Consumers are embracing sustainable practices and are urging more brands to incorporate eco-friendly business habits.
Almost a decade ago, adopting green practices in the business world was something only forward-thinking brands would promote. However, times have changed and incorporating sustainable practices has become the standard. Check out some eco-friendly packaging ideas you can adopt to care for the environment.
Compostable packaging has become a popular choice for many entrepreneurs as it helps diminish the volume of waste in landfills. By choosing compostable packaging, you can become a part of a circular economy and eliminate the generation and disposal of harmful residues.
To achieve this goal, brands must opt for packaging materials with minimal environmental impact and lower carbon footprints. It is critical for business organisations to evaluate the entire product lifecycle—from extracting raw materials and production to disposal—when incorporating sustainable practices.
This packaging technique has gained momentum in recent years. From using cornstarch to coconut husk—brands are brainstorming to embrace innovative biodegradable packaging ideas. Plant-based packaging materials are non-toxic and are produced using minimal energy.
Numerous brands are looking for sustainable methods to create biodegradable packaging with natural materials such as seaweed and agar.
The ecological footprint can be minimised by reducing the volume of packaging materials that your company uses. Meaning—opt for smaller boxes, containers, and bags—to pack your products. In addition, this practice can also slash your overall shipping costs.
The size of your shipment can be reduced—if you use fewer filler materials and smaller packing supplies. If possible, try to fit your products in smaller packages with fewer fillers.
Apart from adopting sustainable packaging habits, entrepreneurs should also opt for environmentally friendly printing and labelling options. Traditional printing techniques use chemical-based petroleum-infused inks that are hazardous to the environment. Switch to eco-friendly alternatives like water-based coatings and soy-based inks to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
Recycled packaging material is a brilliant way to use previously used materials and extend their life. When choosing boxes or containers, try to opt for packaging made from recycled materials.
When considering recycled packaging, you may choose paperboard—manufactured using old paper pulp. You may also use containers made from used plastic materials like single-use bottles and bags. These plastic materials are sent to recycling facilities for processing and are sent back for reuse.
This technique is simple—calculate your company’s plastic footprint and use effective waste management practices to recycle the same volume of plastic. Several brands indulge in this recycling practice every month to perpetuate plastic neutrality.
Join hands with manufacturers who prioritise sustainability. Before agreeing with a supplier, survey their manufacturing practices. Find out if they are using sustainable materials and what strategies they have adopted to minimise their carbon and ecological footprint.
Sustainability is the ultimate mantra that countless business organisations around the world are starting to prioritise and swear by. If you want to make your brand sustainable and promote green consumerism, explore these core operational elements associated with packaging.
