Sustainable packaging is here! It’s no longer the future, it’s the present and it’s here for the long haul. A growing number of companies are getting serious about adopting sustainable packaging model and solutions. They are realizing that eco-friendly packaging and package design are the only way to transition into a healthy and sustainable future. And, it’s so for a bunch of reasons.
Other than being great for the environment, eco-friendly packaging is also a great investment for any brand. As consumers become more educated, they are switching to brands that follow healthy practices including the use of eco-friendly, green items.
Here are some more benefits of this type of packing and why we need more flexible packaging manufacturers in the current landscape.
Low Production Cost
By using recycled, inexpensive materials and fewer resources, companies can bring down their production costs significantly. Biodegradable materials tend to follow the rule of three Rs for sustainability.
- By using fewer resources for creating tough yet thin materials, businesses can reduce their usage.
- Most biodegradable items are recyclable. That means a business can encourage customers to reuse them thus reducing wastage and improving durability.
- By recycling the materials, businesses can divert the wastage from landfills and reuse it to cut down on the cost of procuring new packaging materials.
Easy to reuse/recycle
As mentioned earlier, the true appeal of eco-friendly materials relies upon their being recyclable and reusable. By reusing the packaging, companies can reduce the need for newer material which lowers the carbon footprint. Quality packaging could even be used towards arts, crafts, storage, and further packaging.
Reduces Plastic Usage
Traditional packaging relies heavily on plastic usage which is mostly single-use. And, although there are campaigns all over the world encouraging people to recycle things, most of the styrofoam, plastic and other materials end up in either landfills or oceans. For example, around 70% of recyclable plastic in Europe winds up in the ocean.
In the end, they impact the environment negatively by causing all kinds of issues. For one thing, they clog the water drains, pollute water bodies, and contribute to global warming.
What’s more, traditional plastic uses petrochemical materials that consume a ton of energy for production. They also cause all kinds of health issues. Bisphenol A, the toxic substance present in plastic causes hormonal disruption in humans and animals alike. Eco-friendly materials for packaging are the only solution to all of these issues.
Convenient Disposal
Most non-biodegradable materials including plastic are quite difficult to dispose of. For instance, plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose. But, with eco-friendly material, you can either recycle it or compost it.
If there’s a compost facility near a customer’s house, they can always turn it into compost. And, if there’s a ‘recyclable logo’ on the packaging – then you can always throw it into the bin for repurposing.
Free of Toxins & Allergens
Conventional packaging uses a ton of chemicals which makes it harmful for everyone including the manufacturers, consumers, and the ecosystem. Because of the severe lasting ramifications of consumerism, people are growing more concerned about using green products.
Sugarcane pulp packaging is a fine example of a green material that promotes safety and health of makers and consumers alike. It also gives people guilt-free encouragement to use the item.
Versatile & Flexible
There’s no reason for green, eco-friendly packaging to be limited or boring in terms of representation and appeal. As a matter of fact, it’s highly flexible and versatile. It’s great for wrapping almost all kinds of products from across the board.
Whether you wish to package pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, cosmetics, electronics, or food items, it’s there for everything.
Reduces Carbon Footprint
A decade ago, most people didn’t even know the phrase ‘carbon footprint’. But, due to increasing global warming, worldwide fires, and environmental issues, almost everyone is aware of it.
Carbon footprint refers to the number of gases released in the air due to human activities; particularly manufacturing-related.
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition says that carbon footprint is the leading concern that stands at the forefront of consumers today. It concerns them which products they buy and how it will impact the planet.
A typical product goes through various manufacturing phases. Each of those phases releases a certain amount of greenhouse gases. With eco-friendly materials, the methods of production are less intense and different. It uses less or no chemicals. Hence, they tend to reduce overall way less amount of carbon; thus helping to reduce our carbon footprint.
More Storage & Space
Sustainable packaging materials don’t need as much space in terms of shelf space, storage, and space for transportation.
That means you’re getting more out of your storage space and room. This is another area where eco-friendly packaging wins. The money a brand saves on storage can be used towards other more efficient practices.
Improves Brand Image
Consumers today are more aware than ever. They are also growing more environmentally conscious. Buyers today are looking for ways to make a positive change for the planet without compromising their lifestyle.
Eco-friendly packaging is one way to give your consumers that choice and power to become part of the green initiative.
Many companies are branding themselves as ‘green establishments’. They know that people love to associate with companies that follow eco-friendly practices.
This is another front where eco-friendly packaging gives companies a way to build a positive brand image.
In Conclusion
Biodegradable and green packaging is here to stay. It’s not going anywhere and hopefully, it’s the first step in the series of many to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future.
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