Consumers have started to boycott companies that are not living up to their expectations in terms of sustainability and being kinder to our planet. While you may not first think of packaging when considering if a product is sustainable or not, harmful plastic packaging can actually have a detrimental impact on our environment. So, what is sustainable packaging, and why should we care about using it? Read on for more information.
The Impact Of Harmful Packaging
First, it might be worth considering the negative impact of unsustainable packaging on our world. Some may see that packaging is a critical contributor to our planet’s plastic crisis, creating mountains of plastic waste that fill up our landfill sites, reach our oceans, and destroy our wildlife.
Plastic waste is building up at a concerning rate, meaning that businesses need to take new approaches to their packaging to prevent this issue from getting even worse.
Global and small businesses both have the capability to either positively or negatively impact this crisis. By avoiding using non-recyclable plastics and opting for kinder materials, we can strive toward decreasing our overall carbon footprint.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging concerns methods and consumption that result in enhanced sustainability. This means that the life cycle of materials is increased and that the design, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of the packaging consider the environment.
Types Of Sustainable Packaging
Now that you know more about sustainable packaging and why it is so vital, perhaps running through some examples can help you better understand what companies you should be buying from.
Paper And Cardboard
As a clear eco-friendly choice, paper and cardboard packaging are usually both reusable and recyclable, often being utilized to protect items in transit. These are inexpensive materials that can often be constructed from paper and cardboard scrap forms, ensuring that materials don’t go to waste. Companies sometimes use cardboard to shield more fragile items, while paper is often used for less fragile products. Corrugated cardboard packaging, in particular, is very environmentally friendly, utilizing biodegradable materials and providing excellent protection in transit.
Biodegradable Plastics
Even though the plastic problem is looming over companies, biodegradable plastics can be an excellent alternative for those who still need to use plastic packaging for their products. This material is efficient for items that need to stay dry. It also decomposes after direct exposure to the sun, usually taking about two years for this to happen.
Seaweed
An innovative solution to kinder packaging involves using renewable seaweed packaging to protect food items along with other things. Seaweed is an exceptional choice since it is simple to source, inexpensive to produce, and degrades quickly.
Palm Fiber
This material is quite soft, making it a wise choice for fragile packaging products. With zero chemicals needed to produce palm fiber, it also decomposes into organic matter following usage. If this wasn’t enough, it is straightforward to source, just like seaweed, is lightweight, and can be molded, making it ideal for long-distance shipping.
Cornstarch
This material is biodegradable and organic, operating in a way that resembles plastic to protect items. Cornstarch is a great packaging innovation that produces only very low emission levels and is easy to source, cost-effective, and toxin-free.
Key Takeaways
Firstly, businesspeople and marketers can learn that plastic packaging may turn valuable customers away from their companies.
With so much harm being inflicted on our planet over years of utilizing plastic, it’s evident that investing in this material could be a big mistake.
Next, businesspeople should know that utilizing sustainable packaging may inject more meaning into their brands. By showing dedication to our planet, companies can build up their reputations and show that they are willing to be environmentally responsible for both their customers and the world.
Finally, companies across the globe have the power to have a colossal impact on our planet – whether this is positive or negative. Whatever packaging your company chooses can really reflect what its intentions are. Does your organization strive to change the world for the better?
Incorporating sustainable packaging into a business can strengthen its brand meaning and keep eco-conscious customers coming back for more.
Consumers have started to boycott companies that are not living up to their expectations in terms of sustainability and being kinder to our planet. While you may not first think of packaging when considering if a product is sustainable or not, harmful plastic packaging can actually have a detrimental impact on our environment. So, what is sustainable packaging, and why should we care about using it? Read on for more information.
Consumers have started to boycott companies that are not living up to their expectations in terms of sustainability and being kinder to our planet. While you may not first think of packaging when considering if a product is sustainable or not, harmful plastic packaging can actually have a detrimental impact on our environment. So, what is sustainable packaging, and why should we care about using it? Read on for more information.
The Impact of Harmful Packaging
First, it might be worth considering the negative impact of unsustainable packaging on our world. Some may see that packaging is a critical contributor to our planet’s plastic crisis, creating mountains of plastic waste that fill up our landfill sites, reach our oceans, and destroy our wildlife.
Plastic waste is building up at a concerning rate, meaning that businesses need to take new approaches to their packaging to prevent this issue from getting even worse.
Global and small businesses both have the capability to either positively or negatively impact this crisis. By avoiding using non-recyclable plastics and opting for kinder materials, we can strive toward decreasing our overall carbon footprint.
What is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging concerns methods and consumption that result in enhanced sustainability. This means that the life cycle of materials is increased and that the design, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of the packaging consider the environment.
Types of Sustainable Packaging
Now that you know more about sustainable packaging and why it is so vital, perhaps running through some examples can help you better understand what companies you should be buying from.
Paper And Cardboard
As a clear eco-friendly choice, paper and cardboard packaging are usually both reusable and recyclable, often being utilized to protect items in transit. These are inexpensive materials that can often be constructed from paper and cardboard scrap forms, ensuring that materials don’t go to waste. Companies sometimes use cardboard to shield more fragile items, while paper is often used for less fragile products. Corrugated cardboard packaging, in particular, is very environmentally friendly, utilizing biodegradable materials and providing excellent protection in transit.
Biodegradable Plastics
Even though the plastic problem is looming over companies, biodegradable plastics can be an excellent alternative for those who still need to use plastic packaging for their products. This material is efficient for items that need to stay dry. It also decomposes after direct exposure to the sun, usually taking about two years for this to happen.
Seaweed
An innovative solution to kinder packaging involves using renewable seaweed packaging to protect food items along with other things. Seaweed is an exceptional choice since it is simple to source, inexpensive to produce, and degrades quickly.
Palm Fiber
This material is quite soft, making it a wise choice for fragile packaging products. With zero chemicals needed to produce palm fiber, it also decomposes into organic matter following usage. If this wasn’t enough, it is straightforward to source, just like seaweed, is lightweight, and can be molded, making it ideal for long-distance shipping.
Cornstarch
This material is biodegradable and organic, operating in a way that resembles plastic to protect items. Cornstarch is a great packaging innovation that produces only very low emission levels and is easy to source, cost-effective, and toxin-free.
Key Takeaways
Firstly, businesspeople and marketers can learn that plastic packaging may turn valuable customers away from their companies.
With so much harm being inflicted on our planet over years of utilizing plastic, it’s evident that investing in this material could be a big mistake.
Next, businesspeople should know that utilizing sustainable packaging may inject more meaning into their brands. By showing dedication to our planet, companies can build up their reputations and show that they are willing to be environmentally responsible for both their customers and the world.
Finally, companies across the globe have the power to have a colossal impact on our planet – whether this is positive or negative. Whatever packaging your company chooses can really reflect what its intentions are. Does your organization strive to change the world for the better?
