Eco-Friendly Packaging and Why You Should Consider It
San Francisco Bay Coffee’s commercially compostable coffee pods.
As consumers become increasingly aware of the impact our lifestyles have on the environment, a growing number of individuals are looking for ways to incorporate sustainability via the products they choose to purchase.
Consumers can deduce from their household trash that packaging is a big part of the problem. And they’d be right, because it’s estimated that 40% of all waste in landfills comes from packaging. In a 2020 study, more than half of consumers say they are actively taking steps to reduce their use of plastic packaging, and more than one-third are avoiding retailers that are not earnestly trying to limit their use of non-recyclable, plastic packaging.
What Is Eco-Friendly Packaging?
The answer to the question "What is eco-friendly packaging?" is not as simple as you might think.
"Eco" is a broad term that can mean different things to different people. There are many different types of eco-friendly packaging, and each one has its own pros and cons.
Eco-friendly packaging is also known as green packaging and sustainable packaging. It’s a system of environmentally responsible packaging in which all aspects of its production, recycling, use and disposal are considered. Eco-friendly packaging comprises any type of package that has been created to be more environmentally friendly and can include anything from plastic bags to cardboard boxes.
The goal of sustainable packaging is to reduce environmental impact throughout a product’s lifecycle by using fewer natural resources for production. The benefits of using eco-friendly packaging include making it easier to recycle or compost than traditional packaging materials like plastic or paperboard.
What Are Some Different
Types of Eco-Friendly Packaging?
Biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable are all terms that have been floating around for years, but it's not always clear what they mean or how to use them when referring to different types of packaging.
Biodegradable
Biodegradable means that the material will break down into small pieces after it has been exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.
Compostable
Compostable products can be broken down by soil microbes into nutrients that plants need for growth.
Recyclable
Recyclables can be recycled into new products using existing machinery and processes.
Most packaging has unique requirements to support the products it contains, so new eco-friendly packaging must likely be customized to that product. However, there are some broad strategies that can be applied to lead to a successful transition to eco-friendly packaging.
What Are Some Strategies to Create Eco-Friendly Packaging?
Use fewer materials.
One of the more cost-effective ways to adopt eco-friendly packaging is to reduce the number of materials used in the packaging. In the beginning of the process, it may not seem that materials reduction is practical, but with investigation and creativity, a solution can often be found. Using fewer materials per package is a great step towards making packaging more sustainable.Reduce or eliminate plastic.
Most plastics are not biodegradable or compostable, so using less plastic in packaging is better for the environment and a clear signal to consumers that the maker of the product values sustainability. It’s often possible to replace plastic with more eco-friendly options, such as cardboard, paper or other plant-based materials. If plastic in packaging must be used, then biodegradable or recyclable plastic are better options.Use biodegradable materials.
Biodegradable materials break down naturally over time, and some bioplastics are considered compostable. These are made from renewable resources, such as corn or sugarcane, and are compostable in commercial compost facilities.Choose reusable materials.
Recycled materials are the way of the future. Not only do they help reduce our reliance on virgin materials, but they also provide a safe haven for all those old plastic bottles and cans that would otherwise be filling landfills.
The most eco-friendly packaging options are ones that are made from materials that can be responsibly reused, repurposed or recycled. Reusable plastic is made from recycled materials and can be used repeatedly for several years without any loss in quality or strength. In addition, recycled packaging materials can sometimes offer a cost savings over buying new ones.
What Are Some Strategies to Create Eco-Friendly Packaging?
As the world becomes more aware of the environmental impact of packaging, consumers and companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Some companies are already making changes, but others are still struggling to identify the benefits of eco-friendly packaging for their products.
There are many benefits to eco-friendly packaging, with three in particular that stand out:
Environmental Benefits – Eco-friendly packaging will reduce the amount of waste being generated and help protect our environment from pollution and other dangers caused by trash.
Potential Cost Savings – Using fewer and/or recycled materials can save money on manufacturing costs. Recycled materials can sometimes be cheaper than new ones.
Brand Awareness – Eco-friendly packaging can help build a positive brand image by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and helps customers feel good about their choice.
We Know How to Create Eco-Friendly Packaging.
• Eco-friendly packaging is something we understand and know how to design and implement. Thomas|Ferrous works closely with printing and manufacturing partners to offer custom packaging solutions that can be made to any specification. Our team has extensive knowledge in production, structure, materials and printing, and we leverage that experience towards building beautiful, workable, and affordable eco-friendly packaging solutions.
If you have an eco-friendly packaging project you’d like to discuss, give us a call.
