With heaps of waste loading up landfills globally every year, people around the world are becoming increasingly aware of protecting the environment – from eating sustainably to reusing grocery bags. With this, an increasing number of companies are realizing the significance of sustainability in product packaging.
As a result, the demand for biodegradable options is increasing, and more companies are having to consider ways to combine materials and methods that have less of an impact on the planet. Streamlining your company’s packaging strategy with eco-friendly packaging will not only create a reduction in your carbon footprint but will also increase brand loyalty with consumers as they start to resonate more with your brand.
1. Less is more
Optimizing the materials which are being used to produce your product means to lower down the volume and the mass (product to packaging ratio), reducing the packaging layers, reducing the packaging itself, and so on. Several software applications can help us achieve the optimal combination of the packaging and the box size. It doesn’t matter if your products have odd shapes, with the software you will be able to find out the perfect combination to produce it. All that is left now is to deliver that product to your customers. To be more economical, you may use the last air cushion rolls to pack your product. With them, you can save a whole lot on your storage space as compared to using bubble wrap. Also, instead of using products that are bad for the environment, such as Styrofoam, you can switch to new types of protective material that is eco-friendly. Reducing the product and drawing attention to its best features can be a great way to increase interest in your brand.
2. Use materials that are recyclable and biodegradable
Certain materials are biodegradable and recyclable. Materials such as cardboard, paperboard, and biodegradable plastic can be altered, and new items can be created from them. You can easily adapt reused and recyclable material in your product’s packaging. Try and use these innovative materials to produce your packaging.
Corn starch: Products that are made up of corn starch are eco-friendly. They are one ideal type of food packaging. Packaging variations that are made out of corn starch have almost zero negative impact on the environment.
Cardboard and Paper: Both of these materials can be easily recycled, reused, and are 100% eco-friendly. Paperboards and cardboards are light in weight, yet strong enough to hold different products. They both can be used to pack products such as frozen items, medicines or cosmetics. Talk to your packaging producer to find out which of these materials will meet your budget, needs, and values before beginning the production process.
Biodegradable plastic: Biodegradable plastic is a sustainable and practical alternative to traditional plastics. Biodegradable plastic decomposes when it is exposed to sunlight. It is also used to make mailing envelopes.
Bubble wrap: Bubble wraps are degradable as they are made from recycled polyethylene and help to keep your product safe.
Soy inks: If you want to write texts on your packages, use the inks made out of milk proteins or food instead of using any chemicals that will ultimately harm the environment. One great example of this can be Soy inks as they are more sustainable. Moreover, Soy-inked printed papers can be deinked easily making the recycling process easy.
3. Minimalist packaging
Try creating custom retail packaging for your product. Using a big box for a small product is such a waste of material and space. Producing custom printed food boxes will help you save a lot of material and space through the entire distribution process. A minimalist style of packaging will not only make your product unique but will also appeal the eco-friendly consumers.
4. Go natural
Sustainable packaging is becoming more and more popular. Over the past few years’ companies have acknowledged that materials healthy for the environment attract a niche, yet growing, consumer audience. Packages made from natural materials like recycled, virgin or dye-free paper present a lesser burden on the environment.
5. Reduced usage of energy
Biodegradable plastic packaging can help with sustainability in the environment. It takes less energy to manufacture plastic when compared, glass or aluminum or steel. Plastic is a lightweight product that results in lightweight packaging thus, consuming less fuel.
Marketing your business with a sustainable perception can open new sales possibilities that never existed before. If everything goes right, it can give you great returns in a world where ‘going green’ is gathering more and more support.
