What to consider when searching for sustainable packaging

Packaging is an important part of product-based business, yet mostly ignored when we look at its environmental impact. Consumers are creating an urgency for companies to adopt sustainable packaging practices. So if this is you, here are some good tips on how to find the right eco-solutions!

When it comes to a business searching for sustainable packaging, there are many different factors to consider. It’s doesn’t just encompass aesthetics but also others such as production and disposal. Luckily leading companies in the eco-friendly packing sector are frequently coming up with new solutions to combat our packaging problems and assist in making the right choice.  So in light of this, we’ve created this quick, user-friendly guide for businesses searching for sustainable packaging alternatives.

What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging refers to the sourcing, development, and use of packaging solutions that have minimal environmental impact and footprint. Simply put, sustainable packaging is earth-friendly and doesn’t contribute to the further depletion of natural resources.

Eco-friendly packaging companies can help businesses reduce their environmental impact while meeting customer demand for sustainable, environmentally-friendly options at the same time. Some examples of such innovations are bioplastics and plastic alternatives, re-engineered boxes, circular production systems, and many more. Such variety means that it’s getting easier for companies to reduce their carbon footprint and find sustainable alternatives which work for their ethos.

Factors to consider for your sustainable packaging options

Let’s have a look at some of the main factors for businesses to consider when searching for sustainable packaging options: 

1. Alternative Eco-packaging materials

Over the years, we’ve seen breakthroughs in both plant-based and compostable packaging, and we’ve seen many businesses making the switch to these alternatives already. Such as companies that specialise in cosmetics and fashion, making the switch from plastic carrier bags to ones made out of recycled or 100% raw materials or ones made of eco-friendly polythene. 

Polylite™ is a tough and lightweight polythene that reduces consumption by 20%, leading to much less plastic waste. Another key product, Polyair™ is bio-based carbon-neutral polythene, made from sugar cane and 100% recyclable. Our starch-based Polycomp™ bags are designed to break down naturally after use so there’s no need for them to be recycled.

The guide for customisable & eco-friendly packaging ideas

2. Reusability of your packaging

We’ve also seen a rise in businesses promoting reusability instead of singular use products, which involves extending the packaging’s life cycle and durability. 

A practice seen through emerging trends like reusable coffee cups and lunch boxes made from alternative materials such as bamboo and glass, which previously contributed to over 152,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Creating this circular economy not helps the environment but also increases brand loyalty amongst eco-conscious customers. Plus, knowledge of the waste caused by inadequate or unnecessary packaging is known widely in today’s economy. 

So the brands that haven’t made an effort to make their packaging more sustainable are being named and shamed, further inspiring companies to change their packaging ways for good.

Packaging waste makes up one-third of what is delivered to landfills each year

3. Production Process of the Packaging

One of the main aims for leading companies in the eco-friendly packaging sector is to minimise the production process of non-environmentally friendly packaging. 

Typically when creating non-recyclable materials we rely on using valuable resources such as raw materials or fossil fuels, which are highly detrimental to our planet’s ecosystem. On the other hand using recycled materials reduces the demand for non-recycled materials, therefore reducing the production process, supply chain and carbon footprint of businesses.

How to create your own eco-friendly product labels

Overcoming these problems is not impossible, and nowadays it’s essential for businesses to reflect the same environmental values as their customers. As this list of sustainable packaging developments proves, it just requires businesses to have a bit of imagination and the desire to change their work ethic for the better.