We all live in a consumer society where we make everyday purchases. We carry home tonnes of precisely packaged products from supermarkets or acquire them via delivery services every hour.
From ginger snaps to slipper-socks, almost every product we buy comes in some form of packaging that not only protects the contents but also defines brands and provides essential product information.
Fortunately, large corporations such as Adidas and BMW, as well as small businesses, are increasingly moving to the ‘green side.’ Of course, producers who keep up with eco-friendly trends couldn’t ignore the trend of using biodegradable materials. As a result, several companies involved in the packaging industry have made sustainability a top focus.
Customers willingly vote for sustainable packaging, as evidenced by sales figures. So, why not make your own contribution to environmental conservation by transforming your firm to be more environmentally friendly?
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Overview
Green packaging (also known as sustainable packaging) is defined as the use of materials and production methods that have a low impact on energy consumption and the environment, according to the official definition. Sustainable packaging’s major objectives are to:
Reduce overall packing; increase usage of renewable or reused materials; reduce packaging-related costs; eliminate dangerous (toxic) materials
Make sure the packaging is simple to recycle.
However, eco-friendly packaging encompasses not only reducing the amount of packaging used but also package design, processing, and the entire product lifecycle.
Types Of Sustainable Packaging
Let’s get into the details and see what materials are used to make biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Fortunately, there are other choices.
Paper and cardboard — these materials are reusable, easily recyclable, and biodegradable. As a result, they are extremely popular among package designers.
Corn starch – packaging manufactured from corn starch is biodegradable and has a low environmental impact. This is an excellent option for products with a limited shelf life, such as takeout food or mail-order items.
Bubble Wrap – One of the most commonly used wrapping materials is bubble wrap. Bubble wrap manufactured from recycled polyethylene and degradable bubble wrap are two eco-friendly choices.
Biodegradable plastic – Biodegradable plastic is now often utilized for plastic bags, bulk mailing envelopes, and other applications. When exposed to sunshine, it begins to decompose, making it a viable alternative to standard plastics.
Bagasse paper – Bagasse paper is made from the fibre pulp of sugarcane after the juice has been extracted. This is a relatively new eco-material, as bagasse waste was previously destroyed in the fields, resulting in pollution. In the foodservice industry, it is now steadily replacing traditional paper.
Mycelium – Mycelium is a mushroom-based biodegradable packaging material. It can be easily cultivated in appropriate containers in a short amount of time. The substance is completely biodegradable and safe to eat.
We’ve simply included the most popular biodegradable packaging materials here, but you’re free to choose any green wrapping that suits your needs.
Why Should You Go Green?
While no one can deny that eco-friendly packaging has a good influence on the environment, the subject of business benefits is still up for debate.
According to a recent study, 74% of buyers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly packaging. Furthermore, 25% of respondents are willing to pay an increase of 10% or more in price.
The benefits of using biodegradable packaging:-
First and foremost, by adopting environmentally friendly packaging for your products, you contribute to environmental protection and set a great example for others to follow. Our earth will now be a little greener as a result of your eco-friendly efforts.
Green packaging, when used properly, can help you save a lot of money on shipping. Did you know that the average package has 40% of its space taken up by empty space? Larger-than-required boxes take up more room in the carrier, resulting in higher carbon emissions and fuel consumption. As a result, by choosing more compact packaging, you can save money on shipping and make your products more appealing to clients.
It raises brand recognition, promotes a favorable eco-friendly image, and provides excellent PR chances while having a low environmental impact.
What Can You Do Right Now To Make Your Business Greener?
The ten simple ideas listed below will assist you in wisely optimizing website spending and making your business more appealing to environmentally aware customers.
1. Reduce The Amount Of Packaging
Although the optimal packing is no packaging from an environmental standpoint, it’s challenging to avoid wrapping at all. Reduced packing, on the other hand, will drastically lower your material and delivery expenses, as we’ve already said.
2. Materials That Are Biodegradable Should Be Used.
Because compostable packaging is more expensive and less appealing, many marketers avoid using it. All they have to do now is discover a green material that meets their unique business requirements. Soy-based ink, for example, is a sustainable choice that comes in a wide range of hues, making basic boxes more interesting. Another option is plastic packaging, which can be recycled or reused.
Moreover, glass is also a viable option. You can contact reliable glass manufactures who can provide exquisite glass packaging solutions for your product.
3. Do Not Combine Recyclable And Non-Recyclable Items.
When two or more polymers are combined, they may be able to prevent recycling from being packaged. As a result, when selecting plastic materials for your box, adhere to a single type.
4. Improve The Functionality Of Your Packaging Design
A teddy bear-shaped food container or a puzzle box-shaped food container will ensure that your packaging has a longer life span and does not wind up in landfills. You can consider contacting reputed glass packaging manufacturers who can provide you with durable packaging solutions for your bottled and jarred packaged goods.
5. Long-Life Items Can Be Used To Promote Your Products.
For your marketing initiatives, choose durable things such as pencils, t-shirts, and mugs. These promotional products will last a long time and will help to raise brand recognition.
6. Offer Eco-Friendly Services That Are Related
Refilling printer ink or reusing any type of packaging material will not only save customers money, but it will also draw them to your company as a green one.
Also read: Get A Whopping 200% Sales With Cookie Packaging
Final Thoughts
Make use of green hosting. Green web hosting firms engage in a variety of activities, including forest planting and the use of renewable energy sources, among others. Aside from that, most green businesses are less expensive than their non-green counterparts.
Recycle your own rubbish properly.
If at all possible, go paperless in your business by switching to an electronic workflow.
Reward your staff for innovative eco-friendly ideas and beneficial adjustments to motivate and engage them.