Consumers are now more aware of the consequences of their purchasing decisions in environmental sustainability. A report by IBM supported this, showing how six out of ten consumers surveyed would be willing to adopt more environmentally-friendly shopping habits. Those who say sustainability is very important would even pay a premium on environmentally responsible brands.
These attitudes now drive brand choices and have pushed many companies into adopting more sustainable business practices. Companies explored various ways to leverage this trend, including using environmentally-friendly packaging.
Sustainable packaging utilizes renewable or recycled source materials. These items are also usually manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices. Green packaging would be beneficial, safe, and healthy for consumers throughout their life cycle.
However, because of its advantages, especially with attracting new customers, companies now have to compete with an increasing number of businesses that leverage eco-friendly wrappings. To remain competitive, they have to step up and get more creative in applying sustainable packaging.
Businesses can choose from simple and minimalist to extravagant packaging designs. Here are seven sustainable packaging ideas you can use boost attention to your brand.
Minimalist
Minimalist packaging uses one or two types of materials and does not contain distracting graphic designs. In its simplicity, it allows brands to convey compelling brand messages instantly. It will enable consumers to recognize the product and make a quick purchase decision.
A significant advantage of minimalist packaging is that it is cost-effective but does not make the brand look cheap. Environmentally conscious consumers also prefer products that employ minimalist and sustainable packaging.
Green minimalist packaging often uses kraft papers, especially in food and beverage products. This material is suitable for high-quality prints and is also renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable. Some businesses also use solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboards to hold cosmetics, medicines, chocolates, and even frozen foods. It is acid-free and has no smell or taste.
Mono-material
Some packaging adds various materials like laminations, coatings, and labels to make them water-proof and sturdier. However, they do not really pass the eco-friendly criteria.
Using product wrapping that consists of a single material makes recycling easier. Mono-material or single-material packages typically use components that already have established recycling systems. These include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyestradiol phosphate (PEP), cardboard, and glass alternatives.
The practice of using mono-material packages is increasingly becoming popular with its capability to support a circular economy. Recycling mixed-material packaging is more costly and takes energy and time as the steps involve separating each component. Mono-material packaging simplifies this process, reduces energy consumption, and lessens the waste it produces.
Edible Packaging
Edible packaging has been a recently growing trend in the food and beverage industry. From cups to protein bar wrappers, edible packaging is consumable and digestible.
There are various forms of edible packaging. One is food wrapped in food. An example of this is WikiCell, developed by Harvard professor Dr. David Edwards to wrap around soft foods like yogurt or mousse. It can be washed like a fruit’s skin and handled without melting.
Another is the packaging like edible coffee cups and burger wrappers used in quick-service shops. There is also innovative packaging that is both comestible and dissolvable. These use water-soluble films that are biodegradable and even favorable. It follows the concept of gel caps in pharmaceutical pills. The packaging completely disintegrates in hot or cold water, making the food ready to eat. Also, some startups are also coming up with innovative circular food packaging.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are organic alternatives to plastics made from renewable biomass sources like wheat, cassava, sugarcane, and corn. Using bioplastic packaging reduces reliance on plastics, thereby decreasing the use of fossil fuel-based inputs. Since they are also recyclable, compostable, or both, using them for packaging minimizes plastic packages that end up in landfills.
Plantable Packaging
Developments in technology now enable companies to offer new capabilities never been seen before. Innovations like plantable packaging are one of them. Plantable packaging has seeds inside them. It decomposes and exposes the seed in the soil when buried. Plantable packaging allows the company to deliver zero-waste products and gives customers the power to carry out green practices.
Returnable Packaging
Businesses are reviving the traditional practice of re-using product packaging by allowing customers to return container bottles and other forms of packaging. Some commerce companies even incentivize their customers when returning packages.
This business model benefits all participants involved. The company reduces packaging costs, gains exposure for using sustainable practices, and rebrands itself as eco-friendly. Meanwhile, end-users obtain satisfaction on minimizing their carbon footprint and benefits from the lower prices of products.
Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are not new when it comes to product packaging. But their functionality, versatility, and durability still make it a top packaging option for businesses. They are also eco-friendly made from recyclable and compostable materials like the Sugarcane Hamburger Box – White and Nature Color.
Additionally, it is also an excellent alternative to cardboard boxes. When using cardboard boxes, businesses would typically have to use bubble wraps or styrofoam to ensure that the product it holds stays safe during shipment. Corrugated boxes, in contrast, are made of three layers that make them more resilient.
This type of packaging stays intact even when exposed to moisture, temperature changes, and shocks. While nothing is invisible to prolonged harsh conditions and excessive shocks, corrugated boxes provide higher protection and assurance that products will arrive at their intended destination in good condition.
Bagitan Packaging – Your Source of Sustainable Paper Packaging
Shifting to sustainable packaging is a big step that entails letting go of the non-eco-friendly practices and suppliers. Although it is challenging, it provides the business with cost-saving benefits and an eco-friendly reputation. Source your sustainable product packing needs today with Bagitan Packaging.
Bagitan Packaging manufactures professional paper bags, food packaging (Brown Kraft Takeaway Paper Box), and foil packaging for wholesale, retail, and redistribution. Our customizable packaging is sourced from 100% recyclable materials, making it suitable for brands that endeavor to deliver sustainable packaging to their customers. We handle bulk long-term supply and ship all over the world.
Visit our website at bagitanpackaging.com to learn more, or contact us at [email protected] to discuss your packaging needs.
