Sustainability can differentiate a business and help it tap into an emerging market of customers who choose a brand because it benefits the planet. Adopting sustainability practices requires companies to introduce innovative solutions in various operations, including packaging.
The product development stage seems to pay more attention to the appeal and efficiency of packaging rather than its impact once a consumer unwraps the product. Such brands rely on traditional packaging materials like plastic that impact the environment in many ways, as discussed below. As we highlight the benefits of switching to eco-friendly packaging, we will also list the most popular solutions your brand should consider.
Why You Need Sustainable Packaging
If your business prefers single-use plastics, the waste in landfills increases as your sales increase. Imagine the amount of waste from product packaging you may contribute over the next few years if you maintain your present strategies.
As brutal as that sounds, it’s the best way to describe the impact of using non-recyclable packaging. Further, the manufacturers of such packaging also impact the planet because they require raw materials like petroleum and natural gas.
Therefore, as the demand for such packaging materials increases, the drilling and extraction processes destroy natural habitats and deplete natural resources. On top of that, refining and processing these materials is a high energy consumption activity that also emits greenhouse gases, destroying the environment further.
Other effects are deforestation caused by harvesting pulp and high water usage because of water-intensive processes like cooling. So, how does your business benefit when you switch to sustainable packaging materials?
Cost Savings
The initial costs to implement these solutions might be high, but you will eventually save money in several ways. One of these is savings arising from lower material costs. For example, recycled materials like cardboard may not be as expensive as raw materials that require several production processes. Another cost-saving arises from the minimalist design of innovative packaging that eliminates extra layers and coatings.
Further, although you may incur initial costs to acquire machines that enable sustainable packaging, such as automated filling and sealing machines, they reduce wastage in the long term.
There are machines suited to the needs of different industries. For example,Green Thumb Depot provides pre-roll machines to help you reduce wastage as you pack locally sourced ingredients like hemp.
Food manufacturers can also improve the shelf life of products using vacuum packaging machines. These machines remove air, reducing spoilage. You may also gain from tax breaks granted by regulators for adopting sustainable practices.
Improved Brand Reputation
Changing your packaging materials can strengthen your reputation in several ways. For instance, it can win the trust of eco-conscious consumers and turn them into brand ambassadors.
In addition, it helps penetrate the noise in a crowded market by differentiating your brand from competitors. Your brand also enjoys better engagement, which can increase brand loyalty. Moreover, you may attract collaborations with brands that manufacture sustainable packaging or get publicity from the media.
Eco-friendly Packaging: Top Solutions to Consider
We can categorize some of the popular solutions in the following ways:
Biodegradable and Compostable Solutions
Unlike non-recyclable packaging, this type decomposes naturally, which reduces waste accumulation. Your business should consider this, especially if you produce various product lines or fast-moving consumer goods.
Compostable packaging also benefits the local government by reducing the resources needed to manage landfills. Thus, you may benefit if such authorities have rewards for local brands that embrace sustainability. Further, when these materials decompose, they are non-toxic, protecting soil health.
There are several solutions of this kind. For instance, you can use plant-based packaging manufactured from cornstarch and seaweed and eliminate your reliance on plastic. Edible seaweed packaging makes it even more beneficial for customers.
Water-soluble packaging is another type that makes disposal efficient and is a suitable solution for detergent and cutlery brands.
Recyclable and Reusable Solutions
Unlike the solutions above that require proper disposal, recyclable packaging reduces waste further. There are many solutions in this category. For example, your business can rely on recyclable cardboard or paper to take advantage of the many recycling programs across cities and towns that accept this material.
Other alternatives are glass and aluminum, two popular solutions for beverage and food manufacturers. If the solutions this far don’t sound like suitable alternatives for your brand, consider returnable or refillable containers for a closed-loop system where you have more control over waste.
In addition, these zero-waste solutions support a circular economy because the material is in use longer, reducing resource consumption. The in-store refilling stations or mail-in systems also enhance customer experience, making the whole process convenient, and they do not have to worry about waste disposal.
Nevertheless, the solutions in this category require you to invest in consumer education to help them understand whether they should reuse, refill, or return the packaging.
Minimalist Solutions
What makes packaging excess? For starters, having unnecessary layers of plastic or paper inserts covering small products makes the packaging excessive. It’s a common practice among luxurious fashion and cosmetic brands. Some brands also use oversized boxes for small products like electronics.
Ensuring the packaging is sufficient, not excess, is an efficient way to manage resources. It’s a minimalist approach, where you use fewer materials. For instance, by optimizing the box to fit the size of the product, you eliminate fillers. In addition, instead of inserts that require extra paper, you can print information on the packaging.
Another minimalist strategy is using one recyclable material as opposed to combining paper, plastic, and foil.
Conclusion
There are many sustainable packaging solutions, some standing out as options for specific industries. For instance, glass containers are a popular choice for food brands. Your business should adopt these solutions to minimize the impact of your operations on the planet and attract eco-conscious customers.
In addition, you may save on packaging materials and attract tax breaks for sustainability. On top of that, the brand loyalty arising from a sustainability approach to business will help you increase engagement and market the business through word of mouth.