Green packaging is often referred to as sustainable packaging or eco-friendly packaging. In short, green packaging is a type of packaging that has the smallest impact on the environment and a comparatively low carbon footprint.
Green packaging can be made from a variety of different materials, including recycled paper, biodegradable plastics, as well as plant-based plastics. As well as lessening demand for virgin material, green packaging aims to limit packaging waste by replacing single-use materials with recyclable alternatives. What’s more, green energy practices tend to be employed during the production process, with renewable energy sources used for manufacturing.
By definition, green packaging is made from eco-friendly materials. Below are some of the most common environmentally-friendly materials you’ll come across when implementing green packaging into your operation.
Plastic is one of the most problematic packaging materials of all. However, biodegradable alternatives are fast becoming a popular alternative. Typically made from organic substances, this type of plastic gradually decomposes over time, avoiding dependence on landfills or incineration. What’s more, biodegradable material sidesteps the issue of microplastic pollution and avoids harmful toxins being released into the environment.
Many types of eco-friendly packaging are made from biodegradable substances obtained from plant materials. A better choice for the environment, compostable plant-based plastic boasts a much smaller carbon footprint than conventional packaging. What’s more, because it’s compostable, it can be readily recycled at home without consumers needing to depend on recycling schemes.
Provided it comes from sustainable sources, recycled paper, and cardboard packaging is one of the most eco-friendly options of all. Not only is it widely recyclable, but it’s also biodegradable, making it a convenient choice for consumers.
Online retail is one of the biggest contributors to packaging waste. The industry produces more than 24 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. The sector is particularly dependent on plastic, using more than a third of all plastic produced each year. This is particularly concerning when you consider that the majority of e-commerce packaging is single-use.
Fortunately, more e-commerce businesses are waking up to the importance of green packaging. Along with recycled packaging made from paper and cardboard, there’s a growing trend in the amount of packaging being made from renewable material sources. Additionally, biodegradable alternatives to traditional packing peanuts are becoming popular, while breakthroughs in mycelium research have led to a rise in mushroom-derived packaging solutions. Some packaging is even compostable, offering a convenient way for consumers to recycle their packaging at home.
The food and beverage industry is another sector that’s embraced eco friendly packaging materials in recent years. Along with recycled paper and cardboard packaging, there’s been a rise in the usage of plant-based packaging, with biodegradable materials becoming the standard for many brands.
Eco-friendly packaging is also becoming the norm for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. There’s been a shift towards more simplified packaging, meaning less raw material is used. Furthermore, ensuring correct package size while maintaining product protection means that packaging waste can be largely eliminated.
There’s also a rise in the use of so-called recycle-ready packaging materials. This includes packaging made from high-grade polymers like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
While green packaging brings many benefits to both suppliers and consumers, implementing eco-friendly packaging alternatives can prove challenging. Below are some of the main challenges you’re likely to encounter when integrating green packaging with your operation.
While containers made from recycled material tend to be cheaper, this isn’t always the case. What’s more, the growing demand for recycled and recyclable packaging is driving up prices and causing a problem for supply chain availability. While a novel solution, plant and mushroom-based packaging is comparatively expensive when compared to conventional packaging products.
Although many consumers are all too happy to switch to products contained in green packaging, there still remains a level of skepticism around eco-friendly materials. There’s the common assumption that recycled materials are considerably weaker than their standard counterparts, while there may be reservations about using material that’s previously been used for something else.
Additionally, packaging is only truly green if it can be recycled. Sadly, not every consumer is aware of what and what can’t be recycled, leading to unnecessary waste.
Despite the challenges associated with implementing it, green packaging brings many benefits. Below are just a few of the reasons why you should be considering embracing green packaging.
Green packaging has the obvious advantage of bearing a smaller carbon footprint than traditional packaging. Less fossil fuels are used in the sourcing of raw materials, as well as during the manufacturing process. Also, by limiting dependency on single-use packaging, less material ends up being incinerated, carbon emissions are reduced.
More consumers are actively looking to buy from eco-conscious brands. Businesses that put sustainable packaging at the heart of their operation can enjoy more positive brand recognition and an increase in brand loyalty.
While some regulation rules out the use of green packaging, others actively promote it. Packaging sustainability commitments are now shared on a global scale, with governments in many jurisdictions offering tax relief and incentives to companies who implement eco friendly packaging.
There are many ways you can make your business practices more sustainable. Switching to eco-friendly containers and packaging materials is an obvious route toward sustainability, but reducing overall packaging size can also help. Alongside sustainable packaging, you can also promote reuse and recycling.
Although there are some challenges associated with implementing green packaging, these are far outweighed by the benefits. Make green packaging a staple of your operation and you can enjoy better brand recognition and increased consumer loyalty. Additionally, you might be eligible for government incentives, while you can rest assured that you’re doing your bit for the planet by reducing your carbon footprint.
At Codefine, we’ve been providing eco-friendly packaging for small businesses and enterprise-level organizations for years. In fact, sustainability has been at the forefront of our business model since 1959. Are you looking for greener alternatives to conventional packaging? Why not browse our full range of eco-friendly containers and green packaging online today? Alternatively, get in touch to discuss your green packaging requirements in more detail.
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