The role of sustainable packaging in 2020-Part 1

Sustainable packaging is becoming a higher priority for both brands and consumers - more now than ever before.

McDonald's announced its packaging will be 100% renewable and recycled by 2025.

Millennials are pushing brands to be more socially and environmentally responsible. It's clear that the term ‘eco-friendly packaging’ is clearly more than a buzzword. In fact, implementing eco packaging in your brand’s operations is no longer an option - it’s a necessity.

Many of us have grown up with the term "reduce, reuse, recycle" in our vocabulary. Today, reflecting these same values is critical to your business. Not only can it improve the environment, but it can also increase the brand loyalty of eco-conscious consumers.

Material science and packaging engineering developing at an incredible speed. As a result, more eco friendly packaging options are on the market that can take care of a wide range of products.

There have also been many breakthroughs in plant-based packaging and biodegradable plastic packaging. This also means that it’s getting easier for your brand to reduce its carbon footprint.

Plus, with the public more and more aware of the waste caused by bad packaging, wasteful brands are being named and shamed.

So let’s dive into the world of eco-friendly packaging, and see it’s benefits for your brand. But before we go too deep, what does packaging sustainability actually mean?

What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging is packaging that, over time, reduces its environmental footprint.

This can happen in a number of ways:

· Ingredients: Using raw 100% recycled or raw materials

· Production process: By minimising the production process, supply chain and carbon footprint

· Reusability: Creating a circular economy around the packaging, extending its lifecycle and usability.

It’s simple to say that sustainable packaging is entirely about the environment. It also should take into consideration economic and social factors.

For example, plant-based packaging may seem like a viable option. But quite often that means clearing endangered rainforests to grow crops.

Eco packaging needs to consider the economic factor. It needs to be priced competitively over traditional oil-based/single-use packaging options.

So yes, the definitions can get a bit messy at times!

Labelling something ‘eco-friendly’ doesn’t mean that it’s sustainable. Similarly, labelling something as sustainable doesn’t mean that it’s ethical.

But here's what's most important if your brand is considering a change:

Do you own research

Definitions aren’t always black and white. It pays to ask your packaging manufacturer a number of questions. 

Eco-friendly packaging, coupled with sustainable package design, is a potent combination. These characteristics can be a great way to set your brand above your competitors.