The role of sustainable packaging in 2020-Part 2

Why packaging sustainability is important

There’s no need to go into detail about why sustainable packaging is important. If you’re reading this article, you know it’s crucial. 

the push toward packaging sustainability isn’t just from the end consumer.

Large corporations like Unilever Australia have recently put pressure on the Australian government. Unilever has demanded the government do more in the plastic pollution battle.

And if corporations of this size can put the heat on governments, it means:

· Consumers want to associate with brands that are environmentally focused

· Large corporations are spearheading the initiative to help their public image

· Smaller and medium brands will be forced to implement sustainability in their packaging

But packaging sustainability doesn’t mean you have to invest a load of money. Nor does it mean a compromise on form or function.

 

Read below to see the best eco-friendly packaging materials on the market.

Eco-friendly packaging materials

Many people consider humble cardboard as an environmentally friendly material.

 

That’s because it is.

 

It's organic, ethical and sustainable and reusable packaging solutions out there.

 

Corrugated cardboard is the go-to solutions for packaging sustainability because they're organic.

A simple cardboard box is also over 80% biodegradable.But there’s more to eco-friendly packaging than cardboard.

 

What happens when you need sustainable packaging that’s certified to come in contact with food?

Plant-based packaging solutions

Sometimes called bio-based plastics or corn plastic, these packaging solutions are made from an organic compound. This compound will, over time, decompose in about any environment that it’s put in.

 

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a plastic substitute that’s made from fermented plant starch. More and more countries banning plastic bags at grocery stores. As a result, PLA looks set to become the next-best option to single-use plastic bags.

Consumer behaviour & sustainable packaging

Consumer trends are arguably one of the reasons many more brands are using eco-friendly packaging.

 

With more being done to battle climate change, taking care of the earth has never been more important.

 

For many larger brands, going ‘environmentally friendly’ is nothing more than a PR stunt. We consume with our eyes and a simple recycling logo doesn’t always carry a lot of weight.

 

Sustainability and environmentalism aren’t at the forefront of your brand’s defining features.

But sustainable packaging can give you an edge of your competition.

 

Consider this situation for a moment:

 

Your brand on a shelf in a retail store.

 

Your product is placed directly next to the competition.

 

A buyer has your product in one hand, and your competitors in the other.

 

This customer is trying to figure out which product to purchase. They’re in ‘buying mode’ and just need one little thing to push them over the edge.

 

On your packaging, this customer reads:

 

‘This packaging is made from 100% recycled material and will break down into non-toxic organic matter in 15 years’.

 

Sold.

 

If eco-friendly packaging isn’t part of your branding, it’s still important in the mind of the buyer, even if it’s not the most important thing to them.

 

A well-placed statement may be all that’s needed to make a buyer commit to your product and not a competitor.

Conclusion

In this article, you saw the current state of sustainable packaging and how your small brand can start using it. You can now see how a brand can use sustainable packaging to build a better relationship with eco-minded customers.

With a global shift toward fighting climate change, the way we approach packaging is set to grow and change. Rather than being an alternative option, sustainable packaging is only going to become more important.

Start contacting and designing your sustainable packaging with BioPack.