Sustainability is a key concern for all businesses – government agencies, non-government agencies, private companies etc. And this includes sustainable packaging. For packaging to be considered as sustainable, it must be manufactured from environmental-friendly materials. And the sustainability factor should be considered all throughout the life cycle of the product – from the beginning stage to functionality levels, throughout marketing and sales cycle and lastly after it has been used completely. Along with this, sustainable packaging also involves reduced costs of the packaging design.
Trends that are seen in sustainable packaging
When it comes to sustainable packaging solutions, there are certain trends that are seen. Some of the important ones are as follows:
1. Use of lightweight packaging materials
2. Use of renewable resource materials
3. Increased attempts in waste recovery and recycling of various products
4. Improvements in logistical efficiency and packaging
5. Enhanced use of recyclable materials
The need and importance of sustainable packaging
It is true that sustainable packaging is not as cost effective as traditional and conventional packaging solutions, but still these practices are now being followed as there are many benefits of the same. Mentioned below find the importance and need of sustainable packaging:
1. Health and safety of humans and living things on large
Sustainable packaging is required for ensuring safety and health of humans and living beings. Various kinds of health disorders can come up in people who are involved in making packaging items from synthetic and non-biodegradable items as these contain various kinds of harmful chemicals and toxic elements. However, materials made from agricultural and natural wastes like corn fiber, rice hull, straw etc reduce exposure to potentially hazardous and toxic elements. Safety and health is promoted for consumers and workers alike with this practice. Work related health hazards are minimized by this and customer loyalty can be earned at the same time.
2. Conversion of resources
With sustainable packaging techniques, resource conversion is possible in the best manner. When it comes to plastic production, millions of barrels of hydrocarbon gas liquids are needed. For Styrofoam production, petroleum is needed. These are all non-renewable sources of energy and are being depleted at rapid rates. On the other hand, in sustainable packaging recycled materials are used, which put low impact on the production process. This helps in conserving natural resources and raw materials, which can be used by the coming, future generations.
3. Helps in business continuity
Sustainable packaging uses lesser amount of natural sources. On the long run, this process enables businesses to continue manufacturing products and services for a long time. Along with using lesser amount of natural resources, sustainable packaging emphasizes on using recyclable materials so that they can be used again and again. The problem of natural resource depletion can be handled well with this kind of business approach.
Biodegradable and green packaging
Biodegradable and green packaging has helped in reducing waste significantly for packaging supplies. After use when these materials are dumped, they mix with the soil and emit no harmful or chemical toxins. Infact now, the materials can be reused again and again for making new items. If you are targeting sustainable packaging, ensure that you use biodegradable and environmental-friendly items for the same. Using such materials not only proves to be beneficial for the business but for the world at large. Everyone benefits from the small steps that are taken in this regard.
