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In the modern world brands are eco-conscious, focusing and prioritizing sustainable packaging materials to manufacture environmentally friendly boxes. Because eco-friendly packaging materials allow brands to show the Eco-smart image and align with regulatory expectations.
A brand that choose recyclable packaging material to manufacture organic packaging or earth friendly packaging can reduce the environmental impacts and show the responsible image.
In this article, we will guide you about the eco-friendly packaging meaning, types of sustainable packaging materials, and the latest trends that can be more beneficial for your brand.
Why Eco-Friendly Packaging Is Important
Before going to discuss sustainable packaging materials, let’s guide you about the significations of eco friendly product packaging.
- Reduce the Environmental Impacts: According to the UN Environment Program, only 10% plastic is recyclable. So, sustainable packaging is vital for all brands to keep the Earth safe from environmental impacts because plastic packaging can cause microplastic pollution.
- Worldwide Regulations: There are various jurisdictions in California and the European Union to implement mandates for recyclable or compostable packaging by 2032.
- Customers’ Demands: Nowadays, customers are eco-conscious and favour eco-friendly packaging solutions to play their roles in a green environment.
- Cost-Efficiency: Paper packaging is not only recyclable and lightweight as compared to plastic packaging, but also helps brands to reduce the shipping cost and prevent product damage.
Types of Eco-Friendly Packaging
There are different types of eco-friendly packaging that are made of various sustainable packaging materials. In this section, we will guide you most commonly used packaging one by one.
Recyclable Packaging
Recyclable packaging is made of various materials to help brands keep the Earth safe from packaging waste and pollution. There are different types of materials used to manufacture these packaging boxes.
Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is made of wood pulp and can be recycled easily as compared to plastic. To create new packaging, you can soak, chop, cook, strain, clean, and bleach the kraft paper. But these materials can reduce their durability after being them again and again. But the most beneficial point is that they are also biodegradable packaging materials, helping brands to meet their product packaging needs without negatively impacting the environment. It is an effective edible packaging material to pack baked and food items with utmost safety. You can also use this stock to manufacture eco friendly perfume packaging boxes.
Molded Pulp
Moulded pulp is also a recyclable packaging material to create recyclable packaging boxes for products. These raw materials are made of recyclable cardboard and other papers, helping packaging manufacturers to produce protective packaging, egg cartons, inserts, and food trays and plates.
“Recycling one ton of paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, and 7,000 gallons of water”.
(Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Hence, recyclable packaging materials are a great alternative to plastic materials.
Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging is also an environmentally friendly packaging solution and made of various compostable materials, including mushroom packaging, bioplastics, and cornstarch packaging.
Mushroom Packaging
It’s a mycelium-based packaging material to help brands get a compostable packaging solution. These packaging boxes are made of the root structure of mushrooms (known as mycelium) and agricultural waste to minimise waste with less energy resources. They can decompose over time, helping brands to provide safe storage to fragile products.
Cornstarch Packaging
It’s also a compostable alternative to plastic and styrofoam. Therefore, brands favor these materials to create compostable lids, trays, plates, and other product packaging to keep the earth safe for our coming generation.
Bioplastics
Bioplastic is made of corn starch, sugarcane, potato starch, and other raw materials. Bioplastic packaging can decompose naturally under specific situations and great alternative to petroleum-based plastic. With the help of these packaging, you can cut down the pollution. These are also eco-friendly packaging materials for food items.
Reusable Packaging
Reusable packaging is a more durable packaging option for products. They reduce the use of single-use materials and prevent waste and pollution. Let’s discuss some important reusable packaging types.
Reusable Shopping Bags
These bags are most effective than plastic bags and made of reusable packaging materials, such as hemp, cotton, and recyclable packaging materials. You can reuse these bags again and again, and can help reduce the use of paper bags.
“A single reusable bag can save over 700 disposable plastic bags throughout its lifespan.”
(A study by Waste Management)
Collapsible Rigid Packaging
Premium quality custom rigid boxes with magnetic closure are sturdy packaging and can be reused to pack other products. These boxes provide a spell-binding unboxing experience, enhance customer experience.
Biodegradable Packaging
Biodegradable packaging can biodegrade in water in a short time and provide food to marine life. Biodegradable paper packaging resources are bagasse, cassava root, and water-soluble plastic. Bagasse is used to manufacture tableware, food containers, and food trays. Water-soluble plastic is used to manufacture garment bags, detergents, and medical supplies. Cassava root is best suited to create biodegradable food containers, bags, and films.
After learning about what is eco friendly packaging, you can now choose sustainable protective packaging that best suits your products and budget, such as custom eco friendly soap boxes.
Future Trends in Eco Friendly Packaging
Eco-friendly packaging is gaining popularity in every industry. Here are some future trends of these packaging solutions.
- Seaweed materials, algae, and mycelium are compostable resources to create compostable packaging for various products.
- Upcycled agricultural waste like wheat husks, banana stems, and coffee grounds are ideal options to produce durable packaging.
- Smart packaging and minimalism in the form of digital labels, like QR codes and NFC, are best to reduce waste to keep the earth safe from packaging waste and pollution.
- Refill, return, and closed-loop models are one of the popular models to minimize packaging waste and encourage brands to go green.
- Biodegradable films are also another form of eco-friendly packaging solutions these days.
- AI, robotics, 3D printing, and IoT are streamlining packaging customization to help brands reduce the materiel use, energy resources, and enhance the transparency.
Conclusion
Sustainable packaging materials are not only affordable but also the most commonly used resources to create environmentally friendly packaging for products. With the help of various types of sustainable packaging materials, you can not only get eco-friendly packaging for your product but also get more reputation for your brand in front of eco-conscious customers.
FAQs
What is the best eco friendly packaging material?
There are different types of eco-friendly packaging materials, such as kraft paper, cardboard, moulded pulp, and seaweed.
Is biodegradable packaging really sustainable?
Yes, the biodegradable packaging is really sustainable, helping brands to reduce waste and environmental pollution.
Is eco friendly packaging more expensive than traditional packaging?
Yes, but for a long-term game, eco-friendly packaging is not more expensive than traditional packaging.
Why do customers prefer eco-friendly packaging?
Today’s consumers want sustainability in daily activities. They want to reduce deforestation and global waste, and pollution because of the product packaging.
How can eco friendly packaging help improve my brand image?
Using environmentally friendly boxes can show the responsible behaviour of your brand and values. Brands can win the trust and loyalty of customers with the help of these packaging boxes.
Are eco friendly packaging materials safe for food products?
Absolutely, eco-friendly packaging materials are food-safe packaging materials and best to keep food safe and fresh for the expected time.
Which companies use biodegradable packaging?
Companies that want to gain more popularity and follow the latest packaging trends use biodegradable packaging, such as PUMA and IKEA. They manufacture their product packaging from renewable packaging materials.
