SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING TRENDS

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING TRENDS

Sustainable packaging refers to packaging materials and systems that have a reduced environmental impact compared to conventional packaging. It aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Examples of sustainable packaging include biodegradable plastics, recyclable paper and cardboard, and reusable containers. These materials are designed to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize pollution. The goal of sustainable packaging is to create a closed-loop system where materials are reused and recycled as much as possible.

Many consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of packaging on the environment and are showing a preference for sustainable packaging options. A survey conducted in 2019 found that more than 60% of consumers globally are willing to pay more for products packaged in environmentally-friendly materials. In addition, consumers are looking for products with clear and accurate labeling that indicates the environmental impact of the packaging, such as the presence of recycled materials or the ability to recycle the packaging. Brands and companies are responding to this demand by investing in research and development of sustainable packaging solutions and incorporating them into their product offerings.

Here are some of the current trends in sustainable packaging:

1. DESIGNED TO BE RECYCLED

Packaging designed to be recycled refers to packaging materials and systems that are specifically created to be easily recycled and processed into new products. This type of packaging is an important aspect of a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them before eventually recovering and regenerating them.

Examples of packaging designed to be recycled include:

1. Recyclable plastics: Packaging made from materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that are commonly accepted for recycling.
2. Corrugated cardboard boxes: These boxes are made from paper and can be recycled into new paper products.
3. Aluminium cans: Aluminium is a highly recyclable material that can be melted down and reused over and over again.
4. Glass bottles: Glass is an infinitely recyclable material that can be melted down and reused to create new glass products.

2. BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING

Packaging made from materials that can break down naturally into the environment are becoming more popular. Examples include biodegradable plastics and compostable materials such as plant-based polylactic acid (PLA).

3. MINIMAL AND LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGING

Packaging that uses the minimum amount of material necessary to protect the product is becoming more common. This includes lightweight plastic packaging and minimalist designs that reduce waste and the environmental impact of production and transportation.

4. REPLACING PLASTIC WITH INNOVATIVE MATERIALS

With an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic circulating our oceans, plastic can be a problem. Brands and packaging specialists are quickly turning their attention to materials that can replace plastic.

For example, the global furniture retailer IKEA has begun trialing packaging made from mushrooms. They announced they would replace Styrofoam packaging with MycoComposite — a mushroom-based packaging created by Ecovative.

5. CHANGING THE INK UP

Inks are widespread and effective for printing on any medium, especially packaging. It’s the final stage of your design.

However, in the past, inks weren’t the kindest to the planet. Petroleum-based inks can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that aren’t great for the environment. Now, forward-thinking companies and packaging specialists are utilizing vegetable and soy-based inks, which have several key benefits, such as:

1. Renewable resources: Vegetable and soy-based inks are made from renewable resources, reducing the reliance on non-renewable petroleum-based products.
2. Biodegradable: Vegetable and soy-based inks are biodegradable, meaning they can break down naturally in the environment without causing harm.
3. Reduced VOC emissions: Vegetable and soy-based inks have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than petroleum-based inks, reducing the emissions of harmful chemicals into the air.
4. Improved print quality: Vegetable and soy-based inks provide improved print quality and a more vibrant range of colors compared to traditional petroleum-based inks.
5. Safer for workers: Vegetable and soy-based inks are considered to be safer for workers as they emit fewer harmful chemicals during the printing process.