Pollution from human garbage is slowly killing the planet. One of the best ways to resolve this issue is eco-friendly packaging, using recycled and even biodegradable materials. Businesses also stand to gain many benefits from shifting to functional packaging materials.
Innovative packaging materials are not only functional, they’re also environmentally sustainable. They change the way we deal with rubbish, helping save the world while making profits. Here are 7 environmentally sustainable and functional packaging materials that can change the world.
- Compostable Packaging
Composting is one of the best ways to reduce waste, and it also helps save the earth. By composting, organic matter is broken down by microorganisms, producing high-quality fertilizer that can also be applied to plants.
Plant-based packaging materials are usually made from corn, sugar cane, bamboo, or biopolymers. For a material to be considered compostable, it must be able to decompose within 180 days in home composting and within 90 days in commercial composting.
Many compostable bags and containers are specially designed to decompose easily and naturally. They’re made from natural and synthetic polymers that are resistant to decomposition. However, once exposed to microbes, they decompose into valuable nutrients.
- Biodegradable Packaging Peanuts
Plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other packing peanuts are non-biodegradable. They take years and years to degrade, sometimes even ending up in landfills. Similarly, traditional plastic bags can take months to disintegrate, but plastic and paper bags are made from recyclable and renewable resources.
Bioplastics and other innovative materials, such as this acid-free custom tissue paper, for example, can be wholly composted and reused. When mixed in with other organic materials, they will typically degrade into CO2, water, and biomass. When burned, they will yield low amounts of greenhouse gases, and can also usually be recycled. Bioplastics and other biodegradable materials are growing in demand, mainly because of their lack of negative impact on the environment.
One of the most notable benefits of bringing more products to the market in eco-friendly packaging is a reduction of plastic waste. Beyond this, biodegradable packaging peanuts are fantastic for companies looking to use sustainable shipping routes. These should protect your products while in transit without adding more plastics to the ocean.
- Recycled Cardboard and Paper
With so many businesses jumping on the recycling bandwagon, it’s no wonder that recycled materials are gaining more popularity. Recycled cardboard and paper are safer for the environment, and these used cartons, boxes, and newspapers can be made into just about anything.
Recycled corrugated cardboard boxes are made from post-consumer waste. Post-industrial and post-industrial fibres are used to make these boxes. The box is made from a layer of medium- or high-density fibres and coated with a water-based resin.
Eco-friendly paper-based cartons are made from recycled paper and variable-weight pulp. The carton is reinforced with layers of paper and is lined with a polyethylene coating.
While the polyethylene coating makes it sound less biodegradable, it is still 100% biodegradable. It works as a good packaging material for various sustainability strategies.
- Corrugated Wrapper
Corrugated wrappers and bags are among the best forms of environmentally friendly and sustainable product packaging. These aren’t just cheap, flexible, and reusable. They are designed to be lightweight and are easier to stock.
These versatile, lightweight, and low-cost products are great for storing and shipping. They can help reduce the shipping costs and carbon footprint of a business.
Corrugated bubble wrap is one of the most versatile sustainable materials used in product packaging. They are lightweight yet durable, making them ideal for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. These clear, transparent, and waterproof wrappers are made of polypropylene and can be recycled.
These moisture-proof and flexible wraps are easy to display in supermarkets. Their strength, durability, and machinability make them a perfect solution for protecting perishables and fragile goods. Their transparency makes it easy to give customers a visual of the items inside.
- Bagasse Packaging
Bagasse is a type of lignocellulosic residue from refining raw, industrial, or agricultural plant materials that can be used as raw materials for manufacturing.
The dried and crushed grass or leaves used to make these sheets can be converted into heat, steam, and electricity. It can also be processed into alcohol, gas, and liquid fuels.
Other uses include coffee filters, microwave plates, and pizza trays. The production process creates a small amount of ash collected and used as cattle feed.
- Glassine Packaging
Glassine or waxed tissue paper is super-thin, translucent, and tear-resistant tissue. It’s great for wrapping and cushioning delicate and breakable items like toys, pottery, and glassware. This glass-like film is translucent, making it an excellent material for wrapping and bagging. It is solid and flexible and ideal for any product that needs protection from damage.
These wax papers have a natural wax finish that protects them from water and air. Waxing the sheet with a thin coat of natural vegetable waxes allows these tissues to be greaseproof, allowing liquids to bead on the surface.
These waxed tissue papers are used for wrapping a variety of confectionery, bakery, and meat products such as pastries, baked goods, candies, and sandwiches. These thin, translucent, and glossy wraps are ideal for displaying products in shops.
- Spunbond Packaging
Spun bonded fabric is a non-woven, continuous filament material used in fabrics, garments, and for disposable clothing, and baby diapers. This is because it’s economical, easy to recycle, and water-resistant.
This nonwoven, loosely woven, and mechanically entangled textile is polyolefin, similar to polyester and nylon. The threads continuously spin during extrusion and bonding, creating a knitted, felt-like mat. This material is used extensively as interleaving in newspapers, magazines, and catalogues.
This form of semi-permeable, heavy-duty fabric offers a unique combination of strength and flexibility. It can withstand repeated use, crushing, and stretching.
These foil-laminated, nonwoven, and porous, man-made textiles are lighter, stronger, and more durable than similar types of traditional cotton, linen, and wool. They remain soft and pliable and can be used for a variety of applications.
The Bottom Line
While there are many more innovative, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective options, these packaging materials are some of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact. These creative and earth-friendly solutions have been tried and tested, proving that they have a lot of potential to change the world. Learn more about DaklaPack US, the leader in sustainable packaging options.
Find out the latest sustainability solutions that change the world. Check out these eco-friendly options that can help reduce your impact on the environment.