As we transition to a sustainable future, we must incorporate sustainability in all aspects of our businesses. That includes optimizing our internal processes and supply chain – all while keeping sustainability in mind.
For product-oriented businesses, there is one thing that they have to consider when contributing to a greener future – and that’s by choosing eco-friendly packaging.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of adopting eco-friendly packaging so you and your business can make sustainable choices.
Material Selection
Sustainable packaging starts with selecting the right material. You have plenty to choose from, depending on the products you offer. Plastic, paper, or glass are common examples. However, there are better choices for sustainable packaging than these.
You can never go wrong with choosing recycled materials. Whether it be recycled paper, cardboard, or plastic, opting for recycled materials reduces carbon footprint.
Don’t forget other sustainable choices, such as biodegradable materials – mushroom packaging and cornstarch-based plastics are common examples. Selecting these materials prevents the proliferation of microplastics, one of today’s serious environmental issues.
However, it helps to test the packaging materials’ compatibility with your product. Is it sturdy enough? Can it handle a few drops of water? Before finalizing your choice of material, ensure your product and the packaging material are a good fit aesthetically and functionally.
Minimalistic Design
Long gone are the days of excessive packaging. When talking about the idea of a sustainable future, minimalism is key. A minimalistic design manifests itself by choosing the right size for your products. Selecting the right size for your products reduces material consumption, effectively reducing carbon emissions due to transport.
It’s not just the size you have to be particular with; it’s also the actual packaging design of your product. Try to minimize the use of inks, which can contain harmful chemicals and dyes, but if you do choose to use ink, make sure it’s natural or water-based.
Revise your design to fit your product’s branding, and voila! You now have a sustainable packaging solution that contributes to a greener future. It also helps that minimalism is a hot trend in packaging designs, so this can do wonders for your product branding.
However, despite sustainability being a big trend, be careful to practice what you preach. Many businesses use sustainability as a marketing ploy to gain consumers – a concerning phenomenon known as greenwashing. Only by genuinely committing to environmental sustainability can we achieve a cleaner future.
Reusable Packaging
When designing your own packaging, keep in mind the concept of reusability to extend the life of your packaging. Scrap the idea of single-use packaging, and your consumers will learn the value of sustainability.
If you offer refillable products, consider offering refillable packaging to reduce overall waste. These commonly apply to consumer products such as food, cosmetics, and other products.
Sustainable Sourcing
Next, you have to ensure that your suppliers are on the same page with your views on sustainability. That means looking for suppliers with sustainability certifications, as certificates speak louder than words.
If you can work with local suppliers, it is better for your sustainable initiatives. Because they’re likely to be nearer, you reduce your carbon emissions associated with the transport of materials.
Smart Packaging Technology
Businesses use technology in a plethora of ways, from automating processes to data analysis. If there’s one way you should be using its power, use technology for smart packaging. For example, incorporating RFID tags and sensors enhances supply chain efficiency.
Alternatively, researching edible packaging options made from materials such as seaweed paves the way for a future of sustainable packaging. While this doesn’t apply to all products, it’s a creative solution for reducing your environmental impact.
Collaboration and Education
If sustainability is one of your business objectives, it helps to educate your consumers on the importance of sustainability. As a business, you can transparently demonstrate your commitment to sustainability by educating them on the topic of sustainable packaging.
Armed with this knowledge, consumers learn how to properly dispose of or reuse sustainable packaging. At the same time, providing these instructions fosters a sense of responsibility among consumers.
Life Cycle Assessment
Lastly, conducting a life cycle assessment helps you understand your overall environmental impact. Starting with the procurement of materials to disposal, you gain insights into your product’s entire life cycle, allowing for better decision-making toward sustainability.
Earlier, we talked about making material sourcing more sustainable – this should follow for all succeeding processes in the product life cycle. If you manufacture products, monitor your power usage and waste generated in the manufacturing process. Find new ways to optimize production efficiency while lowering your carbon footprint.
Another stage of your product’s life cycle that you must evaluate is product use. An example of this is if your product involves additional instructions or energy consumption. In this scenario, look for alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
There are plenty of other elements in the life cycle you must assess, including waste management and end-of-life options. It’s vital that you dig deep into the cycle to make informed decisions that address the environmental issues of your products from inception to disposal.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating sustainable packaging is a strategic choice for businesses. Why? More consumers now value sustainability, and they look for this in the products they purchase. Adopting eco-friendly practices can also set you apart from a saturated market.
To succeed with your sustainable packaging initiatives, it helps to be informed of the latest trends, collaborate with stakeholders, and incorporate sustainability into your product design. By doing so, your business contributes to a greener future while building a positive brand reputation.