Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it's a necessity. As consumers become increasingly concerned with environmental issues and their impact, they look to businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices. One meaningful way your products can contribute to a greener planet is by adopting sustainable packaging solutions. This post is part of our sustainability series; we’ll show you how you can make your next packaging project more sustainable — and why eco-friendly packaging makes a difference both for your customers and for the planet.
Why Sustainable Packaging Matters
How to Make Your Packaging More Sustainable
Go Green for Even More Benefits
Traditional packaging materials, particularly plastics, are major contributors to pollution and landfill waste. In the ocean alone, scientists estimate about eight million metric tons of plastic clogs the waters. We’ve all seen the alarming photos of plastic floating on water and covering beaches. This material will take hundreds of years to decompose and can seriously harm marine life in the meantime. When you switch to sustainable packaging, you can help reduce this growing problem. Eco-friendly packaging like recycled paper and biodegradable/compostable materials decompose much faster and have a significantly lower impact on the environment.
Consumers understand the impacts and are on board with sustainability. They’re more environmentally conscious than ever before, and a growing number prefer to buy from companies that are committed to sustainability. In fact, studies show consumers are willing to pay even more for products with sustainable packaging. That’s great news. By going with green packaging, you not only meet this demand but also enhance your brand’s reputation as an environmental ally while appealing to a broader audience.
Governments across the planet are also working towards sustainability by enforcing stricter regulations on packaging waste. By adopting sustainable packaging practices now, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure compliance with current and future regulations. This proactive approach can save you from potential fines and also enhance your business’s credibility.
While the initial investment in sustainable packaging might seem higher, it can lead to greater cost savings in the long run. Lightweight and efficient eco-friendly packaging can reduce shipping costs, and using recycled materials can often be cheaper than producing new ones. Additionally, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability has the added benefit of attracting eco-conscious investors and partners, a huge boon to business.
So where do you start? At first it can seem overwhelming to make the switch, but there are so many great green options that it’s really just a matter of following these simple steps:
There are more options than ever, so make sure the ones you select are truly eco-friendly and not just advertised as such. Look for for green packaging that has a lower environmental impact, like the following:
If you start with less, you’ll create a lighter footprint in the long run. Minimize the amount of packaging you use without compromising on product protection by employing the following strategies:
Traditional inks and adhesives can contain harmful chemicals. Consumers are more aware of these challenges and are seeking out companies that use eco-friendly alternatives. So switching to these effective options can make a big difference:
Consumers are used to recycling, but you can further encourage your customers to recycle your packaging by providing clear instructions and making the process easy. You can also take it a step further by:
Sustainable packaging is the perfect opportunity to talk with your customers about protecting the environment. You can raise awareness about the importance of sustainable packaging and how they can contribute by using both your green packaging and marketing channels to:
Not only does adopting sustainable packaging practices lessen environmental impact, but it also creates the following powerful benefits:
Going green with your packaging project is a vital step toward sustainability. By choosing sustainable packaging materials, reducing waste, using eco-friendly inks and adhesives, implementing recycling programs, and educating your customers, you can make a significant positive impact. Not only does this help protect our planet, but it also meets consumer demand, ensures regulatory compliance, and can even lead to cost savings and increased brand loyalty. The benefits go far beyond just environmental.
We can help you find the sustainable packaging materials that are right for the planet and for your products. With over 60 years in the printing industry, our expert team is on the forefront of packaging innovations, and can help you make an impact both with the messaging and the package messenger. Let’s make going green much more than a buzzword. Let’s make it a reality.