Worldwide waste management has become more complex to handle over the past decade. We produce much more waste than we recycle, which affects our health and surroundings. According to the European Environment Agency, 4.8 tons of debris is generated per European citizen, and only about half of the municipal waste is recycled.
Interestingly, a considerable part of the total waste consists of packaging, especially plastics, followed by materials from the building, construction, and automotive industries. Experts estimate that most plastic waste could’ve been used for additional purposes, leading to significant business financial losses.
Unfortunately, all that waste is environmentally hazardous, especially since landfills pollute the air, water, and soil. At the same time, waste incineration generates more emissions in the air. So, one way to fight this issue would be to adopt sustainable packaging that does not end up in landfills or is biodegradable.
Choosing recyclable materials
One of the most critical decisions a company can make is to choose recyclable materials instead of regular ones. This selection has the power to influence consumers to change their preferences and opt for packaging made from recyclable materials. For example, Loungefly for UK and Europe ensures its products come in paper bags and boxes, shrink wraps, and pallets, which can easily be recycled everywhere by the customer.
The main benefit of employing this type of packaging includes expanding the customer base and increasing brand loyalty by appealing to people’s behaviours regarding shopping preferences. At the same time, companies can also lower their shipping costs through smaller packages and well-through product wrapping.
Approaching plant-based packaging
Still, the problem with recyclable packaging is that it puts the responsibility on the consumer. Since the rate of plastic packaging recycling in Europe floats around 35%, and plastic waste becomes more difficult to export, even recyclable plastic becomes a problem.
Therefore, a better idea for packaging would be one of plant-based origins, such as corn or sugarcane, which can have a similar form to plastics. This idea allows packaging to break down into natural elements and reduce the carbon footprint. Another great strategy is to use compostable packaging, like bagasse or cellulose.
Improving packaging strategies
Besides utilizing advanced materials for packaging, the way products are wrapped and sent is also crucial in fighting sustainability matters. For example, some companies started shipping in bulk in order to help the planet. Regarding shipping, some have begun using carbon-neutral methods to offset emissions, mainly when exporting products worldwide.
However, one of the greatest ideas is to reduce the packaging sizes because there are numerous instances when smaller products come in giant boxes, which is a waste of resources and space. Sometimes, companies do this purposefully and leverage psychology to make the customer believe the bigger the package, the more it is valued.
Partnering with the right companies
Becoming a sustainable business seems easy at first, but it all comes down to making the right partnerships. Collaborating with green firms is considerably important in taking a stance regarding sustainability because working with manufacturers and suppliers that adopt green practices means a lot.
Research is usually needed to find the best partnerships, and companies can leverage the life cycle assessment (LCA) system to evaluate their products’ environmental impact. This method ensures that businesses and manufacturers or suppliers are on the same page regarding their sustainability goals.
Complying with the EU’s new guidelines on sustainability
Although companies should be the first to change their packaging and green strategies, governments should also provide better regulation to ensure countries are equally fighting towards a better future. For example, the European Parliament aims to employ a circular economy system by 2050, which includes a series of new methodologies.
For example, companies will have to respect new packaging reduction targets, so by 2040, packaging should be less than 15%. At the same time, some types of packaging will disappear gradually, such as plastic for fresh fruits or lightweight plastic carrier bags. Moreover, businesses will encourage customers to reuse packaging or reuse products so they will be able to bring their own containers when buying drinks or food from takeaway companies.
Green packaging has many more advantages than you think
Industries have yet to adapt to sustainability packaging, strategies, and products. Still, it’s a progressive process that will eventually yield great results. Becoming green-oriented has plenty of advantages for both firms and customers.
For example, sustainable packaging helps reduce one’s carbon footprint since fewer resources are needed for manufacturing. At the same time, the developing stage makes packaging versatile and flexible since it can be reused and repurposed.
Moreover, the customer can easily dispose of sustainable packaging since compostable or recyclable items don’t affect the environment. This is especially true when the packaging is biodegradable and can return to nature without compromising it.
On the company’s side, using green packaging products improves the brand image, as customers sense a concern about environmental issues and changing customer trends. Interestingly, some of the greenest companies in the world operate in waste management, machinery manufacturing, and furniture manufacturing, showing that even these industries can thrive while transitioning to greener approaches.
That’s because sustainable packaging helps save money in the long run, reduces shipping costs, and expands the customer base. Hence, getting over what we’ve known for so long doesn’t seem that difficult when results are improving and business outcomes increase in value. Therefore, more companies should urge sustainability methodology to ensure rapid adaptation to a fast-changing society.
Have you ever thought about the impact of packaging?
Product packaging seemed harmless for a while, but now experts show that most of the world’s waste comes from plastic and cardboard packaging that cannot or has not been recycled properly. These materials end up in landfills, affecting the environment and our health. So, change is coming as companies slowly introduce green packaging. Bioplastics, compostable packaging, and recycled paper are some of the best options for reducing waste and creating a better business ecosystem.
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