The last couple years have changed the packaging industry a lot, because of the remarkable trend for environmentally friendly solutions. We could also see this significant increase in demand for sustainable packaging, as business owners in our client portfolio realize how important it is for their communities.
Depending on the industry of their companies, we could recommend multiple types of solutions which could fill their needs. Today we will talk about a few of them, but first you will find out more about the most important eco-friendly packaging solution.
So, back to business…
What is the most environmentally-friendly packaging?
The most popular and efficient environmentally friendly packaging solution is the recycled corrugated box. The raw material used in the production process(paper) is highly recyclable and can be re-used more than 5 times. Other solutions worth mentioning are recycled air pillows, cotton bags, bioplastic containers and corrugated bubble wrap.
With so many options to choose from, it may be hard to decide which one works best for your business. Keep reading and find out what’s the perfect solution for you!
What are the most environmentally-friendly packaging solutions?
The industry of eco-friendly packaging has evolved a lot and you can now find a solution for any idea or product you could have.
When thinking about the most environmentally-friendly packaging solutions, we consider lots of aspects. How many times can the material be recycled? Can that packaging be reused by the consumer? How long does it take for it to decompose? Does the raw material come from sources that affect the environment?
Our list was made by answering those questions, so you get a full overview of why that specific solution is eco-friendly.
Corrugated boxes
They are one of the most common packaging solutions and fortunately the most eco-friendly solution that we use!
First of all, cardboard boxes are mostly made of recycled paper. A recent study shows that 66% of the paper used is going to become raw material for new products. A big part of that percentage surely goes to the packaging industry! Also, paper is known to be reusable for up to 7 times, unlike some types of plastic, for example.
Moreover, corrugated boxes are decomposed in no more than 3 months! Compare that to 20 years for plastic and 1 million years for glass and you instantly start to think it’s really fast.
Air Pillows made of recycled materials
When it comes to protecting fragile products, there are a ton of options. However, many of them are made out of plastic, which is not the material you should use during these times.
One of the most popular alternatives is this type of air pillows, made of recycled materials. They have the same efficiency, but can be found at even better prices than classic ones and will contribute to the image of your brand.
Cotton bags
One of the perfect examples of sustainable packaging is a cotton bag. It has a great impact as we all know how harmful plastic bags are for the environment.
For businesses that sell a lot of products, that the customer needs to carry, this is exactly what they should be looking for.
The materials used for their production come from organic sources, so less pollution occurs while manufacturing them. Moreover, cotton bags can be used multiple times and are very resistant, so their life-duration is increased.
On top of that, if thrown away, they will decompose in no more than 6 months! You should know by now what a short time that is for the packaging industry.
Bioplastic containers
We need to be honest and admit that sometimes plastic is the best solution for packing your products. However, thanks to the new technologies, there is an environmentally-friendly alternative: bioplastic.
This type of packaging is made out of organic materials, such as cornstarch, and has properties similar to normal plastic. Bioplastic packaging requires less energy spent in the manufacturing process and will decompose in 3 to 6 months. More than a hundred times faster than plastic!
Considering how popular plastic is in the packaging industry, this innovation is a remarkable improvement and helps protecting the environment. By choosing it, you could contribute too and enhance your brand’s image!
Corrugated Bubble Wrap
This solution makes our dream of a plastic-free future more realistic!
You have probably interacted with what corrugated bubble wrap wants to replace, which is… traditional bubble wrap, made out of plastic!
You can now choose to pack your fragile products using eco-friendly packaging. This type of bubble wrap is made using the remaining part of corrugated sheets, after the well-known corrugated boxes are produced.
The manufacturer then cuts the material to create the unique final solution. It has similar effects to plastic bubble wrap, absorbing shocks and protecting the product from scratches.
That being said, you can start using it today and show that you care about the environment.
Why should I choose environmentally-friendly packaging?
Most of the people have become aware of how many industries pollute the environment. Probably, a big part of your target market cares about what is happening around them.
Showing that you care about the same thing, through your packaging solutions, will win their hearts! And on top of that, you can even get new customers and differentiate from your competition.
Conclusion
Environmentally-friendly packaging is the new trend! There are a lot of options if you want to switch from traditional packaging to a more innovative alternative. This choice will bring you many benefits!
If you need help in choosing the perfect solution for you, you can always choose professional help and reach out to a broker. But you can also do it yourself, if you have enough time for research!
In the end, the final objective is important: helping the planet.
As a business, you need to adapt to new circumstances and take advantage of the opportunities that appear. Eco-friendly packaging is one of them!
