Products that are less hazardous to the environment are indeed becoming more popular. Consequently, companies are reevaluating the environmental friendliness of their goods across the board, from raw materials to production to shipping.
If you need help making your goods less environmentally harmful, this article will share eco-friendly packaging ideas to benefit your company and customers.
1. Bioplastics
Regarding packing materials, plastics are among the worst for the planet. Another option is bioplastics, which are derived from biological components yet have the same appearance and texture as plastic.
For instance, new materials have been created that substitute cornstarch for potentially hazardous polymers. Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable alternative to plastics, is produced by fermenting sugars derived from maize starch. The fact that it is safe to use in packaging food items is a bonus.
2. Brown Paper
The usage of wrapping paper is expected to be high in businesses that sell gift-wrapped items. Nevertheless, brown paper is a better option for the environment. Brown paper, which is manufactured from entirely recyclable resources, is available for purchase in rolls. Organically derived paper also breaks down far more quickly than regular wrapping paper.
Another option would be to use brown paper and a sticker to advertise your company or brand instead of regular wrapping paper with a plastic coating.
3. Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are a more conventional choice. You can often find boxes that have been constructed from materials that have been repurposed. They are better for the environment than plastics because they are biodegradable, inexpensive, and robust.
Consider using double- or triple-walled cardboard if you are concerned about potential product damage during shipping. Or, why not add logo stickers or packing labels to make cardboard more visually beautiful and unique? That way, you can put your spin on it while still including your logo.
4. Carton Wine and Paper Bottles
As a rule, wine in a box is better for the environment than in a bottle. Unfortunately, most of these packages come with a bag with a plastic nozzle—and this material isn’t good for the planet.
If you bottle everything, this could be an excellent eco-friendly option for your company’s packaging needs. You can get your business noticed by purchasing plain paper bottles and adding some food and drink labels.
5. Compostable Packaging
Organic materials are considered “compostable” if they biodegrade and improve soil health. Think about using this for your product’s packaging.
Customers who don’t have compost bins can quickly bring biodegradable trash to a nearby composting facility. As with most cases, you must include directions on the package to ensure that consumers know precisely how to dispose of it environmentally and consciously.
6. Edible Packaging
Envision a world where your packaging is edible for consumers. Well, some businesses have gone so far as to make edible packaging, all because of new product advances. Put away the compost bin; instead, let your customers break down your packaging while enjoying a delicious snack.
7. Environmentally-Friendly Labels
Do you require cosmetics, water bottles, or candle labels? Coated and uncoated paper labels are now available for purchase; these labels are better for the environment. If your company seeks subtle but significant measures to lessen its environmental impact, they are a fantastic choice.
8. Mono-materials
Seals and coatings are just two examples of the many materials utilized in packaging. Because of this, recycling them becomes more of a challenge.
A design that employs mono-material packaging, also called single-material packaging, uses a single material throughout. Customers can rest easy knowing that mono-materials can be recycled entirely, unlike traditional packaging.
9. Mushroom Packaging
If you’re in the electronics business, you know how important it is to keep your products safe throughout transportation. Polystyrene is usually utilized to keep things from breaking.
Nevertheless, plant-based alternatives are becoming more popular among corporations such as Dell. In contrast to conventional polystyrene, their novel packaging uses mushrooms, which break down naturally.
10. Plantable Packaging
Using plantable materials is an attractive method to make your packaging more eco-friendly. A few pioneering businesses have created packaging that includes seeds for herbs like basil and mint. One creative and long-term solution to the trash problem is to wash the package in water after each use, then scatter the seeds and see what happens.
11. Returnable Packaging
Making your package returnable is another eco-friendly suggestion. You may entice your clients to join by offering an incentive, monetary, or a loyalty program. For instance, giving the milkman your empty bottles was standard practice back then. In exchange for a $2 deposit, customers can return the bottles for five reuses before they are recycled.
12. Reusable Bag
Major UK supermarkets have made reusable bags, sometimes known as “bags for life,” ubiquitous by 2021. Take this idea for reusable shopping bags as a jumping-off point for your company.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, this is a fantastic branding opportunity if your consumers end up reusing the bags. Your logo and branding will get more exposure if people utilize your bag for everyday shopping instead of throwing it away.
13. Soy and Vegetable Inks
Crude oil, the raw material for petroleum inks, is a fossil fuel that contributes to atmospheric pollution. As a result of their lower pollution output, soy, and vegetable inks are preferable from a sustainability standpoint.
To add branding, ingredients, and vital information to materials like cardboard, you will likely require ink while making your package. Why not use ink from plants like soy or vegetables to lessen your environmental impact?
14. Upcycling
In recent years, upcycling has grown in popularity. This packaging idea maximizes the use of materials and transforms them into something new and valuable, so you can reuse the material and lessen trash.
Practice Sustainability in Your Business
Sustainable packaging has the potential to significantly affect your company’s branding, expenses, and carbon footprint. You would want to stay caught up with the growing trend of consumers, particularly members of Generation Z, who are opting to support eco-friendly products.
With this benefit in mind, you can shop eco friendly packaging and take the first steps toward a more sustainable future for your business.
