Having a sustainable packaging policy will not only save you money but will also help reduce the amount of waste that your products leave behind. This can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gasses and will help you appeal to a younger generation.
1. Reducing Product Waste
Packaging plays a vital role in delivering quality products to consumers, protecting them, and reducing waste. The packaging industry is in the midst of major changes driven by sustainability.
Despite the significant impact packaging has on the environment, a large amount of packaging is still being discarded. This is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It also contributes to marine pollution.
In the United States, packaging waste accounts for nearly a third of municipal solid waste. In 2010, the World Bank estimated that the global production of solid waste was 3.5 million tons per day.
With the growing demand for packaging, manufacturers and retailers are responding by making bold commitments to drive sustainable change. Several leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Walmart, are taking steps to reduce their packaging waste.
Changing the packaging for your products is a simple and effective way to decrease your environmental footprint. However, you must ensure that you are making sustainable choices.
2. Appealing to Millennials
Millennials have a strong sense of responsibility to solve environmental problems. They want to make an impact and are willing to pay for it. Fortunately, packaging plays a role in helping brands deliver this message.
Packaging can be a powerful way to connect with a new generation of consumers. It can convey authenticity, and it can showcase company values, such as eco-friendly design.
Whether your brand is in the food or beverage industry, or in the health and beauty industry, millennials are interested in sustainable options. They are also more environmentally conscious than older generations. In fact, 43% of millennials are very concerned about climate change. This is a major concern among the younger generation, especially as climate change is a personal experience for many.
A sustainable packaging solution can also enhance consumer experiences. For example, if you offer artisanal food products, you might consider implementing sustainable packaging options that reflect the ingredients in your product. You can use recycled materials to create a sustainable and convenient way to package and transport your food and beverages.
3. Cost per Unit
Sustainable packaging can be more cost-efficient than you think. Typically, the price per unit is less than traditional packaging materials because of reduced material and transportation costs.
Using sustainable packaging can be beneficial for both you and the environment. You will be able to save money, improve your brand image, and create a more environmentally friendly product. But not using it can be a costly mistake.
First, consider the materials you will use to make your product. There are several sustainable options, from bamboo to cotton, starch to hemp. These materials can be used to make boxes and other types of packaging. Choosing the right material is important, as low-quality materials can damage your products, lead to contamination, or affect your customers’ perception.
Next, evaluate your packaging process. This can include the materials you buy, the equipment you use, and the labor involved in making your products. It can also involve the disposal of your waste.
Finally, you should consider your shipping options. Using sea freight is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but you will have to factor in the additional time it takes for delivery.
4. Reducing Greenhouse Gasses
Using sustainable packaging boxes can help limit the growth of global greenhouse gas emissions. This type of market can be an attractive investment opportunity for companies. It can reduce emissions by reducing packaging waste and energy consumption.
Plastics can also play a positive role in sustainable packaging. They can be recycled, and they contribute to less land pollution and air pollution. But these plastics are often made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels.
If you are a business looking to reduce greenhouse gasses, you need to know how to measure your impacts. To start, you should understand the direct carbon and climate impact of each of the products you produce. You can then design negative climate impacts out of your supply chain.
There are many factors that go into your packaging decisions. Your product life cycle, your production process, and your waste disposal are all important considerations. However, the main environmental consideration is the weight of the packaging you use.