By BCI
19 January 2023Have you said your goodbyes to single-use plastics? The sustainable future of packaging is upon us, with more brands than ever racing to adopt eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
The reason is simple—consumers have made themselves clear. They align with companies that value renewable materials, minimized wastefulness, and sustainable production methods. And as such, sustainable packaging is quickly becoming the industry standard.
So here’s what brands need to know about the future of sustainable packaging and how to meet the needs of today’s consumers.
Sustainable packaging is when a company uses product packaging materials with minimal environmental impact. This includes biodegradable materials, recycled/repurposed plastics, paper products, or compostable items like paper straws or bags.
Eco-friendly packaging prevents unnecessary deforestation, as materials come from ethical sources such as sustainably managed forests or recycled material. This reduces the long-term impact of climate change because it diminishes the need for large-scale manufacturing of packaging materials that create carbon emissions.
First and foremost, if industries continue to wound our planet by using unsustainable practices, then there is no future for any brand. Every single industry must work together to ensure a healthy future for our planet. With that said, here are some other essential reasons brands are shifting their focus to sustainable packaging.
Governments are implementing policies and regulations to reduce plastic waste, making sustainable packaging more critical than ever. In March 2022, 175 nations signed a treaty committing to work together on reducing the world’s plastic waste and curbing the production of plastic itself.
When 67% of consumers believe it’s critical for their items to come in recyclable packaging, then brands better keep up. Today’s brands must be prepared to meet and exceed customer expectations with sustainable solutions that fit their brand ethos if they hope to last.
Thanks to technological advancements, sustainable packaging is becoming more accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. Sustainable materials are light, easy to ship, and require less energy to create than traditional packaging materials.
Transparency is key when it comes to sustainable packaging. Greenwashing, or the act of making pro-environmental claims that are not substantiated by actions (like choosing sustainable packaging), can lead to irreparable reputational damage. Consumers will recognize inauthentic claims of sustainability, so align your words with your actions.
Work with packaging suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability and provide affordable materials that still meet sustainable standards. Invest in vendors who already use sustainable packaging technologies, cleaner manufacturing practices, and sustainable materials to reduce the environmental impacts of your products.
Sustainable packaging comes in many forms, from biodegradable plastic to post-consumer recycled materials. Here are some sustainable options brands should consider:
If you’re looking for a partner that cares about a sustainable future as much as you do, BCI is here to help. Our sustainable packaging solutions are designed for businesses of all sizes, offering sustainable materials with reduced environmental impact and the expertise to make sustainable packaging a reality. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability here.
This includes bans on single-use plastics, one of the worst culprits of all. If brands aren’t already preparing to adapt to policy changes favoring sustainability, they may find themselves behind the curb.
When 67% of consumers believe it’s critical for their items to come in recyclable packaging, then brands better keep up. Today’s brands must be prepared to meet and exceed customer expectations with sustainable solutions that fit their brand ethos if they hope to last.
Thanks to technological advancements, sustainable packaging is becoming more accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. Sustainable materials are light, easy to ship, and require less energy to create than traditional packaging materials.
Transparency is key when it comes to sustainable packaging. Greenwashing, or the act of making pro-environmental claims that are not substantiated by actions (like choosing sustainable packaging), can lead to irreparable reputational damage. Consumers will recognize inauthentic claims of sustainability, so align your words with your actions.
Work with packaging suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability and provide affordable materials that still meet sustainable standards. Invest in vendors who already use sustainable packaging technologies, cleaner manufacturing practices, and sustainable materials to reduce the environmental impacts of your products.
Sustainable packaging comes in many forms, from biodegradable plastic to post-consumer recycled materials. Here are some sustainable options brands should consider:
If you’re looking for a partner that cares about a sustainable future as much as you do, BCI is here to help. Our sustainable packaging solutions are designed for businesses of all sizes, offering sustainable materials with reduced environmental impact and the expertise to make sustainable packaging a reality. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability here.
