The increasing popularity of eco-friendly packaging and the importance consumers assign to responsible disposal are ongoing trends. According to a recent study, more than half of consumers consider the sustainability of packaging when selecting products, and the majority prefer products that are sold in recyclable packaging. Find out more about eco-friendly packaging and the design options for recycled plastic pouches that have made flexible packaging an industry standard.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Packaging
Packaging made of post-consumer recycled materials and materials that are recyclable, compostable or biodegradable reduce the environmental impact of packaged consumables. As a growing number of consumers seek to control their own carbon footprints, packaging products in environmentally friendly films and printing wholesale boxes by Refine Packaging designs with compostable polymer-based inks can make your products stand out from the competition in an impactful way.
Recyclable plastic packaging also has other advantages. Mylar, a polyester film made of stretched polyethylene terephthalate, is a good choice for child resistant packaging. The latest innovations in biodegradable and compostable packaging also go a long way toward reducing waste. As there are already approximately 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile of ocean, eco-friendly packaging is better for the environment and consumers.
How Eco-Friendly Packaging Is Actually Helping the Environment
Brands that pursue eco-friendly snacks packaging can make a significant contribution toward sustainability. Packaging designed with responsible disposal in mind, whether through recycling or composting, reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and in the ocean. In order for a packaging material to be environmentally friendly, the production process should also be low-impact. The use of solventless lamination, for instance, reduces a source of pollution and the presence of volatile organic compounds in packaged products.
The more brands that make an effort to consider the ecological impact of their packaging, the less waste is introduced to landfills, oceans and other ecosystems. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 82.2 million tons of containers and packaging were disposed of in municipal solid waste systems in 2018, which accounted for about 28 percent of the total waste generated.
The Leading Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials
Polyethylene films are the most popular recyclable plastics used in packaging. This material is compatible with recyclable high-barrier films. Mylar is stretched polyethylene terephthalate, and is an airtight, odor-proof and protective packaging material. Other eco-friendly materials used to package products include post-consumer recycled material and compostable materials such as paper.
When considering environmentally conscious packaging materials, brands should prioritize the condition and quality of products. Snack foods and other consumables can get jostled, crushed or dropped over the course of shipping, retail display and transportation by the end consumer. The right packaging will protect products and allow for responsible disposal.
Consumables brands should consider using eco-friendly packaging materials. Many materials, such as PE films, are fully recyclable. Other environmentally conscious packaging materials include PCR films and films that can be composted. Eco-friendly packaging is likely to continue to increase in popularity over the next few years. Brands can still make an impact by releasing products in packaging materials that are sustainable.
