Packaging generates millions of tonnes of waste material every year, making it a huge contributor to our pollution output.
As a result, alternative and eco-friendly ways to package items is a high priority for retailers.
Thankfully, this can be achieved without sacrificing quality, impact, or opportunities to wow customers with a positive unboxing experience.
Eco-friendly packaging isn’t hard to incorporate, yet the benefits are numerous.
How can we reduce packaging waste?
One of the biggest reasons for packaging waste is that some materials are used without enough consideration for reuse. So-called disposable plastic, also known as single-use plastic, stays wherever it ends up for many, many years.
By using materials that can be reused and recycled, like paper and recyclable or compostable plastics, we reduce the amount of packaging going into landfill.
Some packaging may even be designed for reuse once the product is opened, such as bags and washable bottles.
What are eco-friendly packaging products?
Eco-friendly packaging products can be made better for the environment in a number of ways.
It might be that they have a useful life past simply being opened and tossed away, or that they can be disposed of in a way that doesn’t impact the environment like landfill.
This is preferably through being either recyclable or compostable.
Biodegradable materials can be better for the planet, but loose regulation around biodegradable materials makes them generally more problematic than they might seem.
Eco-friendly packaging may also be created using carefully selected, sustainable sources. This ensures that products are using resources that can be replenished, such as using paper from Forest Steward Council (FSC) accredited sources.
Besides using recyclable material, you may opt to use material that is itself recycled, like plastic that has been made from used bottles and cups.
By reworking existing processed material, it saves more resources from being consumed.
Which packaging is best for the environment?
The best packaging for the environment is packaging that can either be reused long term, or that can degrade without depositing any harmful chemicals and materials into the environment.
The ideal packaging from an environmental standpoint is that which doesn’t leave any damaging lasting traces of its existence, which is perfectly achievable if time is taken to use the right materials and employ conscious practices.
What packaging should be made of environmentally friendly materials?
Ideally, all packaging! But the most crucial packaging to be made from environment-friendly materials is packaging that sees a high volume of production and use, like food and clothing packaging.
Just one product or brand alone could be a huge contributor to waste if its reach is wide enough, which is why it’s so important that all sustainable options are explored with product packaging.
Eco-friendly packaging options
At Birch, we’re passionate about making our impact and respecting the environment at the same time.
That’s why we work with a range of eco-friendly materials to help our customers create stunning packaging solutions that are as ethical as they are beautiful.
To find out how we can help you with branded eco-friendly packaging, contact our team today
