What is sustainable packaging?
Photo by Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash
Sustainable packaging is made with the benefit of the earth in mind. With the increasing feeling of impending doom from global warming, it is important to show your target audience that you care for their well-being and even their children's well-being. Consumer demand for sustainable packaging is increasing and your company needs to beat your competitor to this advantage.
The importance of packaging really came to light in 2020-2021, as many people were stuck home in quarantine, they ordered packages from amazon, local delivery of their favorite restaurants, and even grocery and meal kit delivery. Consumers get their products and realize there's a box inside the box, everything is wrapped in plastic and none of it is recyclable. Even if it may be recyclable, recycling services may not even recycle it, but that's an issue for another time, I digress.
According to packaging giant Tetra Pak, here are some facts:
Fossil-based plastic production is growing – and only 9% of total plastic is recycled
32% of all plastic packaging is not collected and plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade
Plastic production, fueled by fossil fuels, reached 359 million metric tonnes in 2018
Packaging made from aluminum is energy-intensive to produce
Paper-based packaging is catching high industry interest
Plant-based materials are renewable and better for the environment
Jocelyn Eason, the general manager of science and food innovation at Plant & Food Research in New Zealand states that plastic has become…
“… one of the biggest environmental hazards that we face as a society.” Ms. Eason adds, “… consumers do not want plastics.” This means, “… sooner or later, most producers will need to switch to more sustainable materials.”
Packaging is more than what holds your product. Packaging is an opportunity for your consumer to hold your packaging in their hand. This makes packaging one of the most important marketing opportunities for your brand. Sustainable packaging can communicate that your brand is acting responsibly, building consumer trust. This is especially true if your products are marketed as organic, pure, or fresh. If your products are organic but your packaging is non-sustainable, your message will not be credible.
If you want younger generations, specifically gen z (1995-2009), sustainable packaging can be the deciding factor between you and your competitor. These generations want to know that the companies they’re supporting, support their personal ideals and act responsibly as a business, especially when it comes to sustainability.
LABEL YOUR PACKAGING
Let your customers know that your brand cares about the planet and label the eco-friendly features of your packaging!
