Here’s a simple fact – “By 2050, the world’s population will reach the 9.6 billion mark, and if we kept on with our current lifestyle choices, we’d need three planets in order to survive!” – The UN.
If you think the term sustainable packaging is very cute but not really necessary, you need to think again!
Eco-friendly & sustainable packaging solutions have become one of the top priorities of the retail industry not just in the US or UK, but in all parts of the world. Here’s why it’s the need of the hour, and 3 simple strategies on how to make your packaging design more sustainable and eco-friendly.
What is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging is the kind of packaging which is designed in a way that its environmental footprint reduces with time. People are becoming more and more aware of the various issues associated with sustainability challenges, such as the climate crisis, rapid deforestation, soil degradation, pollution in the oceans, and air contamination.
Irresponsible ways of packaging are directly or indirectly related to all these global issues. So, adopting sustainable packaging solutions should be every brand’s topmost priority.
Fortunately, the good news is – that it already is!
- McDonald’s and HUL (Hindustan Unilever Limited) announced that by 2025 all of their packagings would be 100% renewable.
- H&M’s packaging is 100% circular and renewable. The brand is also careful about using organic chemicals for its printing processes.
- Puma’s packaging designs are 99% PFC-free.
There are tons of such examples to show how some of the biggest, most successful retail companies in all parts of the world have become increasingly pro sustainability.
What Do the Customers Say?
Image source: pwc.com
Brands are adopting eco-friendly packaging practices, not because there is pressure on them from global organizations, but primarily because it’s something that their customers want. According to a study in 2019, 35% of consumers tend to choose sustainable products to help protect the environment; 37% of consumers choose to buy products with eco-friendly packaging.
In PwC’s 2021 survey, 42% of respondents are willing to buy eco-friendly/sustainable products, and more than half of all respondents think companies should be committed to doing the right thing and be more responsible.
How to Create a Sustainable Packaging Design for Your Brand?
Some common practices are followed by a large number of companies in order to make their packaging designs a lot more green and environmental-friendly, but then there are companies, which have come up with their own, absolutely unique solutions. So, the important thing is to figure out what works for your brand individually and then devise a strategy accordingly. However, these 3 solutions are the top trends of 2021 and are absolutely worth looking into:
📍 Recyclable Packaging
This should be everyone’s number one priority. Use raw materials which are easily recyclable like – corrugated cardboard, bio-based plastics or corn plastics, PLA (a plastic substitute made from fermented plant starch), corrugated bubble wrap, seaweed packaging material, paper & paper products, organic fibers, etc.
📍 Use Smaller Packages
An overall reduction in the amount of packaging material you use can make a huge impact. For this purpose, using smaller boxes, containers, and bags to pack your products is a very effective solution. Not only it would be a more sustainable choice, but also, it would reduce your shipping costs. Ask your designers to come up with alternative approaches on how to achieve this for your products.
📍 Edible or Plantable Packaging
Image source: Cupffee
These are two extremely innovative solutions for creating a sustainable packaging design. Some brands have come up with edible packaging, which means the packaging materials are safe enough to be consumed by the customers. Needless to say, it’s an amazing option for you if you sell food products or beverages.
Another option is to send out a plantable package, which can be planted by your customers somewhere in their own backyards. Such packages have seeds embedded in them. This kind of packaging is a perfect solution for organic brands which use small-sized packages.
Partnering with the packaging supplier who cares about sustainability
If you’re looking for sustainable or bioplastic packaging options for your food products, feel free to browse our catalog of bioplastics varieties or contact our packaging specialist. At INNORHINO, our team of specialists is here to help you bring your sustainable packaging ideas to life. Interested in collaborating? Connect with our representative today at hello@innorhino.com!
Image source: INNORHINO, Unsplash, Pexels
Check other posts for more packaging ideas, inspirations, and insights! 
