With environmental consciousness on the rise, environmentally friendly packaging has emerged as a major consideration for any company that wants to capture the market of environmentally conscious consumers. Switching to an environmentally friendly approach to the packaging of the products is not only wise from the perspective of environmental protection but also to ensure that your brand is as great as you expect. With help from our friends at AMS Fulfillment, we present a few novel and efficient sustainable packaging ideas that can assist you in satisfying your customers’ green expectations and making a positive change in the world.

Biodegradable Plastics

These plastics are designed to decompose in the environment gradually; they have a lower ecological footprint than regular plastics. Also known as biodegradable plastics, these are produced from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane and break down quickly in the environment and return to their natural form. On the contrary to the common types of plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, biodegradable plastics are specifically engineered to decompose under natural environmental conditions. This is useful in that it provides a more environmentally friendly solution to packaging, thus lowering the amount of pollution that can take place in the long term and promoting the right approach to waste disposal.

What does this mean?

Recyclable plastics make it possible for organizations to portray products as being environmentally friendly; not only do such products decrease landfill waste but they also satisfy consumer preferences for ‘green’ products, thus making recyclable plastics a wise decision for firms that wish to show clients they are considering environmental sustainability.

Recycled Paper and Cardboard

Recycling paper and cardboard is a great idea as it reduces waste and consumption of resources in the process. By using paper and cardboard, companies can cut down their virgin paper consumption, which in return decreases the environmental imprint of the production process. Recycled paper and cardboard products have a general application and can be used for various purposes, which may include shipping boxes and product packaging. This approach, in addition to its benefits in minimizing deforestation, also contributes to the implementation of the circular economy with new life for reused materials.

Reusable Packaging

Tying this into resealable packaging solutions and reusable jars, tins, and fabric sacks is an excellent way to minimize wastage and work cohesively with customers. While single-used packaging products refer to packaging materials used once and then discarded, reusable packaging products are intended for multiple uses, thus reducing the quantity of packaging materials required and waste generated. This approach goes a long way in reducing landfill contributions and at the same time creates brand loyalty among customers since they are likely to continue using the same brand constantly.

Compostable Packaging

As pointed out earlier, compostable packaging is created in a way that makes it easily degradable in composting conditions and biodegrades to create nutrient-rich composts instead of wasting landfills. Sometimes, reusable packaging is made from biodegradable materials such as compostable bioplastics or plant fibers; this packaging replenishes the earth with nutrient-rich compounds when it is buried into the ground.

Minimalist Packaging

The idea of embracing the less is more form of packaging implies that there is a need to remove a lot of frills from products. To minimize wastage, this approach does not entertain unnecessary packaging and allows functionality to be an essential part of such items. In this way, while using only what is needed to protect and advertise the product, the overall impact on the environmental savings of packaging material production and waste is minimized. Simplicity in packaging is not only desired by the consumer who prefers to shop sustainably but can save the company money as packaging consumption and transportation is cut down significantly. This lean concept fits a sustainable paradigm and is also adapted well to the current generation’s choice for less complex products that focus on sustainability.

Edible Packaging

Another form of sustainable packaging is when the packaging material is edible; it is made from substances like seaweed, rice, or potato starch. This way the packaging serves as a part of the puzzle and is consumed together with the actual product, minimizing waste. Edible packaging is still underutilized but is a unique approach to delivering on sustainability and adding value to your proposition. With edible materials, you can set your way apart from competitors and show the extra efforts that you are willing to make toward saving the environment. This type of packaging can give a bonus to your brand’s image and appeal to consumers who are particular about using environmentally friendly packaging that also does not come in boring looks.

Mushroom-Based Packaging

A type of packaging derived from mycelium – the root structure of mushrooms is a very sustainable and eco-friendly solution. This material is cultured in molds to create structural designs and organically breaks down after use without requiring disposal. Unlike traditional foam packaging, which poses challenges when it comes to disposal, mushroom-based packaging materials are achievable, environmentally friendly, and protective in the transit of products. With the use of mushroom-based packaging, you are closing the loop and promoting advanced sustainable initiatives to the public.

Recycled Ocean Plastics

The use of recycled ocean plastics is environmentally friendly since it addresses the problem of marine pollution while offering a form of packaging. It is a win-win solution because by using plastic retrieved from the sea to create new packaging materials, you are helping reduce pollution as well as participating in the circular economy.

Upcycled Materials

Upcycled material comprises waste products that have been recycled and transformed into packaging solutions. In addition to cutting out unnecessary material, it makes for a sustainable choice that any brand can capitalize on.

Water-Based Adhesives

Some of the active conical sub-processes identified include water-based adhesives as an environmentally friendly sub-process compared to solvent-based adhesives. They are comparatively non-hazardous and are eco-friendly, which helps to minimize the damaging effects of your packaging material. Happy packaging!