What is sustainable packaging?
The term “sustainable packaging” refers to packaging that does not produce pollution, harm the environment or harm human health. In short, it’s a way of life. It’s about how we live with the world around us.
Sustainable Packaging is:
Ecological – it uses renewable and recyclable materials, processes and resources.
Economical – it is the most economical option for the manufacturer, retailer and consumer Healthy – it does not contain chemicals that may be harmful to humans or the environment.
There is a new, green, and even cost-effective alternative to recycling in the manufacturing process.
Recycling is not enough to reduce our carbon footprint, as people around the world increasingly realize. Ensure future generations don’t suffer from negative climate impacts by getting to a better place.
Below are some sustainable packaging trends:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Researchers and product developers are creating packaging that meets all three criteria: it reduces packaging volume without compromising quality or purpose; it’s reusable or refilled; and it’s recyclable.
Paper is the most common type of waste we recycle. The reason for this is that paper is relatively easy to recycle and there are so many ways to do so. It is possible to reuse, recycle, or compost paper. As long as they are paper products, they can also be recycled. In the case of plastic bottles, which can be made from petroleum or other natural resources, these can be recycled into new products such as clothing or building materials. Paper products can be recycled easily.
Developing Paper Market
A popular alternative to plastic in packaging, paper, and card are becoming a key to sustainability in the packaging.
There are two great things about this news. Firstly, we’re getting the best of both worlds: less packaging and higher levels of recycling. Secondly, we’re doing our bit to help the environment by stopping those millions of trees from getting cut down to make new packaging.
Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging is starting to become a big part of the market, and companies are switching to this type of packaging to meet consumer demands for sustainable packaging that reduces the need for single-use plastics.
The key idea of flexible packaging is that it doesn’t require rigid materials. These make it smaller and less costly to produce. When more products are shipped together, this helps to cut down emissions.
Compostable and Biodegradable Packaging
There are a huge number of brands who have invested time, money and resources into the creation of packaging that dissolves naturally in the environment without causing any adverse effects on wildlife.
For this reason, compostable and biodegradable packaging is becoming a niche.
It allows, in essence, for the packaging to have a second purpose beyond its core one.
It’s great that the fashion industry is getting more environmentally-conscious and working towards producing more and more of their products with sustainable materials, and not just plastic, but there is a lot more that can be done.
Antimicrobial Packaging
When developing alternative packaging for food and perishables, a key concern for many scientists is the prevention of contamination, particularly where the items will be eaten. A novel development in the packaging campaign was created to counteract the issue of antimicrobial packaging. It helps to extend shelf-life and prevent contamination by killing or interfering with harmful microorganisms.
Environmentally-Friendly Inks
Packaging limits your thinking. It’s so much more than just waste reduction. You can think more clearly and creatively by considering how to use the packaging along with all the products it houses.
There is a new wave of ink being developed which is more environmentally friendly and is made from vegetable- and soy-based products. These inks have less likelihood to release harmful chemicals into our environment than traditional inks.
These are some current sustainable packaging trends. But constant research and development in this area is the need and will ensure to have safe and healthy environment.
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