In recent years, consumers have been demanding more eco-friendly initiatives from businesses. As a result, adopting more sustainable practices has become essential for companies to thrive. Many manufacturers have begun incorporating more sustainable practices into their packing processes by utilizing recycled materials, finding ways to reduce packaging and other actions.
Our team at Econo-Pak discusses what sustainable product packaging is, why it’s important, and how you can incorporate sustainability into your packaging process.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging in general refers to packaging that doesn’t further reduce the earth’s natural resources. There are many possible steps companies can take to make their packaging process more sustainable. These include choosing packaging made from recycled materials, minimizing unnecessary excess packaging, and optimizing production materials and energy usage.
Packaging is also considered sustainable if it is produced and transported using renewable energy, and if it doesn’t pose any health risks through the use of toxic chemicals.
In the packaging industry, being more sustainable can be achieved through simple steps, such as eliminating as much production waste as possible and making sure packaging materials are FDA-approved food safe and able to be recycled. Working with suppliers who have eliminated toxic chemicals from their packaging, or who utilize flexible packaging are other good ideas.
Importance of Sustainability in Packaging
Packaging choices have a significant impact on the environment as well as people’s health. Each year an enormous amount of packaging ends up in landfills and the ocean. Producing packaging materials can also use lots of resources, which contributes to environmental problems. Additionally, the chemicals used in certain types of packaging materials have been linked to severe health issues.
By choosing more eco-friendly materials and processes, companies can not only protect the environment and consumers’ health, but they can also save money. Sustainable packaging is often more lightweight, which translates to reduced shipping costs and less required storage space. Consumers also respond positively to sustainable packing options, which can translate into more sales.
Incorporating Sustainability in Your Packaging Processes
Companies around the world are finding innovative new packaging ideas that benefit the environment. For example, some companies are adopting reusable containers that consumers can refill at the store, or finding ways to recycle waste products, such as old fishing nets, into containers that were previously made from plastic.
Several companies are also working on improving the recycling process for polyurethane. Overall, there are lots of exciting innovations happening in the packaging industry.
There are several ways for companies to begin incorporating more sustainability into their packaging processes.
- First, begin switching to packaging materials that are easily recyclable, or have already been made from recycled materials.
- Next, take a look at how your products are currently packaged and see if there are any packaging components you could reduce or eliminate. You could also switch to flexible packaging, which cuts down on space and shipping weight.
- Finally, seek out sustainable packaging companies and choose manufacturing partners who are optimizing their processes to use fewer resources.
The packaging industry has undergone many changes in recent years. As more importance is placed on environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, companies are changing their packaging processes to be more sustainable.
Consumers love seeing products that have been produced sustainably. By switching to sustainable packaging materials, minimizing excess packaging, and working with eco-friendly packaging specialists, companies can help save the environment while cutting down on costs.
Econo-Pak offers sustainable food and product packaging with efficient production times and a wide selection of packaging materials. We can help you select packaging that reduces excess shipping weight and waste, and meets the criteria for sustainability. If you’re ready to switch to find a more eco-friendly solution for your packaging, submit a request for a quote.