If you’re a business owner and you want to increase your brand’s appeal, choosing sustainable packaging is an effective way to do it. Nowadays, consumers focus not only on the design but also on the sustainability of packaging when buying certain products, such as food, clothes, and cosmetics. It’s safe to say that the general public is becoming more conscious about climate change issues, which is why people are more inclined to choose eco-friendly packaging to reduce their carbon footprint and sustain the planet.
When deciding what type of sustainable packaging to use, it’s important to know how to classify earth-friendly packaging. Here are some qualities of eco-friendly packaging.
1. It’s Biodegradable And Compostable
One of the key considerations when choosing eco friendly packaging is that it shouldn’t add to the waste that ends up in landfills and stays there for years. Eco-friendly packaging is biodegradable and compostable. This means that, after its usage, it should naturally decompose and, ideally, not leave any toxic residue.
Most biodegradable packaging is usually made from organic raw materials, like banana leaves, cornstarch, or even mushrooms. These kinds of products, which are usually plant-based, will break down in landfills over a short period, and they are also compostable and can enrich the soil instead of adding to the waste. Packaging material is considered compostable if it’s able to break down within 90 to 180 days in commercial composting conditions or in home compost.
2. It’s Non-Toxic
In addition to being biodegradable and compostable, eco-friendly packaging does not use toxic materials. A common example of this is plastic packaging. In creating such material, the emission of carbon monoxide and other toxic organic compounds is unavoidable, and this can seriously harm the planet. Another problem with plastic packaging is that it’s usually not disposed of properly and ends up in landfills and oceans, exposing humans and animals to toxins. In addition, there’s also the chance that when plastics are used in food packaging, chemicals from the packaging may be transferred to the food.
To avoid this kind of scenario, it’s always best to choose eco-friendly packaging that’s safe and healthy for humans and animals. Such packaging can be made from bamboo, wood, wheat, and other plant-based extracts. These materials are non-toxic and also biodegradable.
3. It’s Recyclable And Reusable
Another factor that could qualify packaging as eco-friendly is its ability to be recycled and reused. Recyclable packaging is made of materials that can be used again after processing, while reusable packaging is made of materials that can be used again after cleaning. A key consideration in sustainable packaging is extending the life of materials that have already been used by using them again for other purposes. So, when deciding on packaging, you may want to consider those made out of recyclable materials, like paperboard, cardboard, or corrugated boxes. Not only are these materials lightweight, but they can also be cut and shipped easily.
Aside from materials made out of paper, you can also choose to use containers made from used plastic materials. Some manufacturers make packaging supplies out of discarded single-use bottles and bags. Many businesses and merchants worldwide have also been considering converting to recyclable and reusable materials for their packaging.
Suppose there are reasons you can’t completely eliminate the use of foams, films, or plastics in your operations. In that case, you can still explore the possibility of choosing recyclable packaging materials, like corrugated cardboard, and innovate better ways to use them.
4. It’s Plantable
Yes, you read it right. There are ‘plantable’ packaging options. These kinds of packaging have seeds embedded in them and can therefore be planted after use, which allows you to end up with new plants or flowers and which results in zero waste. Thanks to seed packaging, businesses and consumers now have better options when choosing eco-friendly packaging materials.
Plantable packaging can be used for various products, but it’s ideal for lightweight items such as cosmetics. What makes this kind of packaging unique is that, aside from leaving zero waste, it also allows people the chance to plant and bring forth new plants. If you decide to transition to eco-friendly packaging, you may want to consider choosing plantable packaging. It’s a good solution to reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a greener world.
Conclusion
Most types of convenient packaging can be inconvenient to the planet. Just because single-use plastic bags and boxes are easier to use doesn’t mean they’re better. Now more than ever, it’s essential to choose packaging that uses materials that don’t contribute to waste generation. Choosing eco-friendly packaging is a win-win situation for both you and the environment, as you can benefit from reducing your carbon footprint and cutting down the waste that contributes to global warming.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
