In a fast-paced world where environmental problems, energy, and climate crisеs are taking a toll, businesses are slowly starting to recognize what impact they have and clients are starting to demand a change. In an effort to become more environmentally-friendly and energy-conscious, companies from all industries are starting to implement new practices and invest in sustainable packaging solutions.

In this article, Packlion will tell you all about the need for sustainable packaging in times of energy and climate crisis.

How have consumers’ preferences towards packaging changed?

Customers are becoming more and more invested in making a positive change in the world, and that includes changing their packaging preferences. While a few years back barely anyone was triggered by single-use plastic and non-recyclable packaging, this is not the situation right now.

Clients are more eco-conscious than ever to the point that the packaging becomes one of the main factors that affect purchase decisions. But why is that happening? Well, the greener the packaging is, the more sustainable a brand and a product look.

Packaging often makes the first impression and speaks volumes about a company’s values, so better make it sustainable. Choose recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable materials made of recycled or renewable resources. Alternatively, if you sell liquid products, think about introducing a refill policy.

Going green when it comes to packaging is key to winning over eco-aware clients and building a positive reputation. In fact, in modern days, switching to sustainable packaging is one of the only ways your company and products could stay relevant and competitive on the market.

What should businesses do?

Use biodegradable and recyclable materials

The first step towards sustainability and against the emerging energy and climate crisеs is the usage of recyclable and biodegradable materials. That means ditching the traditional packaging options that are heavily polluting the environment, taking hundreds of years to break down, and affecting wildlife on land and in the oceans.

Some of the best sustainable materials to look for are cardboard and paper. Both are lightweight, easily customizable, biodegradable, recyclable, and safely dissolve in a matter of weeks upon disposal. Use the durable cardboard for your product boxes and paper for wrapping and filling purposes.

Reduce the weight of the packaging

Another way to lower your brand’s negative footprint and impact is to reduce the packaging weight. That means switching to more lightweight options, without compromising the quality and durability of the packaging.

The good news is, that some of the best lightweight materials like paper and cardboard are completely biodegradable, recyclable, and easily customizable. In addition, if you can make small size boxes work for your existing products without a higher risk of item damage, we urge you to do it.

When you ditch your traditional packaging for lightweight eco-friendly packaging, you immediately decrease energy usage and reduce logistic costs. Indeed, small and light boxes are cheaper and easy to transport and lower the carbon emissions from your shipping processes.

Use eco-friendly inks

Another sustainable packaging trend that you can embrace and adopt is the utilization of eco-friendly inks. These inks are entirely plant-based, contain no chemicals, and are completely safe for the environment upon disposal. Such eco-friendly inks wear out as slowly as regular inks but they are way more eco-conscious.

Using eco inks for your sustainable packaging design will make you look like a trustworthy eco-conscious company that cares about the environment and wants to save energy and significantly lower its negative climate impact.

Minimize your reliance on fossil fuels

Way too many companies are producing high levels of fossil fuel emissions that intensify the excessive carbon pollution problem and the climate crisis. If these carbon-emitting businesses want to make a change they have to realize they have a huge responsibility to research and implement energy alternatives that are green and sustainable.

Here are a few ideas of what you can do:

For transportation, switch to electric vehicles
Upgrade your internal procedures to be greener and eco-oriented
Start relying on solar or wind energy
Use lightweight packaging and optimize its size to lower transportation emissions
Find a sustainable packaging supplier that is already established as environmentally-conscious

Overall, the fewer fossil fuels you use, the better. By minimizing your reliance on those, you can be a positive example of a brand that actually cares for the planet and the well-being of the current and future generations.

By Sumeet Manhas

Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

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