Sustainable packaging minimizes environmental impact across product life cycles. From packaging materials that can be recycled to post consumer recycled packaging made out of reused materials and compostable or paper packaging, there are many ways to package products more sustainably. Find out more about five sustainable packaging materials and printing methods that can reduce the environmental impact of any product or brand.
Recyclable Packaging Options
Selecting recyclable packaging is one of the best ways to shrink the carbon footprint of a brand. The process of recycling plastics uses 80% less energy than the processes to create new, virgin materials. Store drop-off is currently an option for some recyclable pouches.
Mono-material packaging is easier to recycle than multi-material packaging. Brands focusing on reducing environmental impact should consider whether the quality of products can be preserved by packaging that is made out of a single polymer, such as recyclable polyethylene.
Post Consumer Recycled Material
Packaging that contains some portion of recycled materials can also promote sustainability. Each layer of PCR film consists of around 25% to 30% of recycled content, which significantly reduces the amount of new materials that go into making packaging. Some PCR materials can be recycled again.
PCR packaging materials typically cost more than virgin plastics. Brands should factor the higher cost of these materials into packaging choices. Market research indicates that 86% of consumers age 45 or younger are willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging.
Compostable Packaging Films
Compostable packaging breaks down into non-toxic components. Films that are compostable can return to the soil and may even help plant life to flourish. Several types of compostable packaging are available.
Packaging that can be composted remains costly for large products. Advances in materials science could eventually make compostable materials a more cost-effective choice over time. Compostable sachet packaging for single-use or travel-size products can appeal to consumers.
Paper Packaging Material
Paper is another sustainable packaging option for select products. It is important to note that untreated paper lacks the protective properties of flexible plastic packaging. Waxing and other treatments to increase the barrier functions of paper packaging can restrict recycling or composting options.
For certain products, paper can be a great choice of sustainable packaging. If preserving freshness and limiting exposure to oxygen, moisture and contaminants are critical concerns, it is hard to beat environmentally conscious plastic packaging.
Sustainable Package Printing
Digital printing offers a more sustainable approach to package design than conventional printing methods. In addition to making it possible to print stand up pouch packaging without plates and affordably produce small order quantities or variable designs, digital packaging printers that use compostable polymer-based inks do not release hazardous air pollutants.
One or more of these five packaging ideas can work for most consumables. The packaging requirements for a particular product could vary based on barrier specifications or the need for durability, resealable closures or recycling options. While some sustainable materials cost more upfront than more wasteful alternatives, any of these ideas can reduce the long-term costs and consequences of single-use plastic packaging.
