Sustainable Packaging – An Introduction
Sustainable Packaging has emerged as a critical component in modern business strategy; driven by shifting consumer preferences and mounting legislative pressures. One example of this is the European Parliament’s1 recent agreement to ban certain single-use plastics by 2030, which underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable practices.
Such legislation is reflective of a broader societal shift, towards environmental accountability, and this trend now compels manufacturers to rethink their packaging methods and materials. This trend not only benefits consumers and the environment – it also positions businesses to thrive; if they can deploy sustainable packaging ahead of their rivals.
The integration of sustainable packaging into product line-ups can also enhance brand loyalty and help to justify a price premium for your product, as consumers become more discerning in their purchasing decisions and increasingly prioritize those companies that demonstrate environmental awareness.
Types of Sustainable Packaging
Compostable Packaging is engineered to decompose into natural elements, ultimately contributing to soil health without leaving harmful residues. This type of packaging offers an eco-friendly alternative to landfill sites; that are often associated with noxious off-gassing and synthetic chemical leachates (i.e. nasty smelly liquids). These leachates can contaminate local watercourses and aquifers.
In addition to helping the environment, compostable packaging is increasingly attractive to consumers that live in neighbourhoods where general refuse collection is becoming less frequent and/or more stringent. This is because, if you have the opportunity to choose between two products; where “Product X” is surrounded by multiple layers of packing material (that will quickly fill your refuse bin), or “Product Y”, which comes packed in a sleek compostable bag… which one would you choose?
The answer is simple: you’d choose the product that was offered in Compostable Packaging.
Click here for a sample of our Compostable Packaging
Sustainable Packaging: Recycled and Recyclable Options
Recyclable Packaging is comprised of virgin materials that can be collected, processed, and transformed into new products. This method not only conserves valuable resources but also mitigates the environmental impact associated with conventional waste disposal. To learn more about these products, click here
Recycled Packaging is comprised of non-virgin materials that have already been through one use-cycle, and are now being used for a second or third time, as part of a current packaging solution.
Sustainable Packaging: Shelf-Life Extenders
In addition to changing the external packaging of your product, one can also reduce the environmental impact, via the inclusion of packaging aids, such as desiccants. These come in the traditional high-efficacy format (see more info here) or the newer environmentally friendly SUPERGREENPAK Grade (see more info here). By including these items, one can increase the shelf life of your product and decrease wastage caused by to moisture damage. This leads to fewer products being disposed-of prematurely and aids claims that your packaging is more environmentally friendly.
Of course, the added bonus with this approach is that it also increases your profits, as fewer products are wasted !
In addition to standard desiccants, wastage and environmental impact can also be reduced via the inclusion of humidity controllers, and even oxygen-absorbers. If you’d like to discuss these options in further detail, then please click here for a telephone call-back, from one of our experts.
Sustainable Packaging: Conclusion
As you can see from the discussion above, ‘Sustainable Packaging’ is not only an issue of Compostable or Recyclable Material, it’s also a Pressing Legislative Requirement, an Emerging Customer Trend, and most importantly of all: a Competitive Edge – to be used against your rivals, who have not yet made the switch from traditional packaging materials.
Our team has over 70 years’ worth of experience, helping customers solve their packaging problems, and we’d be very happy to help you too click here for a call-back !
Want some samples of these SUPERGREENPAK products ?
No problem ! 
click here for a sample of our Recyclable Pouches
click here for a sample of our Compostable Pouches
click here for a sample of our shelf-life extending Humidity Regulators
click here for a sample of our shelf-life extending Desiccants
click here for a sample of our shelf-life extending Oxygen-Level Controllers
Let us help you
If you’re interested in our SUPERGREENPAK range, and are looking to move to sustainable packaging, click here to book a free consultation !
Our team has over 70 years’ worth of experience helping customers solve their packaging problems, and we’d be very happy to help you too!
Call us on +44 (0)1628 531 900 …or click here for a call-back.
What to Read Next:
– The Importance of Green Packaging
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Citations:
[1] Deal on new rules for more sustainable packaging in the EU: News: European parliament (no date) Deal on new rules for more sustainable packaging in the EU | News |
[2] Purkiss, D. et al. (2022) The Big Compost Experiment: Using citizen science to assess the impact and effectiveness of biodegradable and compostable plastics in UK home composting, Frontiers.
[3] Saveth, B. (2024) Council post: Embracing sustainability: The rise of eco-friendly Packaging Solutions, Forbes.
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