Sustainable packaging refers to packaging that reduces its environmental impact over time. Sustainable packaging is not only about the final product, but also about the ingredients, production process, and reusability. The ingredients should be from recyclable raw materials, and the production process should be reduced to minimize the carbon footprint. Sustainable packaging ought to create a circular economy, therefore, extending the usability and lifecycle of the packages.
Our planet is facing challenges like climate change, and global warming, and some countries are already starting to feel the pinch. The UAE’S rapidly growing economy has led to serious environmental problems, which arise from demand for water and energy, as well as urban development. One of the ways to reduce environmental destruction is to embrace sustainable packaging.
Why We Should Shift to Sustainable Packaging
Many companies have been making changes towards going green by embracing sustainable packaging. But do you know why they do this? Sustainable packaging has positive impacts on the environment.
One of the most important things sustainable packaging does is reducing carbon footprint. Did you know that carbon footprint refers to the volume of greenhouse gases produced by human activities? Packaging products go through various processes, for instance, extraction, production, transportation, and usage.
Each phase produces a certain percentage of carbon monoxide into the environment. Sustainable packaging is eco-friendly and utilized different production methods, which reduces carbon emissions.
2020 Sustainable Packaging Trends
2020 is going to bring various sustainable packaging trends as many companies scramble to attract more customers while conserving the environment. Here are the trends set to dominate sustainable packaging in 2020;
- Recycling
Sustainability has been the focus of packaging for several years, and in 2020, it’s not going to be any different. Companies will focus more on utilizing 100% recyclable materials to make packaging. This is also why some companies encourage their customers to recycle bottles.
- Minimalism
Sustainable packaging trends will include minimalism because it is biodegradable and eco-friendly. Minimalism means reducing packaging materials and designs. Minimalism designs allow consumers to focus on packaging prints, which encourage recycling and reusing the products.
- Upcycled Packaging Materials
Using upcycled reduces waste materials on our planet. Products made from post-consumer waste materials attract more consumers. The production of these packages is less expensive and eco-friendly. Some companies will use 100% upcycled materials to encourage consumers to make sustainable choices.
- Smart Packaging
Technology makes things effortless, which makes CRM branded packaging and customize packaging companies to have an easier time in their activities. Smart packaging reduces wastage, especially in the food packaging industry. Indicators can tell you when food is fresh or when it is no longer fit for consumption.
- Bioplastics
Many companies are also shifting from plastics to bioplastics; this means they don’t have to rely on fossil fuels, which require more energy to extract and process. Fossil resources are non-renewable. Bioplastics are more conducive and kind to the environment because they are made from annual crops, like sugar beets, sugar cane, cassava, and corn. Bioplastics can be carbon neutral or reduce greenhouse emissions. Bioplastics increase resource efficiency.
- Returnable Packaging
The returnable packaging trend has many advantages. A returnable package can be reused without damaging or altering its productivity. Reusability in packaging is a crucial factor when considering the environment. Reusability reduces disposal costs for consumers and minimizes waste. This is not only beneficial to customers, but also to the planet. Most of the products used in returnable packaging are recyclable, which makes this trend eco-friendly and sustainable.
- From Plastics to Paper
Did you know that paper-based packaging is a sustainable packaging trend? Paper is a product of trees, which makes it renewable. Using paper encourages companies to plant more trees and to maintain forests. Also, paper is endlessly recyclable; this means it does not degrade no matter how many times it is recycled. However, it can rot when left in a landfill. Paper-based packaging is more eco-friendly compared to plastics, and it is also versatile.
- Mono-Materials
As consumers are looking for more sustainable and environmental-friendly products, companies are focusing on mono-materials. These packages are made from one material; this simplifies reusing, which reduces the need for new materials. Since mono-materials are made using one polymer, they can be collected and recycled easily.
- Edible Packaging
Edible packaging is a trend in the food packaging industry. Edible packages are meant to be eaten, and they are biodegradable like the food they used to pack. Different companies have various edible packaging. The first edible packaging was the ice cream cone, which was sugar or waffle based. Other examples are starch-based cake wrappers and edible cups.
Many companies are embracing sustainable packaging because benefits not only the environment, but also consumers and the company. Different companies use various strategies to make their packaging more sustainable.
