However, before getting into details, it’s essential to establish a working definition of what sustainability really is and how cosmetic companies can achieve this. Because although there are many variations and strategies to how cosmetic companies approach sustainability, there are overarching features to make a package sustainable.

Source: PakFactory

First, the packaging should be 100% recycled or natural materials, and its production process must be eco-friendly. This means the need for an ethical, well-managed supply chain, and the production of the package must be in a zero-waste or closed-loop way to be considered sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. 

Second, the packaging must also be easy for customers to recycle, reuse, or upcycle in some form. 

However, it’s just as important to note that for many cosmetics businesses, it’s challenging to incorporate all of these elements into one package, especially while keeping price points at a reasonable level for customers. That’s why it’s crucial to establish priorities for the cosmetic company’s values regarding eco-friendliness and to keep that in focus while designing sustainable beauty packaging. 

For example, while cosmetic businesses can’t always make the most eco-friendly lotion packaging, as the bottles are predominantly manufactured using plastic, the key takeaway is to create a concerted effort in the right direction. Making their packaging as eco-friendly as possible to protect the environment while still offering value to customers is the ultimate objective. So in this article, let’s look at some of the best choices available. From sustainable cosmetic jars to eco-friendly makeup packaging filler alternatives, let’s dive right in with the benefits each option has to offer. 

Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Packaging

Source: PakFactory

One of the most popular eco-friendly packaging choices is post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging. PCR packaging is quickly gaining popularity, with projections showing that the industry will grow from 14.2 billion dollars in 2020 to 18.8 billion dollars by 2025. 

This form of packaging is made from recycled items such as cardboard boxes, paper, plastic bottles, aluminum, and other everyday materials. So when these recyclables arrive at a recycling facility, they are separated by material and sorted into bales, which are then purchased and molded into new items. As a result, this solution has a wide range of capabilities regarding the shape and size of the packaging it produces, making it perfect for cosmetic businesses looking for a 100% recycled materials initiative. But how is PCR packaging different from compostable or recyclable cosmetic packaging?

Source: PakFactory

PCR differs because it is created after the raw materials are sent to recycling facilities. It gives the materials a new life by reusing them. However, with compostable and recyclable packaging, the customer essentially disposes of the package, ending the lifecycle. 

Also, with recyclable and compostable packaging, there is greater reliance on the customer’s disposal process, as certain conditions may change the material’s biodegradability. 

PCR packaging is favored over recyclable and compostable options for cosmetic containers and packaging because of its many more benefits – for both businesses and customers. It’s one of the most accessible eco-friendly packaging options for cosmetics because it can be shaped into many different forms and sizes, making it a perfect choice for items like cream jars or lotion bottles.

Some of the key benefits of PCR packaging include:

• Flexibility
• Protection
• Strong barrier performance
• Good strength
• Plastic film alternative
• Reduces carbon footprint

PCR is also beneficial because it helps cosmetic companies maintain and showcase eco-friendly initiatives through sustainable beauty packaging.  

Especially as customers become more aware of the environmental impact of materials such as plastic, PCR packaging can be a great way to engage with audiences around sustainability and environmental impact without compromising product packaging quality.

Bamboo Packaging

Source: Kon Mari

Bamboo is another emerging eco-friendly packaging trend for beauty and cosmetic businesses and is best for disposable packages like lip balm or lipstick cases. Bamboo is one of the best options for plant-based cosmetic packaging as it uses entirely renewable sources. 

There is no use of insecticides or pesticides in its cultivation, and a variety of species are available, so there are many options. Bamboo is a lightweight packaging option, and its sheath can add a layer of durability to any cosmetics container. 

Bamboo is best used as a biodegradable replacement for plastic and paper, as its wood is excellent for external jars using acrylic or glass as an inner coating. Bamboo cosmetic jars can even be branded using techniques like screen printing, hot stamping, engraving, and more.

Paper Packaging

Source: PakFactory

Paper has long been a form of eco-friendly packaging across all industries, and the cosmetics industry is no different. There are many ways to use this type of sustainable packaging as a replacement for plastic. 

For example, makeup and lipstick packaging often include plastic filling such as bubble wrap for protection. However, replacing this plastic filler with paper filler made of cardboard or recycled paper is an excellent alternative to attain more sustainable beauty packaging for your business. 

Paper is both renewable and biodegradable, offering a more sustainable protective option than single-use plastics. 

Browse our full catalog of paper packaging here!

Refillable Packaging

Source: PakFactory

One of the cosmetics industry’s biggest challenges is reducing plastic within traditional lotion and skincare packaging. But with so few durable and waterproof alternatives available, cosmetics companies have been trying to devise compromises to minimize the impact of the abundant use of plastic in things such as lotion bottles and cosmetic jars. 

One way to accomplish this is by encouraging customers to reuse these containers by providing refill services. 

Refillable cosmetic packaging can help companies reduce their impact and is a great way to engage with customers and build value for the product. It allows companies to drastically cut down the impact of plastics while encouraging customers to continue returning to and reusing the product. 

In addition, companies can offer a special discount for customers who opt for the refill service, encouraging the extended use of their cosmetic containers. So although plastic is not eco-friendly, continued reuse is a viable compromise for a sustainable cosmetic packaging option.

Cornstarch Packaging

Source: Botuo Packaging

Cornstarch is a perfect alternative to plastic for cosmetic companies seeking a more organic, eco-friendly cosmetic packaging option for their lotion bottles. As the name suggests, it is made from polylactic acid (PLA), derived from renewable sources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. And while there are concerns about supply chains if it is more widely used, there are still options to incorporate this packaging option into overall operations. 

As a viable plastic replacement, cornstarch offers a lot of possibilities when it comes to sustainable cosmetic packaging options. It is both biodegradable and recyclable, also making it a great choice for lotion bottles and skincare cream jars. It is also non-toxic and does not produce large amounts of emissions, which is why so many cosmetic companies are now looking into cornstarch as a suitable alternative. 

Seaweed Packaging

Source: Dezeen

On paper, seaweed might not seem viable for sustainable beauty packaging, but it actually has a lot of potentials!  Seaweed packaging is edible and dissolvable, making it suitable as a biodegradable cosmetic packaging option. And although seaweed is much more common in the food industry, it also has its benefits for the cosmetics industry. 

Seaweed is an excellent alternative for eco-friendly skincare packaging for face masks, gels, lotions, and other general liquid-based cosmetics. In addition, seaweed packaging can serve as a plastic alternative as it is an abundant resource and won’t negatively impact the planet. 

And although this innovation is still in the prototyping phase, the general idea is to freeze, thaw, and air-dry the seaweed to turn it into packaging material. The end product is a transparent film, cushioning, or packaging that can be reinforced with other natural materials, such as algae or fiber, for additional protection.

Beeswax Packaging

Source: Unsplash

Another intriguing and excellent eco-friendly cosmetic packaging material is beeswax. It is easily molded and manipulated, making it a great protective layer to surround items or serve as a cover.

Beeswax packaging is made from beeswax, jojoba, and coconut oil and paired with a fabric like cotton as a coating. So like the other packaging ideas mentioned, beeswax offers a great alternative to plastic, allowing for even more unique branding opportunities. 

In addition, beeswax packaging can come in many different colors and patterns and is a more affordable option than some of the other above-mentioned eco-friendly packaging ideas for cosmetics. Beeswax is also beneficial for cosmetics because of its unique characteristics. It has anti-bacterial elements that can provide excellent protection and is durable enough to keep items safe from damage.

Sustainable Packaging for the Planet and Your Product

One thing that’s clear is that this is an exciting time for eco-friendly cosmetic packaging. With so many alternatives to plastic emerging, the future of the beauty industry and its packaging is on its way to becoming more sustainable. 

With greater emphasis on renewable materials that are biodegradable and recyclable, there is more opportunity for impact. Cosmetics companies looking to stand out in a competitive market and create a more impactful and authentic connection with customers can accomplish this by incorporating eco-friendly cosmetic packaging into their brand initiatives.

Browse our full catalog of cosmetic packaging here!

The post 7 Eco-Friendly Cosmetics Packaging Ideas first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post 7 Eco-Friendly Cosmetics Packaging Ideas appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

One such alternative worth considering is edible packaging, which has recently gained traction in recent years due to the clear paradigm shift toward eco-friendliness. Governments, businesses and packaging experts are already beginning to invest more money into this alternative, resulting in a quickly expanding market ready to be tapped. In fact, according to Allied Market Research, the global consumable packaging market was valued at $697 million in 2016 and is on track to reach $1.10 billion in 2023. 

So as suppliers continue to cultivate more resources for consumable solutions, this new packaging movement will only continue to gain steam. 

Source: Wen Wen Fan

Now is the perfect time to delve into this market, and we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to get started. We will explore the different types of edible packaging currently available and some of their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if this option is right for you! But before we get into the finer details of this fantastic alternative, we must first cover the basics.

What is Edible Packaging?

As the name suggests, it is a type of sustainable food packaging designed to be eaten or biodegraded as efficiently as the food it protects. Commonly made from natural, plant-based materials such as seaweed or casein, any type of film, sheet, layer or coating qualifies as edible packaging so long as it can be eaten alongside the food product.  

And with the package being consumed instead of disposed of, this sustainable packaging method is perfect for helping reduce our dependency on plastics while naturally generating less waste as everything is eaten, leaving nothing behind.

This alternative comes at a crucial point in time for the food industry as it has recently come under fire for the sheer amount of waste produced. Most traditional food packaging comes from materials that are not biodegradable or natural, and statistics from the United States Environmental Protection Agency show that food and plastic accounted for over 30% of solid waste in 2018. 

Thankfully consumable food packaging is available in various types, bio-materials and plant-by products, making it a solid choice to swap traditional packaging for an eco-friendlier option. So now that you know what edible packaging is and its role in reducing waste in the food industry, you may wonder what types are available.

Source: Wen Wen Fan

Edible Packaging Options

Although consumable packages are a newer addition to the many sustainable options, you’ve probably encountered them before and will definitely see more variations soon! Ice cream waffle cones, for example, are edible packaging. And as more innovations reach the market, more options are on the horizon.

Source: Sardi Strategic Design

Hard cookie coffee cups, sweet gelatin packaging, fruit-like casings, and candy wrappers made of potato fibers or rice paper are just some examples of companies experimenting with new ways to make consumable packaging.

Some other popular innovations include;

Straws: Consumable straws, such as the ones showcased here, are a trendy innovation to reduce dependence on regular drinking straws. Tasteless pasta made of wheat and water, fruity apples made from leftover apple fibers, or sweet sugar straws are available for whatever beverage you wish to drink, whether it’s something fizzy, fruity or alcoholic.

When used, these straws last for nearly an hour and can serve as a sweet snack along with your beverage. Or, if you would like a less intrusive experience, pasta straws provide no taste and are even suitable for hot drinks! Regardless of your choice, all straws can be eaten or are 100% biodegradable.

Food film: A more recent development. Researchers from the University of Nottingham developed edible and 100% biodegradable food film using plant-based carbohydrates such as konjac flour, starch, cellulose and proteins. This innovative food packaging film offers better storage, safety and shelf life while being much more environmentally friendly than plastic.

Eco-bags: Indonesian company, Avani, developed a consumable, biodegradable eco-bag from cassava root that can dissolve in warm water, but the intention of this bag wasn’t to be consumed by humans. Avani’s eco bag nourishes fish and insects when consumed instead of poisoning them with plastics!

Spoons: Bakeys have created the world’s first consumable cutlery line from rice flour, wheat, and sorghum to combat plastic cutlery pollution. Designed to be fully vegan with no trans fat or preservatives, this company aims to create an eco-friendly eating utensil suitable for mass audiences. With over 40 billion plastic utensils used yearly in the United States alone, cutlery plays a massive role in the environmental harm caused by the food industry, and Bakeys aims to lessen that impact.

Bottles: Ooho, the edible bottle, is the leading consumable alternative to plastic bottles. Developed by Skipping Rocks Lab, Ooho uses a technique popularized in cooking spherification. By utilizing a double membrane of sodium alginate and calcium chloride, Skipping Rock Labs developed a transparent gel wall solid enough to hold liquid in a spherical pouch-like container. Unlike a traditional plastic water bottle, this container is completely consumable and leaves no waste behind.

How is Edible Packaging Made?

As shown in the above section, consumable packaging comes in many forms. This type of sustainable packaging is relatively new, so innovation and experimentation are a constant, and there is no one method to make edible packaging. However, there are several guidelines packaging innovators must follow to ensure their invention is the least intrusive to consumer experience and is indeed environmentally friendlier than traditional means.

The ultimate goal for packaging is, first and foremost, to protect and preserve the product. Since many common resources used in edible packaging consist of some shortcomings, the packaging is usually made with several different components to balance and support each other’s weaknesses. 

Secondly, to be eaten or biodegraded without harmful environmental impact, you do not want to include synthetic, toxic materials such as plastics; that would be counter-intuitive! Natural materials such as wheat, seaweed, alginate, fruit, or plant fibers should be considered in combinations that complement each other.

After selecting the appropriate materials, films and coatings are created by emulsifying or dispersing film-forming polymers into a solvent such as water or ethanol. It is then applied directly to the food item with the assistance of the solvent.

To learn more about sustainable coatings, read here

Finally, though a good amount of consumable packaging on the market may include complimenting tastes, the packaging should have a neutral or tasteless flavor in most cases. The reason for this is that if the taste is too strong, there’s a risk that the item inside will absorb the flavor and compromise the product. To avoid this, always consider tasteless or subtle, complimenting flavors to accompany your product.

Why you should consider Edible Packaging for Your Business

But now that we better understand this new type of sustainable packaging and covered the extensive innovation going into its development, you might wonder what the benefits of joining the edible packaging market are. Like other sustainable packaging options, the benefits are the same and more!

Meet customer expectations

The first benefit is the most significant business concern: satisfying customer expectations around sustainability. We’ve seen a global shift towards eco-friendliness, and customers are increasingly scrutinizing brands to ensure sustainability is a core practice. 

Edible packaging is one of the best ways to accomplish this. 

Because there is inherently zero waste tied to this type of packaging, and it is natural and biodegradable, it can be a great way to show that your company is willing to commit to the environment in the long run and will help build a loyal customer base that your business can rely on.

Diverse purposes

With plenty of innovations in developing new ways to use consumable packaging, many options are available to make this packaging your own and stand out from the rest. This type of sustainable packaging is multi-purpose and can be used in various ways for sustainability, versatility and cost-saving.

Some examples of this diversity include single-use items like the ice cream waffle cone mentioned earlier in this article or packaging for refrigerated items. This usage range is even expanding further with the advancement of technology into the territories of hot liquid containers and food preservation!

Doing Your Part for the Planet

Lastly, edible packaging is a great way to protect our planet. Even among the other sustainable options, this is one of the best. By eliminating the typical waste cycle and circumventing recycling methods, no traces are left behind to end up in landfills or improperly disposed of. Even when consumer behaviors cause improper disposal or littering, 100% biodegradability still ensures a safe and happy planet.

Drawbacks of Edible Food Packaging

Source: Wen Wen Fan

But just like with any other sustainable packaging, there are still disadvantages. This packaging method still needs to be perfected and, at the current time, may still need non-consumable materials, negating some environmental benefits. 

Furthermore, because edible packaging can be more sensitive to temperature and heat, more care is required during shipping, which may be costly for some businesses to maintain. 

And while plenty of research has shown its safety and effectiveness, there may be difficulty in gaining customer trust for edible food packages. People are so used to throwing away packaging or seeing it as a disposable item that it will take time for the culture to shift towards consumable packaging. But the good news is that it isn’t impossible.

The Future of Edible Packaging

One thing that has become apparent is that the future of packaging is starting to change. We’re moving towards more environmentally-friendly options that can significantly help reduce waste, such as plastic packaging and other toxic materials while creating a new standard of sustainable initiatives. 

Although more research and development are needed to scale this new sustainable packaging option and make it suitable for large-scale use, the current results show a lot of progress. So as more policies change and resources are invested into sustainable, edible packaging, we’re poised to see more innovation for more than just the food industry.

Expect to see changes in various industries, not only for edible packaging but sustainable packaging as a whole.

If you want to read more about sustainable packaging, please visit us here!

The post Edible Packaging – The Fast Approaching Sustainable Packaging Trend first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post Edible Packaging – The Fast Approaching Sustainable Packaging Trend appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

Energy-intensive manufacturing processes, the release of toxic chemicals and an increasing amount of packaging waste being littered into the oceans or ending up in landfills are a compounding problem that needs a solution. And though adopting sustainable packaging is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done. Indeed, on paper, sustainable packaging is less impactful to the environment, but there are still impacts that we might not realize.

Even with newly developed technologies and innovations allowing for more eco-friendly options, consumers, companies, and governing bodies need a concerted effort for real positive change. Sustainable packaging is a good start, and using diverse, sustainable methods is critical, but it can’t stop there. And to prove this point, we will dive into the environmental impacts sustainable packaging can still cause on our planet.

What Exactly is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable packaging refers to the aspects of a package like the sourcing, development, manufacturing, use and disposal that should have minimal environmental impact and footprint.

In other words, sustainable packaging needs to be eco-friendly so that it doesn’t contribute further to the severe impacts of traditional packaging.

As outlined by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), there are eight criteria’s that a package needs to be considered sustainable:

1. It is beneficial, safe and healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle.
2. Meets market criteria for performance and cost.
3. It is sourced, manufactured, transported and recycled using renewable energy.
4. Optimizes the use of renewable or recyclable source material.
5. It is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices.
6. It is made from materials that are eco-friendly throughout its life cycle.
7. It is physically designed to optimize materials and energy.
8. It is effectively recovered and utilized in a biological and industrial circular economy.

However, though these criteria are a great guideline to define sustainable packaging, the truth is that many available sustainable packaging solutions don’t always meet some of the above criteria. No, this doesn’t mean that businesses shouldn’t adopt sustainable packaging — it is still better than traditional packaging in terms of eco-friendliness. 

Businesses should be aware of these shortcomings and need to take additional measures to ensure the effective implementation of their chosen sustainable packaging solution. Because by itself, sustainable packaging cannot always do what it is intended for. Proper initiatives, education and total commitment from consumers, businesses and governments are required.

With this in mind, let us look deeper.

The Truth About Sustainable Plastic Packaging

As plastic is one of the most common and pervasive materials we see daily, let’s start by comparing traditional plastic and bioplastic.

We, as a society, produce over 430 million tons of plastic annually. Two-thirds of which are one-time use or short-lived products that are either littered into the ocean or improperly disposed of in landfills, where it will take hundreds of years to break down entirely. Even then, plastics will leave behind toxic chemicals that further harm the environment.

But of these 430 million tons of plastic produced, approximately 36 percent of it is used in packaging, making the packaging industry the largest generator of single-use plastic waste worldwide. Furthermore, to add more pollutant fuel to the fire, plastic is one of the most energy-intensive manufacturing processes in the world. Plastic is made by burning fossil fuels like crude oil at high temperatures while inputting additives to transform it into a polymer.

This process alone generated 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, or 3.4 percent of the global total.

So now that you understand the massive damage traditional plastics are causing to our environment, how do bioplastics fare? Instead of fossil fuel resources used in traditional plastics, bioplastic resources originate from renewable biomass like vegetable fats, plant starches or wood fibers.

Bioplastics fall into two categories: PLA (polylactic acids) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates). PLA is made by fermenting ingredients like cornstarch or sugar cane. It is commonly found in food packaging, clothing, cosmetics and home furnishing and is more brittle and does not hold well to heat compared to regular plastic. PHA is created and stored by bacteria when fermenting sugar or fats. It can withstand more heat than PLA and is commonly found in food packaging, agricultural products and medical devices.

But while bioplastics certainly meet the SPC criterion of sourcing raw materials from renewable sources, which is still a significant improvement over traditional plastics, there are still many drawbacks.

First of all, making bioplastic is still a very energy-intensive process. Sure, it is less energy-intensive than traditional plastic, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t energy intensive! A high amount of water and energy is required to create bioplastic.

Secondly, many bioplastics are not biodegradable and need special facilities that are not always readily available or implemented. If bioplastics enter a landfill, like their traditional counterparts, the same environmental damage is caused!  Bioplastics can also contaminate other recyclable plastics if improperly disposed of and act like regular plastic if it ends up in the ocean. And though bioplastics can emit fewer carbon emissions than plastic under the right conditions, it requires systematic change, infrastructure and proactive initiative, which has yet to be readily available. More on this later.

Overall, bioplastics can reduce environmental impact, but the adverse effects are still high.  As we said before, sustainable packaging is not the end solution but a step towards it.

Examining Other Sustainable Packaging Alternatives

It is not just bioplastics that still have an environmental footprint, but other sustainable options as well.

Glass Packaging

Glass is an example of an endlessly sustainable resource if proper infrastructure and moderated sourcing are in place. It is infinitely recyclable, long-lasting and requires less energy to recycle than manufacture.

However, as with bioplastic, it is not a permanent end-solution.  The fact is that glass also takes a lot of resources and energy to manufacture. It actually requires more resources than plastic and requires a massive amount of sand to be dredged up from coastal habitats. And like plastic, glass is often not appropriately recycled, ending its life cycle in a landfill or as litter, where it takes up to one million years to decompose!

Again, glass is an excellent way to reduce environmental impact, but we cannot switch to this packaging and think everything will be solved.

Aluminum Packaging

Aluminum is another infinitely sustainable source hampered by infrastructure and human behavior. Aluminum is known as the green metal because of its sustainability and infinite reusability in a circular life cycle economy. Recycling aluminum saves 95 percent of the energy required to manufacture new aluminum products, which has a substantial positive impact! But for this eco-friendly metal to work, it absolutely requires recycling. Unfortunately, in 2018, the recycling rate for aluminum cans was only around 35 percent. 

Once again, global initiatives and proactivity are required to make this a sustainable option. Manufacturing aluminum cans is an energy-intensive process that releases harmful emissions and caustic sludge that may contain traces of radioactive elements. Aluminum is an excellent sustainable material if appropriately recycled and reused, but the manufacturing process is an environmental nightmare that needs to be addressed.

Paper-based and Paperboard Packaging

Paper and paperboard are in a similar boat.

Though recent technologies have streamlined processes and eliminated toxic wastewater produced during manufacturing, intensive chemical and mechanical processes are still involved, resulting in harmful air emissions like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Even when approximately 68% of paper and paperboard are recycled in the United States annually, the highest among solid waste materials, other factors are in play that affect sustainability.

42% of all wood harvested globally is for making paper. With an increasing demand for packaging, is this truly a sustainable option? Deforestation is already a global concern, but the need for more paper might exacerbate the situation. Even other sustainable alternatives to tree-based paper, like hemp and bamboo, require land and resources to grow, collect and harvest, which leads us to our next topic.

The Impact of Paper and Plant-Based Eco-Friendly Packaging

We briefly touched on the topic of adverse land usage and harmful environmental effects on habitats with glass and paper packaging materials, but it is worth going into more detail. Many factors are still at play with sustainable packaging, and it is crucial to cover all bases for a complete picture of where we stand regarding environmental sustainability.

Plant-based sustainable packaging can seem like a great alternative when compared to plastic and other materials that require energy-intensive and often heavily pollutant manufacturing processes. Yes, like all other sustainable alternatives, plant-based packaging does have its benefits. However, many people must consider the land requirements needed to meet rising demands.

Crops need land to grow, and land is also a valuable finite resource. People often need to remember that extensive swathes of land are required to grow crops such as corn, hemp, and bamboo to meet the packaging demands of an ever-growing market. Not to mention the taxing demands from other industries for the same crops, relying solely on plant-based alternatives might cause more harm than good.

Typical industrial agriculture practices like extensive fertilization, pesticide utilization and monoculture are detrimental to soil health, the surrounding ecosystem and animals. And with the demand for crops increasing, even more land will need to be allocated to meet such demands. 

But where does this land come from? Do we tear down parts of a city to make room for more farmland? The obvious answer is no.

Industrial Farms Destroy Natural Habitats

New farmland is created by converting natural habitats, forests or any other untouched lands by humanity. Habitat destruction is the number one threat to animals around the globe, and the expansion of farmland is not helping. Plants and animals need space to live, grow and breed. When this space becomes endangered and insufficient, it may result in a drastic population plummet, which in some cases, is irreversible. Even the loss of untouched soil is causing significant environmental effects.

For example, let us look back at the bioplastic usage of corn. Corn is typically grown for food, but it can now be used to produce PLA bioplastics, further increasing demand for this crop. With corn being an extensively and industrially grown crop in North America, much land is required for corn fields.

Habitats such as great plains, prairies and grasslands are typically used for this, and this is where the problems begin to arise. Untouched soil naturally stores and remove harmful carbon emissions from our atmosphere. Depending on the location, soil can store different amounts of carbon, but the fact remains that it can remove about 25 percent of the world’s fossil fuel emissions per year.

However, since almost half of the land capable of supporting plant life is converted to farmland, the soil has lost about 50 to 70 percent of its previously held carbon. As it stands, current agricultural practices such as tilling, monoculture planting, and extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers have exposed the soil’s stored carbon, allowing it to burn off in the atmosphere and contribute to greenhouse emissions.

Bamboo and sugarcane, touted as sustainable materials, are no different if processes are not monitored, enhanced and ethically performed.

Satellite images of South America — where over 40 percent of the world’s sugarcane is grown — have revealed that in 2020, over 90,000 fires happened in the Amazon rainforest. Many of these fires were attributed to the expansion of pastures and fields.

Fast-growing bamboo still needs to be monitored too. Along with being the primary food source of pandas, growing bamboo industrially requires clearing endangered forests, which decreases the health of our finite land resource.

Know the Source of your Sustainable Packaging Materials

Paper and plant-based packaging are excellent substitutes for plastic, but biodiversity and awareness are required to prevent unintentional environmental harm. Speak with your suppliers and know exactly where your materials are coming from.

Materials sourced from farmlands bordering or overlapping endangered habitats are a big red flag. If your current supplier is unwilling to disclose the source of their materials, it might be time to find a new supplier! But awareness, monitoring and change don’t end with ethically sourcing raw materials. As we said earlier, a concerted effort across the board is required.

How to Mitigate the Environmental Impact of Manufacturing Sustainable Packaging

Changes and monitoring of the manufacturing process are just as essential to curb the negative environmental impact of sustainable packaging. We revealed earlier that many sustainable packaging still requires energy-intensive manufacturing and complex processes, which can be counter-productive to an eco-friendly alternative.

Manufacturing sustainable materials like glass require the combustion of fossil fuels, which results in sulfur and nitrogen oxide emission. Mixing these emissions with water and sunlight causes acid rain.

In addition, the melting of materials to create glass also produces harmful particulates like lead and arsenic. Aluminum, as mentioned earlier, produces caustic and possibly radioactive sludge when manufactured. With current technologies, entirely removing the harm of manufacturing these products might not be possible, but there are ways to mitigate and reduce these effects.

Frequent energy and water audits can help manufacturing companies know the stress points in their manufacturing methods. Though manufacturing can inherently be energy-intensive, these audits will help reduce energy expenditure and streamline processes. Water audits also help reduce wastewater and can help manufacturers find ways to conserve and reduce water usage.

Recycling and reusing waste is another great way for manufacturers to contribute to a healthier planet. Like with the manufacturing of paper and paperboard, advancement in technology has allowed the reuse of toxic wastewater, eliminating this environmental hazard from the manufacturing process! Frequently, manufacturers only require one part of a resource while the rest is disposed of. Processes must be implemented to use these wasted resources or removed from the manufacturing process altogether

Using renewable energies that are replenished naturally, like solar, wind, rain, tides, biomass and geothermal heat, are another excellent way for manufacturers to stay eco-friendly. Many states now offer tax breaks and incentives for businesses to do this too!

Finally, updating equipment and machinery will also help improve eco-friendliness. Outdated equipment and machinery utilize more energy than newer innovations. Switching to more recent technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption, and waste reduction is also possible with automation further streamlining processes.

The Need for Better Infrastructure and Proactivity

The final piece of the puzzle we will examine is the disposal process of traditional and sustainable packaging. The hard truth is that there is insufficient infrastructure and proactivity for the disposal of sustainable or traditional packaging.

Worldwide plastic waste has doubled since two decades ago, but the plastic recycling rate still needs significant improvement. Recycling is one of the best eco-friendly things to do, but globally, only 9 percent of plastic waste is recycled, while 22 percent is mismanaged, littered and ends up in the ocean. The rest end up in landfills or incinerated, which is still not an ideal outcome.

Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down in a landfill and releases toxic chemicals when they do. International cooperation and proactivity are required to improve these numbers, but the world is just not there yet. Bans and taxes on single-use plastics are present in over 120 countries, but more is needed. Most regulations only apply these bans and taxes on plastic bags, which is only a drop in an ocean of environmental impact. Landfill and incineration taxes, which would incentivize recycling, are also very rare.

However, incineration of waste and converting it to energy somewhat mitigates this. Though incinerating waste and converting it to energy is not the cleanest way to create energy, it is worth pointing out that more sustainable methods are becoming available in this area.

Waste-To-Energy Processes

Waste-to-energy, as the name clearly indicates, is the process of converting waste into energy. 

Currently, the most common way of doing this is via incineration, but other waste-to-energy methods include:

1. Gasification heats waste at high temperatures without incineration or combustion to create syngas.
2. Fermentation and Distillation involve using organic waste and biomass to create alternative fuels for engines.
3. Anaerobic Digestion involves using microorganisms to break down biomass in an oxygen-free environment to produce biogas high in methane, which can be used as a fuel source to create electricity.

Waste-to-energy is better than leaving waste in landfills without tapping into the available energy, but these methods are only a band-aid solution. Waste-to-energy processes cause high carbon dioxide emissions, one of the most notable greenhouse gases, and disincentivize the much more environmentally friendly option of recycling.

However, since many waste-to-energy plants are classified as “renewable energy,” uninformed businesses and governments may opt for this method instead of looking for better ways to protect the planet. So though there is a push for sustainable packaging, a push for better waste management infrastructure and procedures is also needed.

After all, the insufficient infrastructure doesn’t just apply to plastic waste and less-than-ideal waste-to-energy solutions.

Sustainable Packaging is Still Harmful if Disposed of Improperly

Many sustainable packaging alternatives currently available were designed to reduce the impact of improper disposal. However, this usually only works when the methods are done correctly, or conditions are just right. Biodegradable and compostable packaging, for example, are designed to break down faster and leave minimal to no traces of harmful chemicals when they do, but this is not always the case.

By definition, biodegradable packaging is sustainable packaging that breaks down faster when disposed of. Biodegradable packaging is commonly made from paper, paperboard or bioplastics and should break down without a trace. And though a good amount of this packaging does what it claims to do, some biodegradable packaging can still leave harmful traces when dumped in a landfill and broken down.

Microplastics are just one harmful trace that scientists are beginning to understand the actual environmental impacts of. They are small particulates that result from the disposal and breakdown of plastic waste, and bioplastics are no exception. Microplastic concentrations are everywhere. They are in the ocean, in the air and on the land. Studies even found microplastics in our tap water!

In the ocean, microplastic is often mistaken as food and can cause behavioral problems, neural toxicity and slow growth in marine life. On land, microplastics contaminate the soil and are toxic to earthworms, snails and nematodes that help keep soil healthy. Animals that drink from water sources contaminated by microplastics are also at risk of reduced health functions, compromised hormone systems, restructuring of gene cells and biochemical reactions. And all of these negative environmental impacts blowback to humans. We also drink, eat and inhale microplastics without even realizing it.

But though researchers are still studying the effects of microplastics on the human body, if it’s toxic to a swathe of other living organisms, it is most likely harmful to humans. Scientists suspect that microplastics can affect our immune system and cause DNA damage, among other suspected effects. And though this all seems very bad, compostable packaging doesn’t fare much better without the right conditions.

Proper disposal facilities and conditions are required to reap the benefits of compostable packaging fully. Some compostable packaging can be disposed of properly at home, but many require industrial composting facilities that are not widely available or easily accessed. If disposed of improperly, compostable and biodegradable packaging can be just as bad as traditional plastic, so implementing better infrastructure and educating the general population is critical!

What Can You Do To Contribute To Greener, Sustainable Packaging and Waste Management?

Now that you have a bigger picture of the many factors behind sustainable and traditional packaging, there is much to digest and consider. We hope this information is not a deterrence to adopt sustainable packaging as sustainable packaging is better for the environment than traditional packaging.

Instead, we provided this information hoping that people, companies and governments don’t just pick the most trendy sustainable option and call it a day. Improvements must be made not just in packaging but the sources we use to acquire the raw materials, the energy-intensive manufacturing processes, and the rampant improper disposal of waste plaguing our earth. So for the takeaways, some ways you can continue to do your part in lessening the environmental impact of traditional and sustainable packaging include:

1. Do your research. Consider your suppliers and manufacturers wisely. Do they operate with sustainable practices and utilize ethical sources? 

Do not be afraid to ask about their processes, check where they source their materials and request on-site tours for a first-hand look to ensure everything is up to your environmental standards.

2. Educate and advocate. Refrain from assuming customers know the best practices of waste disposal. 

Wherever possible, reiterate the importance of proper disposal and provide clear instructions on the best ways to do so on your packaging. Even if some cities’ waste management infrastructure might be lacking, you can still do your part by spreading awareness to more people and offering the best solution and alternatives with what is available!

3. Reduce overall packaging. Utilizing sustainable resources and packaging is excellent, but reducing the overall packaging is even better.

Using ethically sourced renewable materials isn’t the only way to ensure sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. Cutting down on the overall materials you need for your packaging helps reduce the strain on land usage, regardless of the materials you decide to use. Using fewer materials and smaller packaging also assists with reducing transportation emissions from carriers that need to ship your product.

As an added bonus, reducing your overall packaging will also help reduce your shipping costs!

4. Use recycled packaging materials. We’ve already discussed how recycling is one of the best things people can do for environmental sustainability, and companies should advocate this.

However, consider using recycled material in your packaging to take it a step further. Lead by example with an initiative and goal to reduce the use of virgin materials in your packaging and switch to recycled materials. Looking back at aluminum and how recycling saves 95 percent more energy than manufacturing, this applies to other materials too.

Recycling often requires fewer processes than manufacturing, making it more energy efficient and eco-friendly.

5. Consider reusable packaging. Designing your package in a way that can be reused several times is another way to supplement sustainable packaging and reduce your environmental footprint.

Reusable packaging eliminates the need to recycle or manufacture, saving even more energy and making this option another excellent solution to aid an eco-friendly initiative. Again, sustainability and eco-friendliness don’t just start and end with one positive action like switching out traditional packaging with a sustainable packaging alternative. 

To reiterate, people, companies and governments must understand that sweeping changes across all channels are required to make significant progress toward a more eco-friendly and sustainable future. Consider all factors, from gathering raw materials to its disposal. Look at where materials are sourced, and consider the land usage and habitats that might be affected. Ensure manufacturing processes are as streamlined as possible with reduced waste and energy consumption.  Educate for better waste management infrastructure and lead by example. Adopt these practices and encourage others to do the same. 

Sustainable packaging is only the beginning of a long-overdue overhaul of archaic and environmentally harmful methods and processes. Change doesn’t start on its own. It’s time for a paradigm shift.

The post What is the Environmental Impact of Sustainable Packaging first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post What is the Environmental Impact of Sustainable Packaging appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

In the food industry, products need even more protection than others. They need protection from many possible contaminants, tampering and to help preserve foods for more extended periods of time.

To this end, researchers estimate that food packaging accounts for over 66% of all total packaging in circulation.

It is essential, then, that the food industry consider eco friendly food packaging.

The planet is currently suffering from the sheer amount of damage we’ve caused, so with more and more consumers looking for eco-conscious companies to do business with, moving to eco packaging benefits your company and the environment.

But what is environmentally friendly packaging for food?

It is packaging that is more friendly to the environment than traditional packaging and is produced in a way that minimizes the environmental footprint of businesses.

Sustainable packaging aims to utilize renewable or recycled resources, reduce harmful emissions while manufacturing the package, and leave less of a footprint when the packaging reaches the end of its life cycle.

Reducing our environmental footprint has become increasingly important as our impact on the earth has become intolerable.

If changes are not made, irreparable damages will be caused and may affect future generations.

Our duty as consumers and businesses is to ensure a healthier planet, so eco packaging is a great place to make a positive impact.

This article aims to cover everything you need to know about eco friendly packaging, from the different types of sustainable food-safe packaging to the benefits, cons and challenges.

Types of Sustainable Packaging

Let us start with the different types of eco-friendly food-safe packaging options.

If you are wondering which option is the best, that question cannot be answered so simply. 

Each type of eco packaging has its benefits and disadvantages, so there may be better options for you than what works for one business.

However, we aim to provide you with the relevant information for each option so you can decide which choice is right for you.

Biodegradable Food Packaging

Let us first start with biodegradable packaging.

Biodegradable packaging is packaging that breaks down faster when disposed of.

Where it takes regular plastics hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, biodegradable bioplastic packaging can shorten that time.

Bioplastics are packaging engineered from plant resources like corn, sugarcane and soy.

Some are even edible, like gelatin, chitosan or algae.

They are packaging designed to leave no harmful contaminants when they ultimately degrade in a landfill.

However, though this type of packaging is designed to break down faster and leave no harmful traces behind, this is not always the case. Some packaging materials still leave behind damaging contaminants in our environment.

Often, biodegradable plastics break down into microplastics, which are thought to be highly damaging if it ends up in the ocean.

In addition, the production of some of these types of packaging can be very energy and resource intensive, which can be counter-intuitive to a sustainable initiative and further harm the environment.

Bamboo, for example, is biodegradable and compostable. It is rising in popularity among sustainable packaging materials to use for packaging, but there is more to consider than just the eco-friendliness of the material.

Other things to consider include the rising demand, which might hinder the traditional usage of the material. 

Inhumane agricultural practices may also come into question with the increasing demand.

Not only that, but considering the usage of chemicals to manufacture bamboo packaging is also something that needs to be considered.

The best way to counteract these negatives is to ensure you are sourcing the packaging material from a reputable third-party company and that they are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).

Though biodegradable packaging is a great option, thorough research must be conducted to ensure this type of packaging is appropriately sustainable and not causing more harm than good.

Compostable Packaging

Alternatively, compostable materials for packaging breaks down into its original components and can be placed in a food waste bin.

Comprised of paper, cardboard or bioplastic, compostable packages should not be harmful to the environment once broken down, and some packaging can be broken down in the home!

However, on the other hand, many common packaging materials used in this packaging type requires industrial methods, which are not widely available to consumers.

Proper disposal of this packaging is necessary to reap the environmental benefits, so an appropriate infrastructure or initiative is required to utilize this method effectively.

Along with this downside, much packaging that claims to be compostable is not actually 100% compostable.

In some cases, “compostable” packaging can be lined with a thin film that is not compostable at all.

Misleading claims from unethical companies are a big concern for compostable packaging, so, similar to biodegradable packaging, research on reputable companies is required.

These misleading claims are known as greenwashing and not only apply to other unethical companies but may also apply to your business.

Greenwashing is a term used to describe companies that intentionally make misleading or unsubstantiated claims about their environmental impact.

To avoid being negatively branded as a greenwashing company, consider your environmental impact and research accordingly. 

Like the biodegradable packaging option, ensure that the materials you use are what the manufacturers say they are!

Recyclable Packaging

Another option for green packaging is recyclable materials and options.

Paper, glass, metal and some plastics can be recycled and reused several times before they reach the end of their usable life.

Kraft paper is one of the world’s most eco-friendly packaging.

Even aluminum cans can be recycled, using only 5% of the energy it takes to create new aluminum cans.

However, the problem with this method lies with the millions of consumers.

Recycling only works when recyclable materials for packaging are disposed of properly. This means littering recyclable plastics, metals, glass, and paper into oceans or landfills completely defeats the purpose.

Companies that use recyclable packaging must also push a strong recycling initiative and enforce proper disposal of their recyclable packaging.

For example, Coca-Cola aims to utilize 100% recycled materials by 2025. 

Reusable Packaging

The final packaging we will cover is reusable packaging.

Instead of one-use packaging, reusable packaging can be repurposed or reused many times.

Reusable packaging is all about repurposing the package for extended use.

By avoiding discarding the package after a single use, consumers can extend the package’s life and prevent the excess energy and material consumption needed to dispose of and create a new package.

Glass is an excellent example of a reusable package. Glass is durable, easy to clean and can be reused for long periods without being discarded.

The Challenges of Sustainable Food Packaging

Though the many different types of sustainable packaging provide companies with a lot of options, these options don’t come without challenges.

However, many benefits will soon follow if companies can work together and overcome these challenges.

But before we get into the benefits, let’s look at the common challenges businesses might face when moving to a sustainable, eco-friendly initiative.

The Initial Cost

The initial setup cost is the main challenge when moving to eco friendly packaging.

Implementing eco friendly packaging into your business may require changes to be done with your supply chain and logistics, which can be costly due to the difficulty of coordinating such significant changes.

On top of that, eco friendly packaging is often more expensive than traditional packaging to produce, but you must look at the bigger picture.

Factors such as reduced cost of disposal, less energy consumption and fewer resources used to create such sustainable options should be considered when weighing the cost of traditional packaging and eco friendly packaging.

In the long run, switching to eco friendly packaging will help streamline many of your business processes.

This increase in efficiency will reduce costs in different areas of your business and help offset the increased cost of using eco friendly packaging over traditional packaging.

Infrastructure & Public Authorities

But though your company commits to doing its part to reduce negative impacts, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the public infrastructure to support some of these methods is there yet.

Waste packaging management is different in many municipalities and needs to be more consistent.

As more and more businesses move to do their part, the public authorities need to support these positive changes too.

Without an efficient and effective way to collect and correctly dispose of recyclable or biodegradable these efforts to help protect the planet are for naught.

To see the environmental benefits of eco friendly packaging, changes must happen at all levels, not just with businesses, which leads us to the final major challenge.

Consumer Behaviors

Where businesses must strive to provide more sustainable options and public authorities must implement better infrastructure to accommodate these eco friendly packaging options, consumers must also do their part.

While it is becoming a trend for consumers to shop with the environment in mind, many are still not familiar with the benefits of environmentally friendly packaging, nor are they willing to pay extra for it.

Companies need to take steps to educate consumers on why eco friendly packaging is beneficial and why it is essential to switch from traditional packaging.

Another challenge with consumers is to educate them on proper ways to dispose of eco friendly packaging.

We briefly touched upon this topic earlier when discussing recyclable food packaging, but consumers need to be aware of the harm they cause when improperly disposing of waste.

No matter how sustainable or eco-friendly a package is, consumers must dispose of it correctly to be effective.

Yes, biodegradable packaging can break down faster than traditional packaging and is designed to leave no harmful trace, but that doesn’t excuse consumers from tossing their waste haphazardly.

The fact is that a lot of waste does not end up where it should be.

If companies and public authorities are making an effort to reduce the negative impact of the environment, the consumers have just as much responsibility.

Again, education must be provided, and a sustainable initiative must be enforced by all parties to make a significant change.

You, as a business, can do your part by providing envionementally friendly packaging options and educating your consumers on the importance of protecting the planet.

Show them that you care, and they should care too!

The Benefits of Switching to Sustainable Food Packaging

If your business is dedicated to improving the environment and ready to take on these challenges, you’d be glad to know that many benefits come with overcoming these obstacles!

These benefits are not just for the planet but also for your business.

Doing Your Part For The Environment

To begin, let us look at the obvious benefit: a healthier and happier environment.

The main objective of eco friendly packaging is to reduce our negative environmental impact and carbon footprint.

It is no question, then, that a healthier planet will be the primary benefit of utilizing eco packaging.

environmentally friendly packaging aims to minimize energy and resource consumption while also preventing harmful waste from being disposed of and further harming the planet.

However, there are other benefits you need to be aware of!

Economic Benefit of Using Sustainable Food Packaging

We mentioned earlier that the initial cost of switching to eco packaging would be expensive.

This cannot be avoided at the beginning of your company’s transition from traditional to eco packaging.

New systems and infrastructure must be implemented, and the resources to produce sustainable options are often more expensive.

However, that does not mean eco-friendly food packaging is not economically beneficial!

Once you have established these new systems, your business will naturally become more efficient by finding ways to reduce waste and streamline manufacturing by utilizing less energy and resources.

With efficiency comes cost saving.

And staying ahead of any upcoming regulations that the government may implement on sustainable practices will prevent your business from costly and inefficient implementations in the future.

Furthermore, when your company switches to eco friendly packaging, it will positively increase your company’s image, leading us to the next benefit.

Improved Brand Image

As mentioned earlier in this article, many consumers are beginning to understand the impact of their consumption and are looking for more eco-conscious companies to do business with.

So when your business shows its dedication to more sustainable practices and implements such initiatives in your food packaging process, it will reflect positively on your company and brand.

Building a positive brand image attracts more customers to your business and also attracts talented workers who wish to work for a company that strives to make a difference.

Looking back at the previous benefit of switching to sustainable methods, building a positive brand image will also be economically beneficial. 

More customers mean increased profits, and more talented workers make your business even more efficient!

Sustainable Food Packaging to Sustain the Planet

Packaging for food products accounts for a lot of improperly disposed waste and the harmful environmental effects must be addressed.

The problem of packaging polluting the planet will only disappear if a concerted effort by businesses, public authorities and consumers is made. Only together can we make a difference!

A paradigm shift is needed for the betterment of our planet, and companies can start by considering sustainable packaging for food products.

By showing your dedication to saving the environment, you will gain the benefits of a positive brand image and increased profits, but most importantly, you will inspire others to do their part in protecting the planet.

The post The Importance of Sustainable Food Packaging first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post The Importance of Sustainable Food Packaging appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

Whether we like it or not, packaging products is essential to prevent damage, spoilage or contamination. This fact becomes especially true for current food production.

Food is something we all need to survive. But to ensure its safety from contamination and give it an extended life on store shelves or in our homes to prevent food waste, most food requires packaging materials.

Unfortunately for the planet, a lot of food packaging materials are single-use and not recycled.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 258 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated in 2014, about 63 percent of which was packaging materials for food and other uses.

The impact of packaging, and most food packaging materials, in particular, cause harm to the ocean, our air and our land. It is a crucial problem that cannot be solved overnight but cannot be overlooked.

Packaging waste causes significant harm to our environment, and companies and consumers must take steps to help reduce and control these harmful effects

A Life Cycle of Negative Impact

Now you may be wondering how is packaging bad for the environment; how does food packaging materials affect the environment? What are the impacts of packaging?

Well, it all starts at the beginning of its life cycle and continues throughout, leaving a negative environmental footprint each step of the way.

A package’s life cycle starts from its creation to its disposal, so the negative environmental impact of most food packaging materials happening every step of its life is very concerning.

To better understand how impactful food packaging can be to the environment, let us look at the three main stages of its life cycle.

Sourcing and Production

The problem with most food packaging begins right at its creation. All forms of packaging, whether for food or not, require a certain amount of resources and energy to manufacture.

Manufacturing can, and most likely will, emit greenhouse gases harmful to our air, produce harmful heavy metals particulates or dump toxic waste sludge into our waters.

Even factors such as water use, chemicals, petroleum or collection of wood and other resources contribute to the environmental impact caused during production.

To dive deeper and better understand how impactful food packaging materials production can be, let us look at the production of some common packaging materials.

Glass

Glass food packaging begins with the usage of fossil fuels like natural gas or petroleum gas is needed to melt the feedstock material to produce glass. 

During this process, the combustion of fossil fuels emits harmful emissions into the air, such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides.

What are the harmful effects?

When sulfur and nitrogen oxides mix with water and sunlight, it creates acid rain, which harms all sorts of plant life, vegetation and aquatic animals.

On top of the harmful acid rain produced, melting the feedstock also emits toxic particulates like lead and arsenic, which can cause significant health problems to animals and humans alike.

Aluminum

Like glass, the production of aluminum also releases harmful emissions. But on top of that, manufacturing aluminum is an energy-intensive process that creates toxic, caustic sludge that may contain radioactive elements.

Radioactive elements should be enough to understand the damage producing plastic or aluminum foil can cause to the environment, but if you’re still not convinced, this toxic sludge has a name! 

It is known as red mud. This waste is potent enough to kill plant and animal life and cause burns and significant damage to a person’s airways.

Paper/Paperboard

Paper or paperboard containers production is energy-intensive and involves chemical or mechanical processes that cause harmful air emissions like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. 

In the past, producing paperboard containers for food packaging materials also resulted in large volumes of toxic wastewater. However, with modern processes, the water can now be recycled and produce no liquid waste, which is a step in the right direction!

But that doesn’t mean paper packaging is free from adverse environmental impacts.

Forty-two percent of all global wood harvest is for making paper. If not regulated, deforestation is a significant and genuine concern.

Plastic Packaging

The final material to cover in the manufacturing process is plastic food packaging materials. Manufacturing plastic involves turning and burning fossil fuels into said plastic, but the process is highly chemical and pollutant.

So is plastic food packaging bad for the environment? Very much so.

Plastic pollution accounts for significant greenhouse gas emissions in the US, and chemicals such as mercury are also dumped into the water as waste.

Mercury naturally turns into methylmercury and bioaccumulates on fish when dumped into the environment. Consuming fish with high mercury contents is highly toxic to humans and animals.

Transportation

It is not just the production of food packaging that harms the environment. The environmental impact of packaging continues.

As briefly mentioned, packaging pollutes the environment every step of the way, whether directly or indirectly.

In this case, the transportation of packaging also affects the environment. Air pollution through airplanes, ships and trucks also harm our environment!

Fuel is needed to move packaging from one point to another. And though we will always need transportation, there are ways to lighten plastic pollution. We will discuss how to do this soon.

Disposal of Packaging Waste

The final major factor that affects the environmental impact of food packaging is the end of its life cycle, the disposal.

What packaging pollutes the environment during disposal?

The answer is everything, but food packaging accounts for over half of all municipal solid waste in the US. It is up to companies and consumers to take steps to dispose of municipal solid waste through proper channels to minimize plastic pollution.

But the unfortunate reality is that most packaging still finds its way into a landfill or is littered after usage.

And though paper accounts for 26 percent of landfill municipal solid waste, plastic packaging, in particular, is significantly harmful when not properly handled. Plastics often litter our oceans and streets, seriously harming avian and aquatic life.

In 2016 alone, around 23 million metric tons of plastic waste entered the ocean, where aquatic animals and birds often get tangled in such debris or mistake it for food.

According to ocean conservancy, plastic has been found in 59 percent of seabirds, 100 percent of sea turtles and more than 25 percent of sampled fish from seafood markets worldwide. 

To make matters worse, this statistic is increasing.

But not only does litter harm the environment, landfills are no better. Mishandled food packaging will either end up in a landfill or incinerated.

Incineration causes air pollutants, but landfills also emit pollutants like ammonia.

On top of the air pollutants, most landfills’ waste is not biodegradable and may take centuries to decompose completely. 

For example:

• Glass bottles take up to 1 million years to decompose.

• Plastic bottles average 450 years.

• Aluminum beverage cans deteriorate in 80 to 200 years.

• Plastic bags and flexible packaging take 10 to 20 years to decompose.

Even when the above waste eventually decomposes after many lifetimes, it will still leave harmful chemicals in the environment.

So to minimize packaging’s harmful environmental footprint, steps and initiatives must be taken.

Solutions to Reduce the Impact of Food Packaging Materials

With advancing technology and the innovation of alternate, sustainable modern food packaging, business and consumers may start taking the appropriate steps to reduce the environmental impact of food packaging.

Eco-friendly and sustainable methods are becoming more readily available for businesses that need to change for the planet’s betterment.

And like the negative impacts throughout a package’s life cycle, businesses can look at each step and make positive changes!

Sustainable Sourcing and Manufacturing

To begin, the first step in making a positive impact of food packaging on the environment is to choose your suppliers and manufacturers wisely.

Sustainable sourcing and manufacturing integrates social, ethical and environmental factors in selecting a supplier for your raw packaging materials and a manufacturer to produce your food packaging.

Look for companies that ethically source renewable resources and for manufacturers that aim to reduce negative environmental impacts by conserving energy and natural resources.

Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging Materials

Aside from sustainable sourcing, businesses can also use friendlier packaging materials to produce their packaging, ultimately leading to more environmentally friendly disposal.

What modern food packaging is environmentally safe?

Unlike plastic packaging, biodegradable food packaging materials like plant-based or natural mineral materials are designed to break down without leaving any harmful compounds. They can also break down anywhere between several days to a year.

Compared to 450 years for a plastic bottle that will also leave behind toxic compounds, it’s a vast improvement!

You can also use biodegradable packaging more than once and reduce its environmental impact by disposing of it at the proper waste management facilities.

And on the other hand, compostable packaging can be another option. 

Like biodegradable food packaging, compostable packaging can break down without leaving any toxic traces and provides valuable nutrients to the soil, but the proper conditions are required. 

Compostable packaging must be sent to an industrial composting facility to achieve these environmental benefits. Some compostable packages can be disposed of at home, but proper waste management is generally required.

Go Lightweight and Minimal on Packaging

The next way to reduce environmental impact is through transportation and modern food packaging design.

As mentioned earlier, we will always need transportation. But by redesigning your package so that it is lightweight and smaller, you can also impact the transportation side of pollution!

Smaller and lighter food packaging poses opportunities to reduce the overall carbon footprint of shipping your products. It streamlines your shipping by increasing the amount of product you can move in one trip and reducing the overall weight.

Upcycling, Recycling and A Circular Economy

Moving onto the final part of a food package’s life cycle, businesses can implement solutions here too.

One method is upcycling, which is the use of discarded or waste packaging materials to produce other higher quality items than the original. 

In terms of modern food packaging, a business can upcycle its waste materials. For example, companies or consumers can upcycle plastic bottles and polythene as arts and crafts or use them as building materials for the favelas in Brazil!

Alternatively, businesses can also promote a recycling initiative. 

Many wastes that can be recycled, like plastic, need to be recycled. Efficient collection and separation processes must be implemented and enforced to reduce our negative environmental impact of food packaging, but the environmental benefits are worth it.

Promoting and enforcing a recycling initiative is one step toward creating the final solution we will discuss: a circular economy.

In a circular economy, food packaging materials are recycled, reused and recycled again without ending up in a landfill or littered into the ocean.

This means that, in a perfect world, no plastics or waste will pollute our planet. So much food packaging will have a circular life cycle instead of one with a beginning and end.

Giant companies like Coca-Cola are pushing this initiative by setting the goal of having 100 percent of their plastic bottles made of recycled packaging materials by 2030, and other businesses can aim for this change too!

Benefits of Reducing Environmental Impacts

But with the negative impacts of so much food packaging in mind and the possible solutions to fix these problems, you might wonder about the benefits of implementing these changes.

Well, for the obvious first, implementing these positive changes to your food packaging process will help protect our planet.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving natural resources and habitats, and protecting wildlife comes with making these positive changes.

We only have one earth; if plastic pollution and our heavy environmental footprint continue to rise, the consequences will also come in kind. 

Every individual and business is responsible for ensuring that our planet remains healthy and livable for future generations, but we understand that businesses are just that. Companies need to make a profit, and you can!

How Does Being Sustainable Benefit My Business?

There are many benefits companies can gain by pushing for more sustainable ways to do business.

Sustainability doesn’t just help the planet, but it also benefits you too.

Better Brand Image

To start, a survey conducted by the Natural Marketing Institute indicates that up to 58 percent of consumers prefer to purchase from companies practicing sustainable habits.

More and more consumers are beginning to make purchasing decisions while also considering environmental and social values.

By promoting and pushing a sustainable initiative for your business, you are doing the right thing by protecting the planet and reaching out to the rapidly growing “conscious consumer” base.

And not only are you reaching out to the consumers, but you are also reaching out to potential talented employees.

Talented people want to work for companies with a good brand reputation who support a positive message, leading us to the next benefit.

Increased Productivity

Pushing a sustainable initiative helps with employee retention, attracts talented workers, and increases productivity and satisfaction.

Turning the workplace into a sustainable and environmentally friendly place helps improve morale, cognition and comfort while reducing employee absenteeism.

Happy and comfortable employees are more productive and creative than unhappy employees.

Reduced Business Costs

Being a sustainable and environmentally friendly business will also reduce costs in the long run.

Though investing in sustainable solutions may initially be costly, the benefits will outlast the upfront cost once implemented.

Looking back at the significant impact of food packaging on our environment, by finding ways to reduce this waste, companies will naturally be able to streamline their packaging and production processes and become more efficient while positively increasing their brand image.

Not only that, but keeping up with sustainability will ultimately make it easier for businesses to comply with any future implementation of government regulations. 

Staying ahead of the curve will make it easier to comply with legal requirements and prevent inefficient and costly implementations.

Increased Profits

Finally, being sustainable leads to increased profits! All the factors mentioned above contribute to an increase in overall profit for your business. 

Building a positive brand image attracts more customers and talented employees, leading to more productivity and sales.

Reducing costs by streamlining your processes and minimizing packaging waste makes it cost less to run your business as you become more efficient and utilize fewer resources.

Overall, becoming a sustainable business offers many benefits, so companies shouldn’t shy away from saving the planet!

Access to New Markets

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are increasingly looking for products and services that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

This has led to the emergence of niche markets that specifically cater to environmentally conscious consumers.

For instance, the organic food market, renewable energy market, and sustainable fashion market have all grown significantly in recent years.

By adopting sustainable practices, your business can tap into these niche markets and reach new customers who are specifically looking for sustainable products and services.

This can open up new revenue streams and help your business grow.

In addition, some governments and organizations have policies and initiatives that prioritize sustainable products and services.

For example, some governments provide tax incentives and other benefits to businesses that adopt sustainable practices, and some organizations have sustainability criteria that suppliers must meet to be considered for contracts.

By being sustainable, your business can access these markets and opportunities, which can help you expand your customer base, increase revenue, and establish yourself as a leader in sustainability.

This can be especially important in highly competitive markets where sustainability can provide a unique selling proposition and help your business stand out from the crowd.

Positive Change Starts With Everyone

At the end of the day, the earth is our home, and it reacts to everything we do; change does not happen overnight or with a handful of people. 

Companies and consumers must work together and maintain sustainable practices to reduce our environmental footprint, and an excellent place to start is with food packaging waste. 

Businesses must streamline their production and source sustainable packaging materials, while consumers must ensure proper disposal of food packaging waste or reuse if possible.

The environmental impact of food packaging play a significant factor in contributing to a suffering planet, but this is an issue that everyone can help mitigate.

Emission of greenhouse gas pollutants, irresponsibly harvesting our natural resources, dumping toxic chemicals, and littered waste is killing our planet. 

Not only are these impacts negative to our health, but it also affects the habitats of the animals we share this planet with.

If we do not reduce our environmental footprint, conditions will only worsen, and the consequences of inaction may soon become irreversible.

To ensure a healthy planet for future generations, companies and consumers can no longer let other people push a sustainable initiative; everyone needs to contribute.

The post The Environmental Impacts of Packaging first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post The Environmental Impacts of Packaging appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

We usually don’t overthink its usage, as we see plastic in our everyday lives as bottles, bags, 

food containers, and cutlery. 

But we also see plastic littering our oceans, streets, and parks. 

Packaging accounts for about 36 percent of all produced plastics, and 85 percent of that will end up in landfills or haphazardly littered onto our suffering planet.

Poly mailers are just another form of plastic packaging used to mail goods. 

Though some poly mailers can be recyclable, the figures mentioned above suggest that many will still end up in landfills or as litter at the end of the day. 

There is only one earth, and we must do our utmost to mitigate pollution on our planet. 

Enter paper mailers, an eco-friendly alternative!

More Than Just Brown Paper Mailers

As the term suggests, paper mailers are packaging free of plastic! 

They can also come in stock paper, be padded, or even customized like poly mailers. 

But the fact that these mailers are paper is not the only factor contributing to why they are an excellent alternative for an environmentally conscious e-commerce business and its customers.

Recycled poly mailers are an option for eco-friendly businesses, but that doesn’t erase the fact that plastic is not biodegradable. 

Plastic can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, producing harmful chemicals that pollute the environment. 

Add this to the fact that plastic disposal is frequently done incorrectly, and recycled poly mailers will not solve the issue of plastic in our oceans or landfills.

That is why paper mailers are currently the best option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. 

Kraft paper mailers, for instance, are not only free of plastic but can also be reused several times and are made from 100% recycled paper. 

They are lightweight, affordable and naturally biodegradable.

Another alternative type of paper mailer is the compostable mailer, which is waterproof! 

Made of plant materials like field corn and wheat straw, compostable mailers are also an eco-friendly type of paper mailer that can break down in 180 days at home or 90 days at a commercial facility. 

Since plant materials are the only ingredient for these mailers, they also leave no harmful traces or residues and are a highly sustainable solution for reducing plastic waste. 

The Compromise for a Healthier Planet

While there are many positives that paper mailers offer to the environment, they currently cannot match the protection poly mailers offer. 

No, paper mailers are not flimsy or fragile and can protect your items. 

However, poly mailers are unquestionably stronger, more puncture-resistant, and weather resistant than their paper counterparts. 

They are also less expensive to purchase than paper mailers, and for these two reasons alone, poly mailers are one of the most commonly used bags for e-commerce businesses.

Considering the above, businesses must compromise between cost and the environment.

Sustainable Paper Mailer Options

As businesses become more aware of their environmental impact, the demand for sustainable paper mailers continues to increase. 

Fortunately, there are several options that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.

Kraft Mailers 

Kraft mailers are an affordable yet durable option that is designed to be reused and recycled. 

Kraft mailers come with their own set of options and capabilities including:

• Expandable kraft mailers
• Returnable kraft mailers 

Expandable kraft mailers have a built-in expansion feature that allows them to accommodate larger items while still providing protection. 

Returnable kraft mailers have a durable construction that makes them suitable for repeated use and features a resealable adhesive strip for easy returns, making them an ideal choice for e-commerce businesses shipping apparel and clothing.

Compostable and Recyclable Paper Mailers

Compostable and recyclable paper mailers are made from recycled and/or biodegradable content. 

These paper mailers are designed with both customer convenience and sustainability in mind; they ensure customers can easily dispose of them after use, making it easier for them to recycle or compost their packaging materials when they’re done with them. 

This type of packaging is perfect for companies who want to provide their customers with an eco-friendly experience without compromising quality or convenience.

Fluted and Padded Mailers 

Made from recyclable corrugated fibreboard, fluted and padded mailers provide the necessary strength and cushioning needed to protect products during transit while still being light enough to keep shipping costs low. 

Not only are these types of mailers highly durable, but they can also be easily recycled at the end of their life cycle, making them a great option for companies looking to make sustainability profitable for their business.

Though there is no argument that a poly mailer is much stronger than a paper mailer, they are still an excellent alternative for businesses looking for eco-friendly alternatives.

With the ever-increasing usage of online shopping,  millions of items being shipped to customers’ doorsteps each day, and the public push for sustainable brands, e-commerce businesses must ultimately decide to leave less of a footprint on the planet. 

Switching from poly mailers to paper is one easy step in the right direction.

Sustainable paper mailing options offer businesses a way to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing customer convenience or satisfaction. 

From expandable kraft mailers to compostable and recyclable paper mailers made from recycled materials, there’s something out there for everyone! 

By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, you can ensure your customers receive the highest quality product while reducing your company’s carbon footprint – all at the same time! It’s a win-win!

The post Paper Mailers: Sustainable Packaging with the Planet in Mind first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post Paper Mailers: Sustainable Packaging with the Planet in Mind appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

Although 90% of executives believe sustainability is important, only 60% of companies have a sustainability strategy.

By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, businesses will save on production costs, increase customer engagement and loyalty, and ultimately become more profitable overall. 

Consumers are also becoming more aware of the environmental impact that businesses have, and they are increasingly using their buying power to influence companies’ decisions on sustainability. 

Many businesses have started to make sustainability a priority, but the risk of a low ROI is often what holds many fast consumer goods companies back from making a full transition. 

Here’s a look at how you can make sustainable packaging profitable for your business. 

Reducing Waste and Saving Costs

Investing in sustainable packaging is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs for your business. 

Sustainable materials are often cheaper than traditional materials and require less energy and resources to produce. 

In addition, by using recyclable materials, you won’t have to worry about disposing of the waste generated from production or paying extra fees associated with recycling or disposal. 

This can save your business money in the long run while also reducing your environmental impact. 

Eco-friendly packaging materials are lighter than other conventional materials, which means they also take up less space in shipping containers. 

This reduces shipping costs since companies charge based on volume as well as weight. 

Additionally, because sustainable packaging materials are often made from recycled materials or from natural sources like corrugated fiberboard or paperboard, they tend to be more durable than conventional packaging materials. 

This means fewer packages will get damaged in transit and need to be replaced–saving money and time for your businesses. 

Take Belle Vie Candle as an example: 

Belle Vie Candles are hand packaged and designed, so it’s important the packaging and production process is convenient and time efficient, especially at a time when orders start to ramp up. 

PakFactory helped them determine that paperboard Auto Bottom Boxes would be the perfect fit for their products. 

Auto bottom boxes are shipped flat for space efficiency and do not require adhesive upon assembly making it super time efficient to put together. 

The structure of these boxes also provides enough support to hold slightly more heavy-weight products, like candles! 

These paperboard boxes are not only 100% recyclable, but they are also tailored to the product size to reduce packaging waste and lower the risk of any damage. 

Ultimately, Belle Vie Candle was able to focus more efforts on scaling its business and generating more sales with this optimized, eco-friendly packaging solution in place. 

Increasing Customer Loyalty 

Another great way that sustainable packaging can generate more profit for your business is by increasing customer loyalty. 

Customers want to purchase products from companies that prioritize sustainability and are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint.

By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, you will not only be able to show customers that you are committed to being more environmentally friendly, but also demonstrate that you value their feedback and input when making important decisions about the company’s operations. 

When customers see that your company is making an effort to be environmentally friendly through the use of sustainable packaging, they will be more likely to trust your brand and become part of your loyal customer base, guaranteeing more repeat sales and in turn more profit. 

People, customers, and retailers alike don’t just want products anymore—they want experiences—and sustainable packaging has become part of those key experiences that make them feel good about supporting your business. 

Plus, when customers trust your brand, they are more likely to share their positive experiences with friends and family which can help build brand credibility and a stronger reputation! 

For fast consumer goods, retailers are essentially secondary customers to consider. 

Sustainable packaging and the experience that comes with it, is something most retailers will be looking out for when stocking their shelves. 

Take Sonhab Chocolate for example: 

Sonhab Chocolate is a small company that initially handmade, hand cut, and printed their packaging in-house for their unique chocolate bars.

However, PakFactory was able to help them streamline their process with kraft paperboard boxes which not only saved them time and money but also gained them much more recognition in the wholesale market. 

Kristen and Cody at Sonhab Chocolate were able to pursue wholesale after launching their new eco-friendly packaging design, which was a huge game changer in boosting their sales and reach. 

Enhancing Brand Credibility

As discussed, sustainable packaging has become a major selling point because it shows commitment to environmental preservation and corporate responsibility without sacrificing quality or convenience. 

By utilizing sustainable packaging materials, companies can communicate that they are conscious of their environmental impact and are taking big strides to make responsible decisions. 

This can go a long way in building a strong brand narrative, which is the first step in gaining new and repeat customers while setting your business apart from other companies in the same niche. 

Additionally, businesses that invest in sustainability initiatives like sustainable packaging will be seen as thought leaders within their industry – building further credibility in creating long-term business relationships. 

Take Drop Supplements for example:

Initially, Drop Supplements was using bubble wrap as their primary packaging solution. 

However, they noticed that this packaging strategy was not strong enough, leaving them with damaged products and an unattractive brand presence which was driving down sales.

PakFactory and Drop Supplements worked together to create eco-friendly paperboard boxes designed to enhance their brand presence, adequately protect their supplements and deliver a branded experience tailored to their target market. 

This design differentiated each product by pops of color added to their brand logo, allowing for an eye-catching experience that reflected their brand personality. 

The colors paired with minimalist designs and eco-friendly materials elevated the value of their products and was definitely a huge upgrade from their bubble wrap solutions. 

With their new packaging, Drop Supplements was able to measure an increase in sales and build a bigger sense of brand presence and credibility within their niche. 

Sustainable packaging does not have to mean sacrificing profits; in fact, as you can see, when done correctly it can actually help increase profits! 

By investing in eco-friendly materials such as paper and cardboard instead of plastic, creating branded experiences, and designing packages with efficiency in mind (such as eliminating packaging waste), businesses can make sustainability profitable while also doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint at the same time! 

It’s a win-win situation!

Make the switch today!

The post How Sustainable Packaging Increases Profits first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post How Sustainable Packaging Increases Profits appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

With more corporate responsibility comes a deeper understanding of eco-friendly packaging materials and their properties. 

Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable on sustainable practices and materials and are actively seeking brands that concisely lay out the eco properties of the materials they package their products in. 

Here we lay out all eco-properties that lay the foundations for sustainable packaging currently available.

Recycled 

Recycled packaging is made from paper or plastic packaging waste that has been processed to create a ‘new’ material. 

Made from at least 60% recycled material, recycled paper and cardboard are broken down into small pieces to create pulp. 

Every time paper is recycled, it loses some durability, which is why the recycled pulp is mixed with virgin pulp to ensure structural integrity. 

Once both recycled pulp and virgin pulp is mixed together, it is pressed and dried to create recycled paper and cardboard. 

Recycled plastic is made in a similar way, where both recycled and virgin plastics are mixed together to ensure structural durability for the ‘new’ recycled plastic material. 

Recyclable 

Recyclable packaging materials are intended to be disposed of with the intent to be broken down and reused in order to create recycled materials. 

Recyclable materials include:

• Kraft paper
• Corrugated fiberboard
• Glass
• Metal
• Certain types of plastic

While paper, glass, metal, and some plastics are recyclable, some packaging inks and coatings can alter the recyclability of certain packaging materials, making it important for businesses to understand the ins and outs of the recycling process for their products. \

It’s also important to note that infrastructure for recycling is required to ensure packaging waste can be correctly disposed of.

Reusable 

Reusable packaging is engineered to be durable and used multiple times. 

Popular reusable packaging includes:

• Tin boxes
• Rigid boxes
• Corrugated boxes
• Resealable mailers 

These packaging types are engineered to be durable enough so that consumers can easily package and return products or reuse the packaging as decoration or home storage. 

Ultimately, reusable packaging could be any packaging type that has been designed to be easily resealable or durable enough for reuse. 

Compostable

Compostable packaging indicates that a material is able to naturally decompose and be recycled back into the environment with the purpose of enriching soil. 

Usually made from plant-based material like cornstarch, compostable packaging can be deemed home compostable or commercially compostable. 

Home compostable materials should be able to break down in home compost within 180 days without adding any additional warmth, meaning it does not require infrastructure or facilities to ensure the material has successfully decomposed. 

Commercially compostable packaging materials should be able to break down within 90 days using facilities that break down the material in temperatures above 55C. 

Plastic-free

The most common plastics are made from polymerized crude oil, a finite resource that has been in high demand for quite some time now. 

Plastics take thousands of years to break down into the earths soil and most single use plastics end up in landfills contributing to waste and pollution. 

Plastic-free packaging is exactly as it sounds, all components of the packaging from the box to the box inserts and any stickers and labels do not contain any form of plastics that are made from polymerized crude oil. 

Many nations around the world have pledged to reduce plastic waste by 2030, making plastic-free products like paper-based packaging a key component to reducing waste and pollution. 

Biodegradable 

Biodegradable materials break down into natural components of the environment when exposed to the elements. 

While most products will break down over time, many plastics will only decompose over a time frame of thousands and thousands of years. 

Biodegradable products must break down within the lifetime of a single generation and the final product should be water, CO2, minerals, or biomass. 

It is never a question of “how biodegradable” a product is. It is either biodegradable or not. 

While compostable and biodegradable may seem like very similar packaging properties, they hold different purposes. 

Biodegradable products do not have an impact or add any nutrients to the surrounding environment, whereas compostable products aim to enrich soil and promote more natural growth. 

In Summary:

Recycled: Made from recycled material

Recyclable: Designed to be successfully recycled

Reusable: Made from durable material to promote reuse

Plastic-Free: Contains 0% of plastic components

Compostable: Designed to biodegrade and add nutrients to the environment.

Biodegradable: Breaks down into natural elements making no impact on the environment. 

Overall, there are many eco-properties to consider, especially when it comes to packaging.

Depending on the industry, some eco-packaging types may be better suited for products than others. 

Consult a packaging specialist to find the best-suited eco-packaging for your product and brand! 

The post Breaking Down The Eco-Properties of Green Packaging first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post Breaking Down The Eco-Properties of Green Packaging appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

Protecting nature is a big responsibility, and there are many steps that businesses can take to reduce their footprint. 

Using certified packaging solutions is an effective and straightforward way to ensure your business is implementing sustainable practices.

Why Sustainable Certifications Matter

Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious and expect brands they purchase from to take clear and concrete actions to reduce their environmental impact. 

Buyers are much more focused on reducing plastic pollution and packaging waste, heavily influencing purchasing decisions and budgets. 

Seeking out certified products and packaging guarantees both consumers and businesses that materials have been responsibly sourced to ensure a reduced carbon footprint. 

Sustainable certifications not only ensure a minimal environmental impact but also allow businesses to generate more credibility and sales. 

With a large range of certified packaging materials and printing methods for packaging available, it can be difficult for businesses to choose the right certifications for their products and customers. 

The FSC® Certification 

Using FSC-certified packaging and FSC-certified paper is a huge step for those working towards sustainability, and it has a significant impact on the planet. 

The Forest Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization that creates and upholds responsible forest management principles. 

With many different countries part of the council, the goal is to guarantee responsibly produced wood and paper materials for consumers. 

Forest management encompasses: 

• Water quality
• Forest cover
• Protecting old forest lands
• Preventing hazardous chemicals from being used. 
• Wildlife and plants

1. FSC 100% Label: Materials are made from 100% virgin materials and are from FSC-certified forests
2. FSC Mix: The materials contain a mixture of FSC virgin fiber and/or recycled material. The recycling label denotes the amount of pre and post-consumer recycled fiber used. 
3. FSC Recycled Label: Materials are constructed from 100% recycled fiber. Similar to the mix label, the recycling label will denote the amount of pre and post-consumer recycled fiber being used.

More key things to note:

• Trees are only cut down at the rate they can be reproduced to maintain a CO2-neutral forest.
• FSC® are partially protected through preservation in areas where endangered animals and plants are present. 
• All individuals that work in FSC® forests are provided with training, safety equipment, fair salaries and the option to join or create trade unions.
• Any work undertaken in FSC® forests should benefit local populations, including using local labor.
• Indigenous populations are involved in forest management, including protecting sacred grounds and hunting grounds.
• Depending on the socioeconomic conditions of the country where the materials originate from, the FSC will also undertake initiatives to develop local infrastructures such as schools and clinics.
• All wood must be traceable no matter how complex the supply chain
• Each link in the supply chain must also have certifications to manage traceability. 
• Annual site visits are made by independent certification firms to confirm how materials are being handled and processed. 

The PEFC® Certification

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization featuring a global alliance of national forest certification systems. 

PEFC endorses national forest certification systems developed through multi-stakeholder processes tailored to local priorities and conditions to ensure responsible sourcing processes. 

Focusing on local forest certifications allows PEFC to ensure all sourcing locations are protected and respected based on:

• Wildlife 
• Landscape
• Social impact
• Economic impact

PEFC is able to track materials from forests, down to the supply chain and the final product using the chain of custody certification. 

This ensures that every step of the process is monitored, from the sourcing process to the rights of workers. 

The PEFC label guarantees that any paper and wood-based materials used to produce a product were sourced from PEFC-certified forests. 

Showcasing the certification label on your product makes it easier for brands and retailers to communicate and promote sustainable practices within the production process. 

Furthermore, eco-conscious consumers will recognize PEFC as a credible sustainability certification in turn improving brand credibility in sustainable practices. 

In order to use the PEFC trademark on products, brands need to be PEFC certified to ensure they comply with requirements. 

However, if your product is sourced from third parties, the suppliers need to be PEFC certified to showcase the label on products. 

The TÜV Austria OK Compost Certification

TÜV Austria (formerly Vinçotte) is a certification body that grants certifications like OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME. 

TÜV is a globally recognized trademark guaranteeing quality and consistency.

It ensures that products, services, or processes are tested for safety and comply with the requirements of national, regional as well as international regulations and standards. 

OK compost HOME indicates that products with the certified label are compostable in a garden, ensuring 100% biodegradability, even in lower temperatures. 

The OK compost INDUSTRIAL label indicates that the product is only compostable at composting facilities, meaning it requires infrastructure to ensure the product is properly degraded in temperatures above 55ºC. 

Popularly used to certify bioplastic products like compostable and biodegradable mailer bags, the OK compost HOME certification is great for waste reduction and creates convenient ways for consumers to compost. 

While TÜV Austria is based in Europe, OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL are globally recognized as the top certifications for biodegradable products. 

With multiple testing facilities and a broad range of certifications and standards, these labels are the most straightforward way in promoting sustainable practices and providing composting instructions for consumers. 

The Soy-Ink Certification

The American Soybean Association aims to advocate for the rights of soy farmers in the US, especially at a time when soy products have ramped up in popularity in a vast amount of industries. 

The soy ink certification indicates that printed products are recyclable and that the soy used was responsibly sourced with standards and regulations set by the American Soybean Association.

Soy-based inks are recognized as more environmentally friendly as it does not alter the recyclability of printed paper materials the way many petroleum-based inks do. 

With the soy-ink seal, businesses can guarantee that products claiming to be sustainable are 100% recyclable, down to the ink showcasing the logo, and are made with greater social responsibility.

The soy ink seal is validated using the following standards: 

There is a range of certified packaging materials and inks that are worth looking into to enhance businesses’ corporate responsibility.  

Certifications are one of the best ways to guarantee sustainable practices down the supply chain and communicate your efforts in a clear and concise way. 

The post Everything You Need To Know About Sustainable Packaging Certifications first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post Everything You Need To Know About Sustainable Packaging Certifications appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

Heaps and heaps of plastic and molded foam end up in landfills and remain there for lifetimes to come. 

With the pandemic forcing the shift to online shopping, the eCommerce industry gained a lot of momentum over a very short period of time. 

As ordering everything from groceries to furniture is becoming more convenient than ever, consumers and businesses also hold more responsibility for developing sustainable processes to accommodate environmental initiatives.

It can be difficult to determine just how sustainable packaging materials actually are. 

That’s why it’s important to assess the life cycle of chosen packaging materials to ensure brands are delivering on their sustainable responsibilities.

This comprehensive guide to sustainable packaging materials will help businesses and consumers alike make eco-friendly choices and ultimately pave the way to a greener future. 

The Categories of Eco-Friendly Packaging

Sustainable packaging falls under 3 main categories based on the capabilities and specs of the materials. 

Recyclable Packaging 

Recyclable packaging is the most common type of sustainable packaging widely used across a large portion of the retail industry. 

Recyclable packaging includes but isn’t limited to paper-based materials such as: 

• Corrugated cardboard
• Molded pulp
• Kraft folding carton

Paper-based materials get recycled and are soaked, chopped, cooked, strained, cleaned, bleached, and reformed to create new paper-based products, bringing the material full circle. 

While it’s true that paper loses its durability the more it is recycled, the great thing about recyclable materials is that most, if not all, are biodegradable. 

Meaning that at the end of its life cycle, it can be easily composted, once again bringing the material full circle without negatively impacting the environment. 

Compostable Packaging

While paper-based packaging can be composted, it does not work on a large scale as it relies on the infrastructure of composting and waste programs to bring the waste cycle full circle. 

Materials that are engineered to be composted include: 

• Bioplastics

• Mushroom packaging
• Cornstarch packaging

While mushroom packaging is still in the early stages of development as a compostable packaging material, bioplastics and cornstarch packaging have gained market share as reliable compostable materials, especially in the food and restaurant industry. 

The food and restaurant industries account for a large portion of packaging waste due to the reliance on plastic and polystyrene materials for durability and hygiene. 

However, compostable packaging like cornstarch and bioplastic materials are engineered to offer up-to-standard durability and hygienic properties and ensure that the packaging breaks down over a short period of time. 

Bio-plastics and cornstarch packaging materials are marine degradable, meaning these materials will dissolve in water and serve as food for marine life. 

Reusable Packaging

Reusable packaging is just as it sounds. 

Packaging and products are made with extremely durable materials to ensure a longer life cycle and encourage reuse, contributing largely to the circular economy. 

Reusable packaging is one of the most eco-friendly solutions on the market as it eliminates the need for single-use plastic packaging, which contributes largely to global packaging waste. 

Popular reusable product packaging types include: 

• Bags
• Tin boxes
• Collapsible rigid boxes

Shipping products globally produces a solid amount of waste, using reusable pellets and shipping containers can also save costs in turn increase the ROI significantly. 

Ultimately, reusable packaging will also be recyclable to ensure minimal impact at the end of a product’s life cycle. 

Examining Sustainable Packaging Materials

Corrugated Cardboard

The conventional corrugated box has 3 fiberboard layers in its structure. 

The outer layers are called linerboards, and the wavy layer of paper sandwiched in between the linerboards is called a flute. 

In some cases, to add extra protection to the products, corrugated sheets can be doubled-up, combining different grades of fluting. 

The everyday corrugated box is the most common as a shipping and mailing option. 

The walls provide the much-needed protection for even the roughest handling, and the material is relatively cost-effective. 

Most companies use corrugated boxes to efficiently ship and deliver enormous amounts of products over long distances. 

In contrast, some companies opt for printing on their corrugated boxes for more brand appeal.

Corrugated cardboard is 100% recyclable, however, some inks may compromise the recyclability of the material. 

If companies choose to print onto corrugated cardboard, sustainable inks can be used to maintain sustainable practices. 

Popular sustainable inks for packaging include:

• Soy ink
• Vegetable ink
• Water-based ink

Kraft Folding Carton

Raw kraft is durable, tear resistant and brown in color thanks to the kraft pulping process. 

Ideal for creating durable wrapping paper and sturdy carton and rigid boxes, kraft paper board is actually also available in a range of colors and shades making it extremely versatile for branded packaging solutions. 

The surface of raw kraft paper is textured and porous allowing for high-quality printing and finishing for a premium rustic look and feel. 

kraft paper is stronger than regular paper thanks to the kraft process. 

More lignin is stripped from kraft wood pulp leaving more cellulose which gives paper its tear-resistant and durable characteristics. 

Raw kraft paper tends to be more porous than regular paper too, making it a little less effective for printing but extremely accepting to special finishing processes such as:

• Embossing/debossing
• Foil stamping

Because kraft is a raw material, it is 100% recyclable, and sustainable coatings can be used to elevate packaging artwork designs. 

Tin Boxes

Tin boxes are an up-and-coming sustainable packaging substrate because it is 100% recyclable and reusable while still providing a luxurious look and feel.

Tin can be processed and returned to the production cycle without deteriorating in quality and they are also magnetic making it really easy to extract from waste streams if needed. 

For luxury brands looking to improve on sustainable practices, tin packaging is a great way to add a higher perceived value while still encouraging consumers to recycle or reuse. 

Tin is also impenetrable, making it great for keeping food products like chocolates and small treats hygienic and protected from exterior elements. 

Molded Pulp

Molded pulp is commonly used for creating box inserts to provide extra support and security to products. 

It serves as an effective alternative for plastic inserts as it provides more durability and protection to products within packaging boxes. 

The material is molded to the product making it convenient and durable for packaging a versatile range of products for a tailored look and feel. 

Coatings and varnishes can also be added to the surface of molded pulp inserts to create a more luxurious feel. 

However, it is not recommended to print on molded pulp due to the textured nature of the surface. 

Cornstarch Packaging

In a nutshell, cornstarch packaging is a biodegradable packaging material that can replace polystyrene (Styrofoam) and plastic. 

Available in both transparent and opaque material, it can be used in a variety of ways.

Currently, the most popular way to utilize cornstarch packaging is for take away food. 

This includes packaging options such as;

• Trays
• Lids
• Bags
• Plates
• Containers

Unlike petroleum-based plastic, cornstarch packaging is biodegradable and renewable, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly packaging material and plastic alternatives. 

Collapsible/Magnetic Rigid Boxes

Magnetic closure rigid boxes have two magnets placed in the rigid boxes that lock together to firmly seal the box shut.

Because of its sturdy and solid construction, consumers like to reuse them making it a great sustainable packaging solution for premium products. 

Plus, the magnetic closure offers a sleek unboxing experience that further encourages consumers to keep these boxes for storage or decoration. 

Magnetic closure boxes are available in standard and collapsible styles.

Collapsible magnetic closure rigid boxes are packed and shipped flat, which can greatly reduce shipping and handling costs as well as the carbon footprint.

Collapsible rigid boxes generally come with double-sided tape that adheres to the collapsible faces of the box making it no longer collapsible for your customers.

However, in many cases, businesses will keep the collapsible feature of their packaging functional so that consumers can easily collapsible and store packaging for reuse. 

Why are Coatings Important for Sustainable Packaging?

Fully recyclable packaging is still a challenge to produce. 

There are so many layers to packaging and each one is made of different materials, coatings, and inks. 

There have been different measures for companies to reevaluate their current use, including bans on certain kinds of materials such as single-use plastic.

While these are small steps, there are bigger goals the industry is working towards. 

Specifically, using more recycled content to create flexible packaging, eliminating the unnecessary use of plastic, developing newer forms of plastic that can be recycled, and increasing the circulation of already used plastic to encourage recycling. 

With the focus on plastics, it might not seem obvious where coatings fit in.

Businesses have taken some major steps toward providing consumers with sustainable and recyclable products. However, a lot of the industry has been greenwashed over time.

While the materials businesses choose do play a crucial role in the sustainability of products, the coating, as mentioned previously, often compromises the recyclability of the packaging. 

While coatings are useful because they provide additional functionality that might not exist if plastic is completely eliminated, it still poses the question: how eco-friendly is this packaging really? 

Consumers are becoming more conscious of eco-friendly initiatives and are becoming much more educated on this topic as a whole.

With that being said, customers will eventually catch on to brands that claim to be environmentally friendly, yet use coatings that ultimately make the packaging non-recyclable. 

Greenwashing is becoming more prominent, but so have consumers’ knowledge of this phenomenon. 

This is why businesses taking steps towards sustainable initiatives need to acknowledge and embrace the importance of sustainable coatings along with sustainable packaging as a whole. 

Water-based coatings are becoming an increasingly sustainable alternative for flexible packaging. 

This includes; 

• Primers
• Barrier coatings
• Varnishes
• Heat-sealing

Water-based coatings are durable, can withstand rough conditions, and work as a protective layer, just as any other non-sustainable coating would. 

Other technologies and options are being developed, so it’s clear more innovation is to come for sustainable coatings and will hopefully pave the way for fully sustainable packaging solutions.

Overall, we can expect to see more innovation in sustainable packaging materials and a larger shift to sustainable practices in business. 

Using this comprehensive guide to sustainable materials for packaging, businesses will be able to make educated decisions when switching to sustainable packaging for a greener future. 

The post The Guide to Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post The Guide to Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials appeared first on PakFactory Blog.