The foreign word “recyclable packaging” has now become a key imperative of brands and businesses. Modern buyers, especially among millennials and Gen Z, have shown a strong demand for biodegradable packaging. Many recognised brands, like “Asos and Calvin Klein”, have shifted to sustainable packaging, showing commitment to a lighter carbon footprint.
This may feel like a challenge, but remember every change comes from small steps. These packages not only come in handy prices, but with their great customisation options, you can transform ordinary materials into a cohesive brand reputation. Explore the benefits of sustainable packaging, types of material, and their impact in protecting the Earth, as well as strengthening your brand base.
1. Recyclable and Reusable Packaging
Recycling has taken many different forms these days, from wearing to playing items. These common recyclable materials include paper stock, cardboard, corrugated, plastic, and other types of materials used in various industries. Shoppers collect materials like recyclable custom bakery boxes, shoe boxes, jars, and discarded fabrics to dispose of them in recycling bins. So other companies, manufacturers, and retailers can give these materials new life and create a stunning, if not luxurious, product for consumers, while ensuring low carbon emissions and keeping plastic out of the ocean.
On the other hand reusable process is no newcomer in the world of packaging; the origin of this idea dates back to ancient times, like the Great Depression, when families didn’t even have a proper supply of daily necessities due to economic necessity and resource scarcity.
A great example of recyclable packaging is the “Green Toys” company, which uses recycled milk jugs and bags in children’s toys.
Another inspiring example of reusable packaging comes from Samsung, which uses recyclable materials for its packaging, allowing customers to repurpose the packaging into a cat house or a bookshelf.
2. Milamlistic Aesthetic Packaging
The principle of minimalist packaging is “less is more,” which aims at the core idea of excluding unnecessary embellishments and prioritising utility, elegance, and sustainability. These packaging designs are typically used by skincare and cosmetics businesses, as modern consumers seek products that utilise aesthetic, lighter environmental footprint, and educational designs that inspire.
Brands like NOTO and Ordinary demonstrate the art of simplicity by staying true to their brands, with simple and mostly white and transparent design, showing how a brand with simplicity can build customer loyalty. They take another step towards sustainability by packaging their products in eco-friendly packaging, which enriches the consumer perception and fosters lifetime loyalty.
3. Mono Material Packaging
Mono-material is a type of packaging that combines“convenience meets sustainability”. Businesses exclude packaging additions, such as laminations, coatings, and mixing of different materials, to simplify the recyclable process. Minimising pressure on landfill sites prevents waste from polluting ecosystems.
4. Kraft Paper Packaging
Kraft paper is the unsung hero of biodegradable packaging. From food takeaways to apparel and groceries, there is no industry that Kraft Packaging hasn’t taken. Aside from its faster decomposition rate and recyclability, one of the significant effects of kraft paper is in branding, as the rustic appeal of paper can be personalised with various branding elements such as designs, logos, and finishes.
Many food brands like KFC, McDonald’s, and local coffee roasters use Kraft paper for takeout and food wrappers due to its natural look and durability. So, if you are thinking about opening a food court soon, consider Kraft not only for its sturdy and grease-resistant nature, but it will also capture the attention of modern consumers.
5. Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging is the ultimate goal of sustainable packaging because its production requires fewer fossil fuels and less energy consumption, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It is made from various organic sources, such as wood pulp, corn and sugarcane. However, the most easily available and compostable option many business owners use is paper or cardboard.
Adopting compostable packaging can significantly boost your brand reputation, trust, interaction, and loyalty, especially among millennials and Gen Z buyers.
6. Plantable Packaging
The Motto of plantable packaging is “Zero waste”, where packaging materials are often made of recycled paper embedded with seeds, which will eventually grow into wildflowers, herbs and vegetables instead of being discarded. These packages are mostly seen in the coffee sleeves, boxes that connect more consumers with your business.
7. Reduce the Size of Packaging
Going green is not a one-way road, which means taking small steps, and one of the impactful and effortless practices of the “reduce, reuse, recycle”hierarchy your brand can adopt to reduce its carbon footprint on the planet is by reducing the size of packaging.
Means by minimising the amount of material necessary to protect effectively by downsizing and right-sizing. It contains appropriately sized boxes or containers to fill the product snuggly, thereby eliminating the need for excess material and unnecessary void fillers like air pillows or styrofoam inserts.
Sustainable Packaging is in High Demand in Modern Times; Your Brand Should Adopt!
Today, every brand is on the hunt to omit eco-branding, from small businesses to bigger ones, showcasing their role in a lighter and more sustainable environment. Even if you are a small business and your brand motto is environmental responsibility, you can still compete with bigger businesses by utilising recyclable materials that pique buyers’ interest and improve your business retention.
Whether you are opting for recyclable, plant-based, minimalist packaging, remember that wrapping up in luxury does not always show the brand values; still, true brand value lies in the trust and loyalty your brand builds by committing to environmental safety, so that your clients. Not to mention, the affordability and high customisation options you are going to achieve in such sustainable packaging. You can grow your business while also prioritising environmental safety. Good luck!
