Being an advocate in using eco-friendly materials for packaging is only an idea before. An environment-friendly campaign is usually associated with non-profit organizations like Greenpeace. Having sustainability as a goal would always be referred to as niche-focused. Fortunately, tables turned around in the 21st century. Now, entrepreneurs are thriving for innovation to make eco-friendly practices to be the standard. The ultimate goal is sustainability as it is a way to create balance with the environment (source of materials) and the living society.
Nowadays, sustainable packaging practices add value to the business. According to studies, eco-friendly practices help the business boost customer loyalty and make the product be the first line of choice in the market. Using sourcing, development, and packaging solutions to have a minimal effect on the environment contributes to creating the right balance in the product life cycle. Making an effort to learn sustainable packaging strategies is essential in sustaining the run of the business.
Here are some innovative sustainable packaging solutions to apply:
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Plantable Packaging
This strategy sprouted from being creative in promoting planting trees. Seeds are embedded into items like the eco-pencil. It will encourage the consumers to plant the seeds after using the item. It is also best applied for lightweight items such as cosmetics or jewelry containers.
Compostable Packaging
It is made out of compostable products that are guaranteed to be biodegradable. It provides the earth with nutrients once it is broken after usage. There is no set time frame for its decomposition, yet it’s proven to be eco-friendly about its specific conditions. The food services industry uses compostable packaging for its convenience and timeframe. It also has a lower carbon, and it’s safe as a food container. Now, disposable catering utensils are available in compostable packaging.
Edible Packaging
Eating the food with the wrap is appealing for food industry packaging services because it is convenient to market. People like an easy way of doing things. Edible packaging usually comes in the form of films and thin coating for pastries and candies. The thin layer is edible, so in the actual eating of the food, it will not be noticed. There is one rule in edible packaging, though: the film must be tasteless.
On the other hand, edible packaging is more sensitive than others. It requires proper care and treatment during the time of storage and shipping. Observe proper temperature as well to maintain the film around the item.
Bio-Plastic Packaging
In contrast to the usual plastics, bioplastics are partly made from corn starch, cellulose, lactic acid, and sugar derivatives. Because of its raw materials and features, it could naturally breakdown in the environment. However, the production of bio-plastics comes with a pricey cost. Even if it is a sustainable option, reducing the demand for using plastics and recycling is the best option.
Conclusion
Sustainable practices bring lower costs for capital and higher gains in the long term. It is an ideal method to be applied to the production side of the company. There is a balance of saving the economic cycle in the business and saving the creatures by reducing the use of resources. It also promotes planting more trees, especially for a plantable kind of sustainable packaging strategy. Maintaining this kind of practice needs creativity, consistent innovation, and application.
