The excessive use of plastics in packaging leads to massive waste while contributing to an environmental crisis. Millions of tons of plastic waste bombards our landfills and oceans. It ultimately disrupts our ecosystems and endangers wildlife every year.
Research studies show that about 20 million metric tons of plastic waste pollute the environment every year. This waste ratio is more likely to increase by 2040. The expected amount of plastic waste is alarming. And it needs an effective solution to maintain a balance between packaging production and the environment.
Many businesses have started practicing innovative packaging solution. Read this blog to explore major sustainable packaging innovations to promote your brand!
Paper-Based Packaging
Paper-based packaging contributes significantly to eco-friendly packaging. It offers a perfect blend of renewable resource origin, recyclability, and biodegradability. This type of packaging can be recycled multiple times while reducing the need for virgin materials and reducing environmental impact.
Moreover, advancements in paper packaging further enhance the sustainability of paper packaging by reducing reliance on less sustainable materials. Paper-based barriers in aseptic cartons and plant-based coatings are innovative paper-based packaging solutions.
Examples of paper-based packaging materials are kraft, cardstock, cardboard, paperboard, and rigid. They can be recycled up to seven times. Hence, this recyclability reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimizes the need for new raw materials.
Case Study
Smurfit Kappa is one of the largest paper-based packaging manufacturers in the world. This company offers paper-based alternatives to plastic packaging. Their biodegradable and recyclable products serve different industries, from food to e-commerce.
The company is pushing the packaging industry towards greater sustainability. As it is investing in innovative paper solutions instead of plastic packaging. If you are also in the packaging industry, opt for paper-based materials to promote green credentials.
Plant-Based Plastics
Plant-based packaging plays a crucial role in sustainable packaging. It offers a renewable and often biodegradable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. This shift helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimizes plastic waste in landfills. Eventually, plant-based packaging can lessen the overall environmental impact of packaging.
Plant-based plastics are derived from renewable resources rather than limited fossil fuel reserves. Corn, sugarcane, or cellulose are examples of renewable resources which produce plant-based plastics. They help conserve these non-renewable resources and reduce the carbon footprint associated with their extraction and processing.
Examples of plant-based plastics used in packaging are Polylactic acid, Starch-based plastics, and Cellulose-based plastics. Made from corn starch, PLA is a popular bioplastic used in food packaging, cutlery, and containers.
Case Study
Once, Coca-Cola was the largest producer of plastic bottles in the world. But a major transformation happened in January 2024. When the company revealed its first-ever 100% plant-based plastic bottle known as “PlantBottle.”
This bottle is made from chemicals derived from corn and other plants instead of petroleum-based blends of previous prototypes. It is a fully recyclable PET plastic bottle partially made from plant-based materials. Plantbottle reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the carbon footprint.
Mushroom-Based Packaging
Mushroom-based packaging is also known as mycelium packaging. It is a great sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials like polystyrene and plastic. This packaging is made from mycelium. Mycelium is the root structure of fungi, combined with agricultural waste like hemp stalks or corn husks.
Mycelium packaging creates a lightweight, strong, and biodegradable material that offers excellent protective properties. Once discarded, it decomposes naturally while returning to the earth without harmful residues.
Mushroom packaging is 100% biodegradable and compostable, while breaking down naturally within weeks or months. This contrasts sharply with the persistent nature of plastics, which can pollute the environment for centuries.
Case Study
Ecovative has pioneered mushroom-based packaging, which is an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene. Mycelium material is grown from mushroom roots, which are entirely compostable. It naturally breaks down without leaving harmful residues.
Dell has also adopted mycelium packaging to protect electronic items. They are also reducing plastic waste. Hence, mycelium packaging is gaining momentum across diverse industries. It also offers a sustainable solution that resonates with circular economy principles.
Blockchain Integrated Packaging
Blockchain-integrated packaging supports sustainable packaging. This packaging enhances transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. It helps to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices. This technology allows customers to verify the sustainability claims of products from sourcing to disposal.
Blockchain creates an immutable record of a product’s journey. It also allows customers to trace its origin, manufacturing, and distribution. It also ensures adherence to standards of environmentally friendly packaging.
The blockchain technology also helps identify areas for improvement in waste management. It also promotes the use of recycled and recyclable materials in packaging and sustainability.
Case Study
Nestle has integrated blockchain technology in packaging design to boost transparency. With this program, customers can track the origin of a product journey by scanning a QR code on packaging.
As a result, customers could trace the journey from the origin to the roasting factory. They tracked roasting, grounding, and packaging of coffee beans. Moreover, the data also includes details about farmers, roasting process, and harvest time.
Reusable Packaging Systems
Reusable packaging minimizes waste and conserves resources. It also reduces the environmental impact associated with single-use packaging. Businesses and customers can contribute to a more circular economy. And promote more environmentally responsible practices by opting for reusable options.
Refillable containers directly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and oceans. Refillable bottles, returnable crates, and reusable shipping containers are all examples of reusable packaging.
Reusable packaging minimizes the need to produce new packaging materials. It also conserves materials like trees, water, and energy used in manufacturing. Keep in mind that the early investment in reusable packaging might be higher. But it can be more cost-effective in the long run due to its various uses.
Case Study
Tesco is one of the reusable packaging companies. It has incorporated a reusable packaging initiative. Reusability allows customers to return packaging for professional cleaning and reuse. This packaging system minimizes single-use waste and reduces the cost of long-term packaging.
This system has been successfully implemented in stores based in the United Kingdom. It showcases the existence of a circular packaging program in mainstream retail.
Conclusion
Sustainability isn’t a fad. In fact, it’s the present and future of the packaging industry. Eco-friendly packaging options are everywhere. And big and small brands are innovating sustainable packaging. To do this, they are improving their packaging design and committing to cutting waste and going green.. If you also want to keep up with the latest sustainable packaging trends, contact The Customize Boxes to leave a positive impression on the green world of customers and packed goods.
