In 2021, sustainable packaging is becoming a higher priority than ever for both brands and consumers. McDonald’s recently announced its packaging will be 100% renewable and recycled by 2025. And millennials are pushing brands to be more environmentally and socially responsible,
The term “eco-friendly packaging” is much more than a buzzword. And it’s no longer just an option – it’s a necessity. A recent study has found that:
- 37% of U.S. consumers prioritize sustainability when making buying decisions
- 51% of supply chain professionals expect the circular economy to expand in popularity in the next two years because of the pandemic
- 30% of consumers are willing to pay premium pricing for products that deliver on sustainability claims
“Reduce, reuse, recycle” is a phrase that many of us were brought up with. Today, it’s crucial to your company that you reflect these same values to help the environment and increase loyalty to your brand among eco-conscious consumers.
What is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging is packaging that reduces its environmental footprint, over time, while also optimizing the use of renewable materials that meet market criteria for cost and performance.
This can happen in a variety of ways:
- Ingredients: using 100% recycled or raw materials that create a circular economy
- Production process: by minimizing the production process, supply chain, and carbon footprint
- Reusability: creating a circular economy around packaging, extending its lifecycle and usability
Eco-packaging isn’t entirely about the environment; it should also take into consideration economic and social factors. For example, while plant-based packaging may seem like a viable option, it quite often means clearing endangered rainforests to grow crops. Labeling something “eco-friendly” doesn’t mean it’s sustainable, and labeling something sustainable doesn’t mean that it’s ethical.
Consumer Behavior and Packaging Sustainability
Consumer trends are probably the biggest reason many more brands are using eco-friendly packaging. With more action being taken to battle climate change, taking care of the earth has become a top priority for many people.
Sustainability and environmentalism may not be at the forefront of your brand’s defining features, but sustainable packaging can give you an edge over the competition.
Consider this scenario:
Your product is placed directly next to your competition on a retail shelf. A shopper has your product in one hand and your competitors in the other. They’re trying to figure out which product to buy. They need just one little thing to push them over the edge.
And there it is! On your packaging, the customer reads:
“This packaging is made from 100% recycled material and will break down into non-toxic organic matter in 15 years.”
Sold!
If eco-friendly packaging isn’t part of your branding – it’s still important in the buyer’s mind, even if it’s not the number one consideration for them. A well-placed statement can be all that’s needed to make a customer commit to your product and not a competitor.
Big Business is Interested, Too
The push toward packaging sustainability isn’t just coming from the end consumer; it’s coming from large corporations as well. Unilever Australia recently put pressure on the Australian government to do more in the plastic pollution battle. Corporations have a voice that can put pressure on the government to help promote circular economy in the following ways:
- Playing a role in the development of proper collection and sortation of recyclable packaging
- Working with industry to develop new technologies that help to reduce plastic waste, or make it recyclable
- Promoting labeling communication to help end-users properly dispose of packaging in the correct stream
- Choosing suppliers that align with their sustainability initiatives
- Leading the movement so that smaller and mediums brands can follow to implement sustainability in their packaging
- Creating interest in consumers wanting to associate with environmentally focused brands
The good news is that if your company is not yet making the move towards sustainable packaging, we can help – and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Sustainability Is a Priority for Korpack
We understand sustainability, and we provide solutions that will align with your company’s sustainability initiatives. For example, our corrugated boxes are 100% recyclable, and our trays and inserts are made from recyclable molded fiber. We also recycle all scrap from our manufacturing process.
We’ll be happy to consult with you about sustainable packaging and additional ways you can take it to the next level without sacrificing your company’s financial objectives. Contact us today and let’s talk sustainability. We’ll help you make a difference.
