Eco-friendly Packaging: Why It Matters And How Brands Can Make The Switch?

When it comes to the environment, packaging is considered one of the most underrated waste contributors. Packaging material is something everyone interacts with on a daily basis. We love to shop, we love to receive gifts, and offer gifts out too, but what happens to all the wrapping sheets and papers, cartons, and leather bags that comes along with them?

Do we throw them away? or recycle them?

So, let’s say you do end up recycling them. But that doesn’t really solve your problem, because you still end up getting stuck with them at the end of your next shopping spree or frequent trip to the market.

This brings us to the need for eco-friendly packaging.

What is Eco-friendly/ Green Packaging? And Why Should We Choose it?

As the name implies, eco-friendly packaging is any packaging that is easy to recycle, safe for individuals and the environment, and made out of recycled/ recyclable materials.

As a business owner, one of the important aspects of marketing asides from selling your product is how it is presented. This plays a vital role in the protection and preservation of all kinds of products, which makes it a huge disservice to consumers and the environment when your business is reliant on single use-packaging. If you would like to do your bit to lower your impact on the environment and improve your business’ eco-reputation, biodegradable (green) packaging can help.

Biodegradable materials can easily be broken down and decompose rapidly, without releasing toxic substances into the environment around them. These materials range from wood and paper to some plastics, and can also be composted at home, alongside food waste, or disposed of correctly by a registered waste carrier.
Here are some benefits of using Eco-friendly Packaging:

Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

Eco-friendly packaging is better for the environment as it is made of recycled waste material which reduces the consumption of resources. Don’t focus only on your financial goals but try to meet your environmental goals as well.

Easy Disposal

The type of packaging you use may vary but it should either be compostable or recyclable. If some of your customers or co-workers happen to have compost facilities then you can turn the waste packaging into compost. If the packaging is clearly labeled recyclable packaging, then it can be thrown into your recycling bin for reuse.

It is Biodegradable 

Green packaging not only reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact but is also beneficial after it has served its purpose as the packaging materials are biodegradable.

It is Versatile and Flexible 

Eco-friendly packaging is pretty versatile and can be reused and re-purposed in most major industries that involve packaging. Whatever you are looking to package right from meats to electronic devices, there will be an eco-friendly type of packaging that will meet their needs and reduce costs.

Improves Your Brand Image

Eco-friendly packaging creates a good impression of your company as this displays that you care about the environment as well as depicting that you are a responsible company. A recent study discovered that 78% of customers between the ages of 18-72 felt more positive about a product whose packaging was made up of recycled items.

It Consists of No Harmful Plastics 

Traditional packaging methods and materials contribute to global warming and other environmental issues. Using eco-friendly packaging allows you to reduce the amount of plastic that you use. Using non-sustainable petrochemical resources which are a part of all traditional plastics requires a lot of energy. Petrochemical products usually tend to litter public places and have been linked with health problems when used with food.

Reducing Shipping/Delivery Costs 

Reducing your shipping costs reduces the number of raw materials that are used to package the products and fewer packing materials lead to less effort being expended.

Our lack of concern for our environment has been causing detrimental effects on the well-being of our society.

Our approach toward green packaging material is one of the many things we could do to create a healthier environment than we currently live in.

In recent years, there has been a positive shift towards eco-friendly packaging. Whether your decision of choosing environmental packaging is economical or environmental, choosing eco-friendly packaging has huge benefits.