With the modern inclination towards using environment-friendly products, consumers demand that their CPG packaging is sustainable and recyclable. Several consumer goods companies are already targeting packaging transformation to meet the respective greenhouse gas emission targets.
Whether these transformations include minimizing packaging, upgrading packaging materials, considering the full packaging lifecycle, or relying on advanced advisory services by leading recycled HDPE granules manufacturers like Banyan Nation, consumers and companies alike are seeking innovative alternatives to meet sustainable packaging goals.
The Ever-Increasing Consumer Demand for Sustainable Packaging
The age of modern, sustainable packaging is here. Consumer behavior keeps changing. In such a scenario, sustainable packaging remains at the top of the minds of environmentally conscious consumers.
Blend the ever-changing preferences of consumers with increased online shopping trends. Along with product packaging, online shopping also requires advanced packaging solutions to deliver products safely to the buyers.
Overall, the modern sustainable packaging industry is expected to reach around $470 billion by the time of 2027. As companies around the globe continue to consider sustainable packaging, the worldwide market is expanding rapidly. Around 86 percent of consumers state that the notion of sustainable packaging makes them more interested in purchasing a product. At the same time, more than half of the consumers are turned down by products that showcase harmful packaging.
Especially food & beverage packaging has been changing quite lately. Consumers need these items almost daily. Therefore, they are more interested in purchasing items that are healthy for themselves and the planet. Selecting sustainable packaging enhances brand perception.
An Overview of Sustainable Packaging
The concept of sustainability in packaging has several elements, including:
- The source of the packaging materials
- Production processes, along with the materials and energy used
- The level of pollution created due to the production process, like greenhouse gas emissions
- The product’s lifecycle – is it reusable or recyclable? Has it been designed to last for long?
- Emissions due to transportation
- Packaging materials used, along with sourcing and recyclability of the materials
There are several considerations that relate to the concept of sustainable packaging. The use of the right packaging material can minimize damage at the time of shipping. In turn, this reduces the requirement of creating, buying, and shipping more products. As far as perishable items like beverages, food, and beauty products are concerned, the right packaging makes sure that the product has a longer shelf life. Consumer packaging is expected to be designed to protect the product.
A leading sustainable packaging trend is reduced packaging. This helps in saving on the energy and materials used to produce them. It also helps in saving on transportation emissions. For instance, when the product is lighter, it leads to fewer emissions at the time of shipping. The concept of reduced packaging also minimizes the amount of waste generated at the end of the product’s life in case the packaging is expected to be thrown away.
At the same time, companies are also considering the entire lifecycle of their respective products. Where are materials sourced from? Are the materials grown, harvested, or mined by aligning with the principles of sustainability? What happens to the product at the end of its life? It is expected that product packaging should be recycled or reduced to minimize environmental impacts.
What are the Benefits of Sustainable Packaging?
There are several environmental, social, and economic benefits to creating sustainable CPG packaging.
Some of the environmental benefits are:
- Minimal use of materials, energy, and water for the production of packaging materials
- Reduced waste while utilizing recycled packaging
- Minimal waste during the creation of packaging that can be recycled or reused
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions while minimizing the weight or amount of packaging
Some of the social benefits to consider are:
- Minimal toxins and allergens in sustainable products
- The customer feels valued -there is a notion of resonance with the brand identity
- Limiting the social impacts due to human-caused waste and climate change
- It is easier for consumers to recycle and reuse products, saving valuable consumers’ time
Some of the economic benefits are:
- Improved brand perception and movement into modern markets
- A minimization in waste, material use, and emissions, leading to maximum savings
- Reduced transportation costs due to reduced packaging weight
- The possibility of rethinking packaging, minimizing product losses at the time of shipping
What is the Future of Sustainable Packaging?
The sustainable packaging industry is transforming at a rapid rate. It is only expected to grow further, both as consumer preferences change and packaging innovation takes place right after that. Some of the latest innovations in the world of sustainable packaging are:
- Compostable packaging
- Edible packaging
- Minimalist design
- Refillable packaging
- Responsible sourcing
- Packaging that is convenient to recycle, minimizing mixed materials
- Design that boosts the use of the contents, minimizing waste
The Role of Advisory Services in Promoting Sustainability
Leading recycled HDPE granules manufacturers like Banyan Nation significantly support sustainability, helping companies navigate the complexities of the circular economy. Their expertise focuses on transforming product and packaging life cycles to integrate sustainable practices effectively.
They offer guidance on including post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in products, conducting performance and integrity testing, and ensuring the commercial viability of environmentally friendly packaging solutions. This approach not only promotes recycling initiatives but also assists brands in achieving regulatory compliance and enhancing consumer appeal through sustainable packaging.
Conclusion
Sustainable packaging has a significant impact on consumer choices and preferences. As environmental awareness grows, consumers increasingly seek products that minimize their ecological footprint. Sustainable packaging, made from recyclable, biodegradable, or renewable materials, aligns with this consumer trend. By choosing products with sustainable packaging, such as those offered by Banyan Nation, consumers can contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.
