What methods can we use to create ECO Friendly Packaging? The question is, what do you do? Is it true that 6.3 billion metric tones of the 8.3 billion metric tones of plastics manufactured end up in landfills? Did you know that this is true? Yes, you read it correctly! It is estimated that just 9 percent of waste gets recycle!
Don’t you believe that we have a duty to reduce that amount, even if it is just a little amount? You can make a difference in the world whether you’re a company owner, graphic designer, or student. Focusing on the packaging we use and manufacture is an excellent place to start, and it’s easy to get started.
In this article, we’ll go over how to identify ECO Friendly Packaging as well as how to design packaging that is more sustainable and kind to Mother Earth.
What kind of packing materials are environmentally friendly?
Let’s start by learning about what comprises environmentally friendly, long-lasting packaging.
The first question is: what kind of packaging materials are deemed biodegradable?
- Biodegradable packaging materials include paper and cardboard, which are derived from trees and are totally degradable.
- The use of biodegradable plastic bags is becoming more popular. When exposed to sunshine, these bags begin to degrade.
- Yes, it is possible to purchase biodegradable bubble wrap. It is ecologically good to use bubble wrap that has been created from recycled polythene.
- Materials derive from corn starch include: Corn starch-base packaging materials are suite for use in the food industry. The sole disadvantage is that they have a limite lifespan and cannot be repurpose.
- Materials derive from mushrooms include: Mushroom material is natural and biodegradable, and it takes around 30 days to decay after it is harvest. They’re so stylish and amazing that IKEA has begun to use them!
- Materials derived from seaweed include: Seaweed materials disintegrate in four to six weeks, making them ideal for use in food storage and packaging.
“What is ‘the best?'” is a question that cannot be definitively answer since there is no such thing. As you can see in the table above, each material has its own set of advantages as well as possible disadvantages. At the end of the day, what’s best is what’s most appropriate for your company and its product.
What exactly are environmentally friendly plastics?
Who would have imagined that one day we would be able to combine the words “eco-friendly” and “plastic” in the same sentence? Nonetheless, here we are, and we are delight that technology is progressing in this manner!
Although environmentally friendly polymers are not yet widely available, the following are a few varieties to keep an eye out for:
-
Bioplastics are a kind of plastic that is made from plants.
Bioplastics, which are often biodegradable, decompose into natural components that may decompose in a matter of weeks or merge with the soil without hurting it. They are create from natural components, such as cornstarch, and are inexpensive.
-
Biodegradable polymers are becoming more popular.
This kind of plastic contains elements that cause the plastic to deteriorate more quickly when exposed to light and oxygen. They vary from bioplastics in that biodegradable plastics are construct of petrochemical polymers and may leave harmful residues behind after decomposing. Natural resources are use to make bioplastics, which do not leave any hazardous residue when broken down.
-
Environmentally friendly plastic
Another approach to make plastics more environmentally friendly, some could say, is to recycle them. Another kind of product, dub ecoplastic, is create from high-molecular polyethylene and is use in the construction industry. Their usage as garden furniture and fence posts has become commonplace.
Parts of your package that may be made more environmentally friendly
You may wonder, how can I become involved in this ecological packaging movement. Here are some environmentally friendly packaging materials and recyclable packaging ideas for the benefit of business owners everywhere:
Packaging on the outside
When it comes to environmentally friendly outer packaging, cardboard boxes and paper packaging are at the forefront of the movement. However, did you know that poly mailers may also be use? Although the term itself may seem artificial, the good news is that they are completely recyclable!
Filler things are objects that are not necessary.
If you’re sending delicate things, you’ll need to put fillers inside the boxes to keep them from breaking during transit. That is another another example of how amazing those biodegradable bubble wraps are! And don’t forget about the mushroom-based parts holder that companies such as IKEA are using as well.
Container for the product
The container in which your product is package may be recycle or repurpose. For example, sustainable companies are moving away from using plastic containers and toward using glass containers.
Labels on products
Labels are essential since they enable you to boldly showcase your company’s branding and emblem. Being environmentally friendly does not imply that your label should degrade immediately. You may use a material such as BOPP, which is both environmentally friendly and durable.
Design elements for packaging, such as tape or stickers
Every aspect of your packaging may be improve to be more environmentally friendly. Little steps, such as ensuring that your packing tape is manufacture from ecologically friendly materials, such as the one we use at Fast Custom Boxes, may make a big impact.
Why utilising environmentally friendly packaging is beneficial to your company
-
Customers favour firms that are actively involve in environmental conservation.
As reported in the 2019 Edelman Brand Trust Survey, 71 percent of customers polled indicated the company’s environmental effect had a significant role in their purchasing choice.
-
Did we mention that you’re helping to save the environment?
This is something that cannot be overstate. It is critical that we all contribute to the reduction of plastic trash that ends up in landfills and seas. No matter how little our contribution may seem, we must make a difference.
-
It helps to boost the image of your company.
Following the two factors indicated above, this leads to an overall enhancement in the image of the company. Not only are you able to call yourself a green firm, but you are also making a genuine difference in the environment around you.
-
Environmentally friendly packaging does not have to be unsightly or uninteresting.
Because you’re helping the environment, it doesn’t follow that your company’s branding will be harm in the process. See the examples of environmentally friendly packaging that are on point in the gallery below.
