While almost everyone has heard about the importance of sustainable packaging, many still need to be aware of how far it’s come in the last few years. In this blog post, we’ll look at 5 of the biggest issues that dominate the discussion about sustainable packaging for food and beverages. Moreover, we give you a brief overview of how those issues fit into today’s industry.
Increase in Packaging Recycling
The increase in packaging recycling is good. It means that more of the materials we use are using well.
But while recycling rates have increased, the amount of waste produced has remained the same. Global landfill rates have increased by 25% since 2000. This means that the resources needed for production and disposal have increased even as we’re getting better at recycling them!
One reason may be that recycling is only one part of a complicated system. It only considers part of the lifecycle of packaging materials.
Another reason might be that we’re using more packaging than ever before. According to a study by the British Plastics Federation (BPF), U.K. retailers sell 6% more products per store by 2022 than in 2017. That’s just one country!
Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Packaging
Biodegradable and compostable plastic packaging has been a boon for the environment. Unlike traditional plastic, these materials are from renewable sources. Natural processes can break them down. However, it’s still important to consider their environmental impact. It ensures we are using them correctly.
This packaging can benefit the environment. They don’t take as long to break down in landfills as traditional plastics. They also don’t pollute water supplies or harm wildlife in the same way that rooted plastics do. However, biodegradable plastics aren’t perfect. They still require energy to produce. It means they contribute to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2).
A Re-Thinking of Business Models and the Circular Economy
Today, the world is very different than it was just a few years ago. How we do business has changed. It will change even more in the coming years.
We know this because we’ve been watching the trends. We’ve seen how people buy less stuff and take better care of what they have. Not just because they have to, but because they want to! We’ve seen that people are willing to pay more for products made ethically and sustainably.
We’re also aware that some serious issues are facing our planet now. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, you name it! And while it’s tempting to think that individual can solve these problems by changing their habits (like recycling). The truth is that we need companies and governments working together. It ensures everyone plays their part in creating a sustainable future for everyone on Earth.
It’s not easy being green, but we can do it with the right tools and information!
New Technologies for Sustainable Packaging
The world of packaging is changing.
In the 21st century, the demand for sustainable packaging has never been higher. Even sustainable packaging is also very important in medicine packaging. Consumers want to know that the products they purchase are safe and secure. They also want to know that the packaging is eco responsible. This means manufacturers must find new ways to produce their products while being mindful of the environment.
One way to accomplish this is through the use of new technologies. New technologies such as 3D printing have enabled companies to use less material when creating their products and packaging. It could result in lower costs for consumers and reduced waste overall.
New Benchmarking of Sustainable Packaging Performance
The results of new packaging benchmarking are in, and they show some surprising trends. The 2020 Sustainable Packaging Benchmarking Report, released by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), shows that companies are making significant progress in reducing the carbon footprint of their packaging. However, there is still much room for improvement. The SPC is encouraging companies to take advantage of the new benchmarking tool to help them identify opportunities for improvement.
Packaging has long been considered an important part of a company’s sustainability initiatives. Many companies have made it a priority to use more sustainable materials in their packaging. The SPC reports that more than 60% of the companies included in this year’s benchmark had already achieved 100% degradability or recyclability in at least one major product category, representing an increase from last year’s report when only about 20% had reached this milestone.
This year’s report also highlights some concerns about how much waste is generated by plastic packaging and how difficult it is for consumers to recycle certain types of plastic containers with no convenient recycling options available at home or work.” We need to do better,” says Tom Lindberg, president & CEO of Sustainability
Conclusion
Most of the trends discussed here are in the very early stages, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about how they will impact the world of packaging. As a designer, you can use this as an opportunity to get ahead of the curve and develop new ideas that will address these issues while also providing innovative solutions to big brands across the globe.
