In an era where environmental consciousness is at the center of many consumers’ buying behaviors, there’s been a rising demand for sustainable solutions. From plastic reduction to lowering waste, companies are rethinking their packaging strategies to align with environmentally friendly practices and principles. We can see how this has been yielding sustainable outcomes in the world of packaging today as we explore innovations guiding the future of packaging.
The Plastic Predicament
Plastic packaging traditionally has been globally accepted as the choice for many liquids’ product packaging. However, the environmental impact of plastic production is undeniable. Packaging with high plastic content has been a significant contributor to plastic pollution, clogging waterways and lingering in landfills for decades. As this problem has become an environmental issue, many companies are actively seeking alternatives that can address the challenges of traditional packaging.
Upfront Plastic Reduction
Reduction in plastic is a primary driver in helping the environment and meeting sustainability commitments. This can be done by incorporating recycled content and reducing plastic at the source to lower plastic content in total. Minimizing unnecessary packaging and upfront plastic content saves resources and can lower manufacturing and production costs.
With manufacturing based in source reduction, the production process uses less energy from start to finish. In addition, packaging that is curbside recyclable can help drive sustainable outcomes for the lifecycle of the packaging.
Recycling and Reusability
Another aspect of packaging sustainability is promoting circular recycling and the repurposing of plastic content. Many companies are reconstructing and re-engineering their packaging to be easily recyclable with materials that are efficiently processed by recycling facilities.
There are many new options on the market now, such as digital technologies like hidden digital watermarks in design and smart labels to help in the recycling process. Packaging companies are pushing the boundaries by engineering advanced environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Packaging Innovations
Companies working to implement strategies for eco-friendly and user-friendly packaging can meet or exceed sustainability commitments while enhancing the packaging experience.
AeroFlexx, an innovation revolutionizing liquid packaging, is guiding the industry push for packaging sustainability with eco-friendly packaging technologies.
Engineered with an airframe technology, the AeroFlexx Pak uses air instead of plastic, creating a packaging structure integrating tailored rigidity into the flexible form. By transitioning from a traditional plastic bottle closure, such as a cap or pump, to an integrated self-sealing valve, the package increases packaging reliability while lowering plastic content at the source.
Source reduction, also known as waste minimization or waste prevention, involves less waste generation and is addressed by implementing strategies like plastic reduction. For the context of packaging, this can be done by designing lightweight packaging and products with recycled content and less plastic content upfront.
How this Benefits Companies and Consumers
A growing number of consumers prefer products with eco-friendly packaging, leading to increased brand loyalty for those supporting sustainability.
Consumer Preference: Studies show that an increasing number of consumers prefer products with eco-friendly packaging. Adopting sustainable packaging practices can enhance brand reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Brand loyalty can be built by leveraging 360-degree design capabilities that tell a brand’s story.
Regulatory Compliance: As governments establish stricter regulations and targets for the environment, embracing source reduction and optimizing supply chains can help companies stay ahead of compliance guidelines and avoid potential penalties.
Cost Savings: By simplifying the supply chain, companies lower the total cost of ownership through the reduction in transportation, inventory costs, and warehouse requirements to shrink the environmental footprint overall.