The advent of plastic, with its versatility and reliability unleashed a chain of events, making it possible for mass production to take place, and changed how we view packaging and safekeeping of goods.
However, we have recently seen the push in using sustainable and green products for small and big businesses alike. Even governments are starting to heed the outcry for more sustainable solutions on consumer products and reduce the use of single-use plastic by introducing legislations and setting higher recycling targets, according to a report by McKinsey & Company.
People have become more mindful of their purchases as well, making more and more conscious effort to support brands that are utilizing and are pushing for sustainable alternatives. In Trivium Packaging’s 2022 Buying Green Report, 57% of the 15,000 respondents answered that they are less likely to purchase products that they see are packaged using materials that could harm the environment. What prompted the movement happening now? What pushed brands and consumers alike to have increased awareness towards sustainable packaging options?
More and more brands are switching to green and sustainable options both in packaging as well as manufacturing, as they are witnessing first-hand the effects of climate change and the environmental challenges brought about by generational neglect. Reduce, reuse, recycle is no longer used as a fancy slogan; it’s a call to action that many are already taking on. Brands begin their journey with sustainable packaging. What is sustainable packaging design? What are its effects on the business? Let’s dive into this article to find out.
How Do You Characterize a Sustainable Packaging Design
Sustainable packaging is a form of packaging that consciously reduces the carbon footprint in the manner of its production. It champions reusability and the use of recycled materials for its raw materials. Importance is likewise placed on how the production process per se is minimized which lessens if not totally eliminates the overall carbon footprint.
Sustainable packaging design is the process of conceptualizing the product processing, having in mind the preservation of the environment by avoiding processes and raw materials that could possibly harm it. This begins with the conceptualization, having in mind the possible further use of the packaging, as well as using recycled materials in the process of its production.
Keep in mind, however, that sustainable packaging design does not only mean using eco-friendly packaging materials; social and economic considerations must also be taken into account. You must consider a design with a competitive production pricing. It might be eco-friendly but if the price is not sustainable, it will defeat the purpose. You should also consider its social impact in that the raw materials could be sourced from repurposed raw materials.
Positive Effect in Business
For business newcomers, jumping into the sustainable packaging design bandwagon might be seen as too much of a big deal. After all, using plastic is more convenient and could be seen as a sturdier way of packing your products. However, using packaging with a sustainable design could have a more positive impact on your business in the long run.
Here are some benefits that sustainable packaging design could bring to your business:
- You can save a lot if you are going to source your raw materials from recyclable and cost-efficient sources.
- Introducing sustainable design for your product’s packaging could send a positive message about your brand’s eco-consciousness.
- Reduce the overall carbon footprint in the process of production.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
If you don’t know where to start your journey towards sustainable design packaging, here are some things that you could consider if you want to make more impact:
Always design with sustainability in mind
It might sound cliché, but always think of the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Let them be the guiding point when designing a sustainable packaging for your products. Reduce, if possible, the materials that you will utilize for your packaging. Come up with a design that consumers could reuse. Utilize recycled materials for raw materials to lessen cost and carbon footprint of the production.
Be mindful of your packaging’s components, not only the design
If you already have a sustainable design, why stop there? You could also contemplate on further lessening the packaging materials and at the same time retain the quality of the packaging, improve it even. Reach out to other suppliers who might have other solutions to offer, or are using newer technologies or methodologies that could introduce less carbon footprint in your packaging design.
Make a reusable option for your packaging that makes sense and is useful
Make a conscious effort to come up with a sustainable design that can be useful to consumers afterwards. You can also consider incentivizing the consumer with a discount if they could use the same packaging on instances of repeat orders in physical stores.
Conclusion
Sustainable packaging design takes into consideration not only the economic but also the social impacts of the packaging’s production. It is the process of conceptualizing the package design, keeping in mind the preservation of the environment by avoiding methods and raw materials that could possibly harm it. While it could be daunting, introducing sustainably designed packaging to your products would benefit your business because it increases your brand reputation and could help minimize production carbon footprint. At the end of the day, this seemingly small move could make a huge impact – especially in the protection of the environment that we all live in.