Industrial growth is a significant contributor to the global climate change issue. Other than pollution and overuse of energy, plastic packaging produced and used by industries is also a reason for environmental unsustainability.
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One way to mitigate the negative impact of plastic packaging waste is to replace plastic packaging with sustainable alternatives.
Brands can also build an ethical image in the competitive market when using recyclable and sustainable packaging that does not harm the environment.
This blog has accumulated a few sustainable packaging options that depict a bright future for not only brands but also for the environment. Read on!
Biodegradable Kraft Packaging
- One of the popular sustainable packaging options is custom kraft packaging, which is toxin-free because it is made from wood pulp. The best thing about Kraft packaging is its versatility and adaptability because it can be used across various industries, from food to retail.
- Brands can not only replace plastic wraps and bags with custom kraft paper bags and wraps but also enhance product presentation with the rustic charm of kraft packaging. Eco-friendly custom Kraft packaging is food-grade and extensively used by the food industry for even making disposable crockery.
- Kraft packaging is lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand shipping and handling. It is fully customizable, helping brands portray their brand stories and ethical values. Whether the packaging is made from virgin kraft paper or bleached kraft paper, it is 100% biodegradable.
Recyclable Cardboard Boxes
- Another impactful sustainable packaging option is custom cardboard boxes, whose raw materials are sourced from recycled paper fibers and wood pulp. Sometimes deforestation is done to create a larger volume of cardboard boxes, which indirectly harms the environment by reducing the greenery that can keep the environment cooler.
- If brands are more conscious about deforestation, they must use post-industrial recycled paper to create custom cardboard boxes for retail display, storage, and shipping. Cardstock is a thicker paper than kraft paper, which is made from recycled paper fibers. The best thing about cardstock is its flexibility, which allows brands to create unique packaging like Sustainable Pillow Style Packaging to make a difference in the competitive market.
- When multiple layers of card stock are joined with kraft paper, corrugated cardboard is created, which is known for its robust construction. Every product-based brand needs corrugated cardboard boxes for display, storage and shipping purposes.
Compostable Mushroom Packaging
- Industries must replace plastic and styrofoam packaging inserts with eco-friendly mushroom packaging inserts. As the name suggests, these inserts are made from the raw materials, which are sourced from the mushroom plant (its root part) and mixed with hurds of other plants like hemp.
- The root part of the mushroom, called mycelium, is mixed with Hemp hurd to make a substrate, which is poured into the different sizes and shapes of moulding trays. After letting the substrate dry, custom packaging inserts are made. These inserts are ideal for shipping fragile products over long routes. The best thing about these inserts is their tensile strength and ecologically sound nature. Brands can build a positive perception using mushroom packaging because it does not rely on cutting down plants or trees. Instead, it is completely made from the leftover parts and agricultural waste. Thus, it is one of the best alternatives to plastic packaging.
Ecologically Sound Sugarcane Packaging
- The best sustainable alternative to the harmful plastic packaging is one that is sourced from waste materials without deforestation. One such amazing packaging option is sugarcane packaging, which is made from the leftover sugarcane part called bagasse.
- Once the juice is completely extracted from sugarcane to make sugar, the fibrous part is left, which is used to create eco-friendly packaging for various food and retail products. Sugarcane packaging is also an excellent alternative to paper-based packaging, which often requires deforestation.
- It also resembles paper-based packaging. Naturally, sugarcane packaging has off white and light brown color. However, it can be customized in different colors to enhance the product presentation. Bagasse is also used to create disposable crockery for the food industry.
Sustainable Water Soluble Packaging
- Despite the negative impacts of plastic packaging on the environment, it is known for its strength and durability. Industry experts have always looked for creating a sustainable alternative to the plastic packaging that is as durable as conventional plastic packaging.
- One of the excellent sustainable packaging innovations is water-soluble packaging that works exactly like conventional plastic and does not harm the environment. It is made from natural polymers and materials that dissolve in water.
- As the name suggests, it biodegrades when exposed to water without leaving any residue behind. The main component used for making water-soluble packaging is an odorless substance, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). It is also used for creating biodegradable plastic pellets to ensure a sustainable, bright future for brands and the environment.
Reusable Tin and Glass Packaging
- An excellent way to promote a sustainable green environment is to adopt a circular economy model by focusing on reusable packaging. Brands must adopt a circular economy model that is focused on reusing and recycling resources. One of the best reusable packaging options is tin and glass packaging, which is also recyclable.
- Brands must switch from plastic packaging containers to tin containers and glass jars to encourage customers to reuse and recycle the product packaging. Tin packaging is made from tinplate coated steel, which is known for its tensile strength and corrosion resistance. It is used in the forms of bottles, jars, and large canisters.
- Food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and FMCG industries highly rely on tin packaging. Brands must divert customers’ attention from getting products in such premium packaging to getting product refills in reusable packaging to ensure a greener environment. Likewise, glass packaging is reusable and non-reactive, keeping the products safe for a longer period of time while helping brands build an ethical image.
Not only industry leaders but consumers are well aware of how plastic packaging and its waste are affecting the environment. They prefer sustainable packaging over plastic. Industries must use sustainable packaging for a greener environment. Some amazing sustainable packaging options include kraft, tin, glass, sugarcane, mushroom, cardboard, and water-soluble packaging that not only help brands build an ethical image but also depict a brighter future!