Although green packaging is a topic we’ve already touched upon before, it’s simply too large and too important to touch upon only once. Sustainability in packaging is constantly evolving and there are tons of different options, but today we thought we’d take a look at just 4 eco-friendly packaging trends:
[dropcapcircle]1[/dropcapcircle]Biodegradable plastic – One packaging option that’s becoming more popular lately is biodegradable plastic. This type of plastic is still disposed of in a landfill, but it’s made to break down faster than regular plastic. For example, our biodegradable material, BioPoly™, has an additive in it called Eco-One™. This additive is what enhances the biodegradation of the plastic when it is disposed of in a microbe-rich environment (ie: a landfill).
[dropcapcircle]2[/dropcapcircle]Plant-based plastic – Plant-based plastic is—you guessed it—plastic made from plants! One example you may have heard of is Coca Cola’s PlantBottle packaging, which is made of 30% plant-based material. This material replaces some of the non-renewable petroleum or fossil-based resources used in conventional PET plastic. It’s also 100% recyclable. Some plant-based plastics are biodegradable as well.
[dropcapcircle]3[/dropcapcircle]Recyclable/Recycled materials – One of the more common sustainable packaging choices is packaging that’s able to be recycled after its been used. At Crawford Industries, both of the plastics we use to create our packaging are recyclable. There is also the option of choosing packaging that’s made from recycled materials. For example, we offer a product line that’s made from recycled milk jugs called 2nd Genesis™. Both of these types of packaging materials—recyclable and recycled—help reduce landfill waste and are fantastic green options.
[dropcapcircle]4[/dropcapcircle]“Less is more” – Many companies are now focusing on ways to cut down on how much material they put into their packaging. For example, the water company DASANI’s most current bottle contains 45% less plastic than its original 2001 bottle. This type of packaging choice is sustainable in two ways: Not only is reducing the amount of materials you use in your packaging more eco-friendly, but making your goods lighter also helps cut down on transportation costs.
At Crawford, the idea of “less is more” is something we always consider when creating packaging. We design all of our packaging in way that best optimizes the use of materials, and we also work to ship our packaging in way that uses the least amount of resources. For example, our tote boxes are able to be ordered flat—which reduces the number of shipping cartons and freight charges, saving valuable fuel and resources.
Sustainability isn’t a fad, and it certainly isn’t going away any time soon. People everywhere are beginning to see that reducing, reusing, and recycling aren’t simply options anymore; they’re necessary practices. When it comes to packaging especially, consumers want to know that the companies they’re putting their money and trust in are doing their part in preserving the earth and its resources.
The trends we touched upon here certainly aren’t the only sustainable packaging options available. Tell us: What other green packaging trends have you heard of?
