Today, cosmetic brands are focusing more on creating new designs and using sustainable materials that are good for both the earth and the people who use them. Additionally, inventive designs to maintain and enhance the joy of customers are also tools for brands to achieve success and exposure. In this blog post, we will explore the 10 best cosmetic packaging design ideas that are not only innovative and eye-catching but also practical and sustainable.

1. Creative Cosmetic Packaging – Blanc Naturals

One of the most creative secondary packaging in the cosmetic industry comes from Blanc Naturals. This Australian skincare brand has come up with a unique aesthetic of a round cardboard tube packaging. With lots of golden details, a modern approach, and feminine notes, the glass dropper product bottle is hidden into the beautiful box.

2. Cute Makeup Packaging – Sweet Tarte Craving Eyeshadow Palette

Not only does Tarte pay great attention to the look of their products, but also to their packaging. The sweet and captivating eyeshadows that smell like chocolate are also packed that way. This delight comes in a resembling secondary packaging, which delivers the exact same look as the eyeshadow palette.

3. Beautiful Makeup Packaging – Florasis

With its innovative approach to packaging design, Chinese brand Florasis is constantly gaining more and more popularity. With the idea of incorporating retro packaging and traditional makeup concepts, Florasis has designed the 3-tier drawer rigid makeup kit, which resembles a retro vanity stand. Incorporating Chinese cultural marks with the modern aesthetic of the makeup has shaped Florasis as one of the most unique makeup brands that not only pays attention to the quality of their products but equally to their packaging.

The embossed box pattern, shaped boxes, and palettes are just some of the ways that show how Florasis skillfully integrates the Chinese style into the product packaging to attract consumers from a visual point of view.

4. Unique Makeup Packaging – Muzigae Mansion Objet Liquid

This new and growing Korean vegan makeup brand – Muzigae Manion caught the eyes of customers with its velvety lip tint that comes in chic, paint tube-like packaging.

5. Pretty Makeup Packaging – Mac Cosmetics

For the Pride Month, Mac Cosmetics has launched an original, pretty, and totally eye-catching eyeshadow palette. This palette consists of 40 shades. The limited edition eyeshadow vault has amazing primary packaging—a rainbow-puffed design. The secondary packaging folding carton box is a bit retro, resembling a black vault with celebration symbols and the number 40 as a nod to the brand’s history.

6. Luxury Cosmetic Packaging Design – Prada Beauty

Reflecting Maison’s design codes, the brand’s triangle logo motif, and sleek chrome packaging in gold and silver, Prada Beauty Dimensions Durable Multi-Effect Eyeshadow Palette stands as an example of luxury packaging. Note that the secondary packaging is sustainably designed and produced, featuring the classic Prada-look box with a surface embellished with embossed leather-inspired texture.

7. Cool Cosmetic Packaging – Isamaya Beauty

The British makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has launched her own beauty line. What is interesting is the bold statement look and the design of the products’ containers and their packaging. In this Isamaya Beauty Wild Star Collection Set, the latest edgy-feeling collection features a lot of chrome hardware and piercings in primary packaging, all fabulously packed and stored in the same eye-catching red rigid box protected by a custom box insert.

8. Minimalist Skincare Packaging – The Ordinary

The Ordinary uses neutral black font on a white base and follows the philosophy “Less is more” to create its widely-recognized minimalist and refined packaging. This approach includes product labels and stickers on nearly every package or container, contributing to a clean and sustainable look. The minimalist aesthetic is noticeable from a distance, making the products popular not only for their quality but also for their packaging.

9. Sustainable Cosmetics Packaging – Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s is a famous cosmetic brand that is currently leading in sustainability. The company has decided to incorporate the “three R’s” approach—reducing, reusing, and recycling. That means that their packaging is made of at least 80% recycled material. Kiehl’s refillable screw cap pouches, for example, can be used to fill existing empty plastic jars or bottles at home and be brought in-store once empty to be recycled through Kiehl’s Recycle & Be Rewarded program.

10. Vintage Makeup Packaging – Gucci Beauty

Gucci Beauty has recently unveiled a stunning limited-edition holiday collection for 2023, featuring vintage-inspired packaging adorned with intricate geometric motifs and luxurious golden accents that reflect the glamorous Art Deco era.

Wrap Up

Cosmetic packaging is the successful utilization of something more than just purely the material appearance. It goes to the core of the brand, helps to comply with regulatory requirements, and meets end-users’ satisfaction. Examples from the leaders in the cosmetic packaging sector show brands that are continuously developing and adapting their approach to meet the ever-changing demands of customers and ecological concerns. How to further develop packaging for the future of cosmetics is a question that relates to creativity, sustainability, and customer experience.

If you are looking to make a notable and visible change in your cosmetic packaging that will include all aspects of successful products, PakFactory is your only choice. Make a statement with your custom packaging that will surely make your products stand out. Whether you opt for cardboard design, bags, pouches, or tin, our team of experts is here for all your questions and help in the creative process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Best Packaging for Cosmetics?

Cosmetic packaging is available in different forms, each of which is specially made for the various products and consumer preferences. These are the most commonly used types of packaging in the cosmetics industry today:

• Tubes: Tubes are packaging favorites for the majority of products, including those for skincare up to the dental ones. They are popular for their convenience, user-friendliness, and ability to allow for precise product application. Tubes are also very compact, and the fact that they can be used on the go makes them perfect for small cosmetics.
• Jars: Jars are widely used for more solid types of cosmetic products such as face creams, masks, and scrubs. Jars provide a large area for placing the brand name and are often used for products that need a more traditional or luxurious look.
• Bottles: Bottles are the top pick for liquid cosmetics that are a matter of concern for different uses, like lotions, serums, and foundations. They can come in options such as pumps, droppers, or even spray nozzles for easier consumer application.
• Compacts: Compacts are mainly meant for solid or pressed powder cosmetics, like blush, bronzer, and eyeshadow. Customarily, they are made of plastic or metal, and they frequently come with mirrors and applicators.
• Pouches: Pouches are a new trend in cosmetic packaging, particularly for sample or travel-sized products. They are the kind of packaging material that stands out due to its lightness and flexibility, and use less material than the traditional one, which, of course, means less damage to the environment.

Q2. How Do I Choose Cosmetic Packaging?

Choosing the right and most suitable cosmetic packaging for a product takes and needs a lot of creativity and brainstorming. There are several important things to consider from the very beginning, which will lead the way to the final look and design. So, if you are looking for unique cosmetic packaging, these are the things worth considering:

Type of Cosmetic Product

Different types of products can be packed and stored in different types of packaging. So, this is the first thing that will lead the way to the final look of the product. As mentioned earlier, the liquids are best stored in plastic or glass bottles, pouches, and all forms that will allow safe and convenient use. The more solid ones can be packed in jars and tubes, the aerosols in the aerosol cans, and so on.

Size and Shape

Determine the volume and quantity of the product to be packaged to decide on the size and shape of the container or packaging.

Material Selection

Glass offers a premium feel and is recyclable, but it can be heavy and fragile. Plastic is lightweight and versatile, though there are concerns about its environmental impact. Metal is durable and can be stylish, although it is usually more expensive.

Sustainable Packaging Preference

Some consumers prefer eco-friendly packaging, while others prioritize aesthetics or functionality. To address these preferences, introducing materials like glass, biodegradable plastics, or recycled kraft paper can be an excellent way to create sustainable packaging. This effort will contribute to minimizing the carbon footprint.

Design and Branding

When designing and branding cosmetic packaging, it’s crucial to understand your target market demographics, including age, gender, lifestyle, and purchasing behavior. These factors can significantly influence the packaging design to ensure it resonates with your audience. The packaging should also reflect your brand’s image and stand out on shelves while being user-friendly in terms of functionality (easy to open, dispense, and reseal). Additionally, it’s important to provide ample space for branding, product information, and legal requirements.

Options for Customization

You may also consider customizing your cosmetic packaging based on the type of container you choose. Options such as debossing, embossing, and embroidery can add a unique touch. This creative aspect allows your product to stand out from others in the same category.

Durability

The durability of the cosmetic packaging is crucial and sometimes dependent on the choice of material. Durable packaging ensures that the product remains intact and usable throughout its shelf life, especially for products that may be subjected to rough handling during transportation or frequent use by consumers. For instance, robust materials like certain plastics or metals can withstand more wear and tear compared to glass, which, though premium, is prone to breaking.

Compliance and Safety

Ensure the packaging complies with industry standards and regulations, and the packaging should protect the product from contamination and damage during transit and shelf life.

Protection and Shippability

Another important aspect to consider is the shippability of the packaging. Will the chosen type of packaging withstand all the challenges of shipping and arrive on shelves or in the user’s hands in its original form? Usually, packing the cosmetic product and its primary packaging inside corrugated or folding carton boxes with inserts is recommended. These extra layers help cushion the product, prevent damage, and keep it intact during shipping. Box inserts are great for minimizing movement inside the box, reducing the chances of breakage or spillage.

Cost Considerations

Balancing cost-effectiveness and quality is crucial when considering budget allocations. Producing larger quantities can help reduce per-unit costs, making it important to find the right production scale that maintains both affordability and high standards.

Eco-friendly packaging not only helps the environment by reducing waste, carbon footprint, and global impact but also contributes to a positive brand image, added value perception, and innovation that will further push the jewelry industry onto a better path of sustainability. So, in this quick guide, we will show you how to achieve sustainable, eco-friendly jewelry packaging.

Sustainable Materials for Jewelry Packaging

To begin, let’s look at the alternatives you can use instead of traditional plastics, foams, and synthetic materials that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and introduce extremely harmful waste to the environment. Effective alternatives available to you include;

• Recycled Paper and Corrugated Cardboard: An affordable and versatile way to begin your sustainability initiative. Recycling is critical in creating a circular economy and giving a second life to discarded materials without compromising aesthetic appeal.
• Biodegradable Plastics: Unlike traditional plastics, biodegradable plastics can break down much faster when disposed of without releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. They offer similar attributes to traditional plastics but are generally more expensive, as the raw materials incur a higher production cost.
• Organic Fabrics: Luxurious cotton, hemp, and other linens are another way to serve an eco-friendly initiative without compromising the elegant appeal of your packaging. Unlike synthetic materials that require many harmful chemicals to produce, organic fabrics are natural and reusable but come at a higher cost.
• Innovative Materials: We mentioned innovation and technology earlier in this article and meant it! Recent experimentation with other eco-friendly materials, such as mycelium and seaweed, are just a few making waves in the packaging industry.
  • Mycelium is derived from fungi and is a low-cost, low-energy, and even more eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials and organic fabrics.
  • Seaweed is another alternative to traditional plastics that is even more eco-friendly than biodegradable plastics. However, with how new seaweed is as a packaging alternative, manual processes and scaling are an issue, contributing to a higher cost than other options.

Eco-Friendly Jewelry Packaging Design Ideas

With eco-friendly materials in mind, the next things you need to consider are the design choices of your packaging. By combining sustainable materials with smart design decisions, you can further contribute to a healthier environment.

Go Minimalist

Simple and elegant designs that maximize impact while using fewer materials are an option to consider. If done correctly, a minimalist approach to packaging will reduce packaging waste and voids while still maintaining a high-end, luxurious aesthetic. An example of minimalist design is stylish cardstock with a tasteful logo that directs the focus on the product while maintaining an elegant way to display your jewelry.

Design for Reusability

Reusable packaging is an excellent way for brands to contribute to sustainability. By designing an aesthetically pleasing package that can be used multiple times, companies can make an impact by discouraging single-use packaging and reducing waste while also generating brand awareness through customers’ repeated use of their branded boxes.

Choose Eco-Conscious Design Elements

The more nuanced choices in which you create your package also contribute to sustainability. Some examples of these nuanced choices include;

• Using natural dyes and non-toxic inks over traditional inks when printing on a package for a vibrant yet eco-friendly way to display your designs.
• Using recycled or upcycled decorative elements instead of virgin materials.
• Using fully recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable materials instead of combining several materials that may or may not be environmentally friendly.

Jewelry Brands that are Making a Difference

One company isn’t going to significantly impact the environmental issues caused by packaging. It will take a concerted effort from brands across the industry to make an impact. Below are just a few brands taking steps toward a more sustainable initiative.

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth is a jewelry brand dedicated to sustainability, from the pieces it makes to its packaging. Its mission is to promote sustainable practices by using recycled precious metals, traceable diamonds, recycled packaging materials, and renewable energy.

Catori Life

With eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging and the use of recycled metals, Catori Life gives back to the planet with every sale. Along with its sustainable practices, Catori Life aims to plant ten trees with each piece of jewelry and give back 1% of its annual revenue to environmental causes.

Mejuri

Mejuri is a jewelry brand that has adopted fully recyclable and reusable bags and a reduced packaging option for online purchases. With 95% of its gold and 92% of its silver sourced from ethical recycled suppliers, Mejuri is a powerhouse in the jewelry industry when it comes to sustainability.

The Future of Jewelry is Sustainability

As the jewelry industry continues to evolve and develop in the direction of sustainability, custom eco-friendly jewelry packaging and other practices are only becoming more commonplace. New technologies, such as nanotechnology and smart packaging, are on the horizon, and adopting an eco-friendly initiative has never been more accessible.

With the standardization of sustainability and the advancing of technology come long-term benefits that will see brands prosper. Adopting sustainable practices may be expensive initially, but the growing consumer demand and the inherent optimizations of adopting an eco-friendly initiative will save your company a lot of money in the long run! So, if you’re wondering when you should begin your journey for a more sustainable business, the answer is now!

Whether we like it or not, packaging products is essential to prevent damage, spoilage, or contamination. But unfortunately for the planet, many packaging materials can cause significant environmental impacts, especially plastic waste.

The impact of packaging causes harm to the ocean, our air, and our land. It is a crucial problem that cannot be solved overnight but cannot be overlooked. Excessive packaging waste causes significant harm to our environment, and companies and consumers must take steps to help reduce and control these harmful effects.

At PakFactory, we aim to minimize these environmental impacts through customer education and action via environmentally conscious practices and sustainable packaging solutions.

What Harms the Planet?: Environmental Impact Definition

But before we can delve deeper into our commitment to eco-friendly packaging, it is essential to understand the exact meaning of environmental impact in packaging.

What we mean by environmental impact is the excessive packaging of products, the waste they produce, and the emissions they create throughout manufacturing and disposal. All packaging has an ecological impact on the planet, but we must reduce these effects to maintain a healthier world.

Plastic waste, in particular, is one of the largest culprits contributing to the negative environmental impact of packaging. However, all types of packaging still contribute and add up to a significant problem that must promptly be addressed. 

It all starts at the beginning of a package’s life cycle and continues throughout, leaving a negative environmental footprint each step of the way. From its creation to its disposal, the negative environmental impact of most packaging materials is very concerning. So, to better understand how impactful packaging can be to the environment, let us look at the three main stages of a package’s life cycle.

Sourcing and Production

The problem with most wasteful packaging begins right at its creation. All forms of packaging require a certain amount of resources and energy to manufacture. Manufacturing can, and most likely will, emit greenhouse gases harmful to our air, produce harmful heavy metal particulates or dump toxic waste sludge into our waters.

Source: Maxim Tolchinskiy

Even factors such as water use, chemicals, petroleum, or collection of wood and other resources contribute to the environmental impact caused during production.

Transportation

But it is not just the production of wasteful packaging that harms the environment. The transportation of packaging also affects the environment. Air pollution through airplanes, ships, and trucks also harms the planet! Fuel is needed to move packaging from one point to another. And though we will always need transportation, there are ways to lighten this inevitable impact, which we will discuss soon.

Disposal of Packaging Waste

The final major factor that affects the environmental impact of packaging is the end of its life cycle, the disposal. Every type of packaging can pollute the environment, but packaging plastics, in particular, are significantly harmful when not properly handled. Plastics often litter our oceans and streets, seriously harming avian and aquatic life.

Source: Antoine GIRET

In 2016 alone, around 23 million metric tons of plastic waste entered the ocean, where aquatic animals and birds often get tangled in such debris or mistake it for food. According to Ocean Conservancy, plastic has been found in 59 percent of seabirds, 100 percent of sea turtles, and more than 25 percent of sampled fish from seafood markets worldwide, and to make matters worse, this statistic is increasing.

So, steps and initiatives must be taken to minimize the plastic waste problem and packaging’s harmful environmental footprint in general.

Our Options to Reduce Impact Plastics and Provide Sustainable Packaging Solutions

With advancing technology and the innovation of alternate, sustainable modern packaging, businesses and consumers may start taking the appropriate steps to reduce the environmental impact of excessive packaging and move toward waste-free packaging.

Here at PakFactory, our mission is to provide the solutions you need to impact the environment positively through eco-packaging:

Responsible Sourcing of Materials – We use resources from certified facilities that utilize sustainable practices to ensure all materials used in projects are renewable and optimized.

Clean Manufacturing – We use clean, renewable energy during manufacturing and consolidate print jobs to minimize print sheet requirements. Our facilities also recycle, reuse, and compost any waste related to manufacturing.

Design and Engineering – We tailor your projects to be sustainable at every step of their journey, from manufacturing to disposal. Whether you use less packaging, less ink, or opt to use more recycled materials, PakFactory offers many sustainable packaging designs. We also provide alternate, sustainable packaging materials, inks, and finishes to ensure effective recycling that contributes to a circular economy.

Source: PakFactory

Carbon Neutral Logistics and Shipping – We are committed to achieving carbon-neutral shipping via optimized route planning, bulk shipments, and aggregate packaging.

Fulfillments – We provide solutions to reduce labor-intensive and wasteful processes by complying with 3PLs and automated packing systems to maximize efficiency.

Recycling and Waste – All our services provide responsible end-of-life disposal made easy and contribute to a circular economy!

Benefits of Reducing Environmental Impacts

With the negative impacts of wasteful packaging in mind and the solutions we offer to fix these problems, you might wonder about the benefits of implementing environmental packaging solutions in your next project and how it affects your business.

Put simply, implementing these positive changes will help protect our planet but also provide your company with a better brand image, increased productivity, reduced business costs, and increased profits! Overall, becoming a sustainable business offers many benefits, so companies shouldn’t shy away from saving the planet!

Don’t believe us? Check out how sustainable packaging increases profits, or below for some of PakFactory’s success stories!

• Sonhab Chocolate
• Belle Vie Candle
• Tideline Coffee

Positive Change Starts With Everyone

The earth is our home and reacts to everything we do; change does not happen overnight. Companies and consumers must work together and maintain sustainable practices to reduce our environmental footprint, and PakFactory is an excellent place to start! 

If you want to elevate your business and take the next steps toward sustainable packaging, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our specialists are eager and happy to answer any questions you have!

The beauty industry has been under a great deal of scrutiny in the last few years. Cosmetic companies are now facing mounting pressure to become more eco-friendly, from the ingredients used in their skincare products to the manufacturing process and how products arrive to the customer. For these reasons, sustainable cosmetic packaging can benefit customers and companies looking to make a difference. 

However, before getting into details, it’s essential to establish a working definition of what sustainability really is and how cosmetic companies can achieve this. Because although there are many variations and strategies to how cosmetic companies approach sustainability, there are overarching features to make a package sustainable.

Source: PakFactory

First, the packaging should be 100% recycled or natural materials, and its production process must be eco-friendly. This means the need for an ethical, well-managed supply chain, and the production of the package must be in a zero-waste or closed-loop way to be considered sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. 

Second, the packaging must also be easy for customers to recycle, reuse, or upcycle in some form. 

However, it’s just as important to note that for many cosmetics businesses, it’s challenging to incorporate all of these elements into one package, especially while keeping price points at a reasonable level for customers. That’s why it’s crucial to establish priorities for the cosmetic company’s values regarding eco-friendliness and to keep that in focus while designing sustainable beauty packaging. 

For example, while cosmetic businesses can’t always make the most eco-friendly lotion packaging, as the bottles are predominantly manufactured using plastic, the key takeaway is to create a concerted effort in the right direction. Making their packaging as eco-friendly as possible to protect the environment while still offering value to customers is the ultimate objective. So in this article, let’s look at some of the best choices available. From sustainable cosmetic jars to eco-friendly makeup packaging filler alternatives, let’s dive right in with the benefits each option has to offer. 

Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Packaging

Source: PakFactory

One of the most popular eco-friendly packaging choices is post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging. PCR packaging is quickly gaining popularity, with projections showing that the industry will grow from 14.2 billion dollars in 2020 to 18.8 billion dollars by 2025. 

This form of packaging is made from recycled items such as cardboard boxes, paper, plastic bottles, aluminum, and other everyday materials. So when these recyclables arrive at a recycling facility, they are separated by material and sorted into bales, which are then purchased and molded into new items. As a result, this solution has a wide range of capabilities regarding the shape and size of the packaging it produces, making it perfect for cosmetic businesses looking for a 100% recycled materials initiative. But how is PCR packaging different from compostable or recyclable cosmetic packaging?

Source: PakFactory

PCR differs because it is created after the raw materials are sent to recycling facilities. It gives the materials a new life by reusing them. However, with compostable and recyclable packaging, the customer essentially disposes of the package, ending the lifecycle. 

Also, with recyclable and compostable packaging, there is greater reliance on the customer’s disposal process, as certain conditions may change the material’s biodegradability. 

PCR packaging is favored over recyclable and compostable options for cosmetic containers and packaging because of its many more benefits – for both businesses and customers. It’s one of the most accessible eco-friendly packaging options for cosmetics because it can be shaped into many different forms and sizes, making it a perfect choice for items like cream jars or lotion bottles.

Some of the key benefits of PCR packaging include:

• Flexibility
• Protection
• Strong barrier performance
• Good strength
• Plastic film alternative
• Reduces carbon footprint

PCR is also beneficial because it helps cosmetic companies maintain and showcase eco-friendly initiatives through sustainable beauty packaging.  

Especially as customers become more aware of the environmental impact of materials such as plastic, PCR packaging can be a great way to engage with audiences around sustainability and environmental impact without compromising product packaging quality.

Bamboo Packaging

Source: Kon Mari

Bamboo is another emerging eco-friendly packaging trend for beauty and cosmetic businesses and is best for disposable packages like lip balm or lipstick cases. Bamboo is one of the best options for plant-based cosmetic packaging as it uses entirely renewable sources. 

There is no use of insecticides or pesticides in its cultivation, and a variety of species are available, so there are many options. Bamboo is a lightweight packaging option, and its sheath can add a layer of durability to any cosmetics container. 

Bamboo is best used as a biodegradable replacement for plastic and paper, as its wood is excellent for external jars using acrylic or glass as an inner coating. Bamboo cosmetic jars can even be branded using techniques like screen printing, hot stamping, engraving, and more.

Paper Packaging

Source: PakFactory

Paper has long been a form of eco-friendly packaging across all industries, and the cosmetics industry is no different. There are many ways to use this type of sustainable packaging as a replacement for plastic. 

For example, makeup and lipstick packaging often include plastic filling such as bubble wrap for protection. However, replacing this plastic filler with paper filler made of cardboard or recycled paper is an excellent alternative to attain more sustainable beauty packaging for your business. 

Paper is both renewable and biodegradable, offering a more sustainable protective option than single-use plastics. 

Browse our full catalog of paper packaging here!

Refillable Packaging

Source: PakFactory

One of the cosmetics industry’s biggest challenges is reducing plastic within traditional lotion and skincare packaging. But with so few durable and waterproof alternatives available, cosmetics companies have been trying to devise compromises to minimize the impact of the abundant use of plastic in things such as lotion bottles and cosmetic jars. 

One way to accomplish this is by encouraging customers to reuse these containers by providing refill services. 

Refillable cosmetic packaging can help companies reduce their impact and is a great way to engage with customers and build value for the product. It allows companies to drastically cut down the impact of plastics while encouraging customers to continue returning to and reusing the product. 

In addition, companies can offer a special discount for customers who opt for the refill service, encouraging the extended use of their cosmetic containers. So although plastic is not eco-friendly, continued reuse is a viable compromise for a sustainable cosmetic packaging option.

Cornstarch Packaging

Source: Botuo Packaging

Cornstarch is a perfect alternative to plastic for cosmetic companies seeking a more organic, eco-friendly cosmetic packaging option for their lotion bottles. As the name suggests, it is made from polylactic acid (PLA), derived from renewable sources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. And while there are concerns about supply chains if it is more widely used, there are still options to incorporate this packaging option into overall operations. 

As a viable plastic replacement, cornstarch offers a lot of possibilities when it comes to sustainable cosmetic packaging options. It is both biodegradable and recyclable, also making it a great choice for lotion bottles and skincare cream jars. It is also non-toxic and does not produce large amounts of emissions, which is why so many cosmetic companies are now looking into cornstarch as a suitable alternative. 

Seaweed Packaging

Source: Dezeen

On paper, seaweed might not seem viable for sustainable beauty packaging, but it actually has a lot of potentials!  Seaweed packaging is edible and dissolvable, making it suitable as a biodegradable cosmetic packaging option. And although seaweed is much more common in the food industry, it also has its benefits for the cosmetics industry. 

Seaweed is an excellent alternative for eco-friendly skincare packaging for face masks, gels, lotions, and other general liquid-based cosmetics. In addition, seaweed packaging can serve as a plastic alternative as it is an abundant resource and won’t negatively impact the planet. 

And although this innovation is still in the prototyping phase, the general idea is to freeze, thaw, and air-dry the seaweed to turn it into packaging material. The end product is a transparent film, cushioning, or packaging that can be reinforced with other natural materials, such as algae or fiber, for additional protection.

Beeswax Packaging

Source: Unsplash

Another intriguing and excellent eco-friendly cosmetic packaging material is beeswax. It is easily molded and manipulated, making it a great protective layer to surround items or serve as a cover.

Beeswax packaging is made from beeswax, jojoba, and coconut oil and paired with a fabric like cotton as a coating. So like the other packaging ideas mentioned, beeswax offers a great alternative to plastic, allowing for even more unique branding opportunities. 

In addition, beeswax packaging can come in many different colors and patterns and is a more affordable option than some of the other above-mentioned eco-friendly packaging ideas for cosmetics. Beeswax is also beneficial for cosmetics because of its unique characteristics. It has anti-bacterial elements that can provide excellent protection and is durable enough to keep items safe from damage.

Sustainable Packaging for the Planet and Your Product

One thing that’s clear is that this is an exciting time for eco-friendly cosmetic packaging. With so many alternatives to plastic emerging, the future of the beauty industry and its packaging is on its way to becoming more sustainable. 

With greater emphasis on renewable materials that are biodegradable and recyclable, there is more opportunity for impact. Cosmetics companies looking to stand out in a competitive market and create a more impactful and authentic connection with customers can accomplish this by incorporating eco-friendly cosmetic packaging into their brand initiatives.

Browse our full catalog of cosmetic packaging here!

One such alternative worth considering is edible packaging, which has recently gained traction in recent years due to the clear paradigm shift toward eco-friendliness. Governments, businesses and packaging experts are already beginning to invest more money into this alternative, resulting in a quickly expanding market ready to be tapped. In fact, according to Allied Market Research, the global consumable packaging market was valued at $697 million in 2016 and is on track to reach $1.10 billion in 2023. 

So as suppliers continue to cultivate more resources for consumable solutions, this new packaging movement will only continue to gain steam. 

Source: Wen Wen Fan

Now is the perfect time to delve into this market, and we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to get started. We will explore the different types of edible packaging currently available and some of their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if this option is right for you! But before we get into the finer details of this fantastic alternative, we must first cover the basics.

What is Edible Packaging?

As the name suggests, it is a type of sustainable food packaging designed to be eaten or biodegraded as efficiently as the food it protects. Commonly made from natural, plant-based materials such as seaweed or casein, any type of film, sheet, layer or coating qualifies as edible packaging so long as it can be eaten alongside the food product.  

And with the package being consumed instead of disposed of, this sustainable packaging method is perfect for helping reduce our dependency on plastics while naturally generating less waste as everything is eaten, leaving nothing behind.

This alternative comes at a crucial point in time for the food industry as it has recently come under fire for the sheer amount of waste produced. Most traditional food packaging comes from materials that are not biodegradable or natural, and statistics from the United States Environmental Protection Agency show that food and plastic accounted for over 30% of solid waste in 2018. 

Thankfully consumable food packaging is available in various types, bio-materials and plant-by products, making it a solid choice to swap traditional packaging for an eco-friendlier option. So now that you know what edible packaging is and its role in reducing waste in the food industry, you may wonder what types are available.

Source: Wen Wen Fan

Edible Packaging Options

Although consumable packages are a newer addition to the many sustainable options, you’ve probably encountered them before and will definitely see more variations soon! Ice cream waffle cones, for example, are edible packaging. And as more innovations reach the market, more options are on the horizon.

Source: Sardi Strategic Design

Hard cookie coffee cups, sweet gelatin packaging, fruit-like casings, and candy wrappers made of potato fibers or rice paper are just some examples of companies experimenting with new ways to make consumable packaging.

Some other popular innovations include;

Straws: Consumable straws, such as the ones showcased here, are a trendy innovation to reduce dependence on regular drinking straws. Tasteless pasta made of wheat and water, fruity apples made from leftover apple fibers, or sweet sugar straws are available for whatever beverage you wish to drink, whether it’s something fizzy, fruity or alcoholic.

When used, these straws last for nearly an hour and can serve as a sweet snack along with your beverage. Or, if you would like a less intrusive experience, pasta straws provide no taste and are even suitable for hot drinks! Regardless of your choice, all straws can be eaten or are 100% biodegradable.

Food film: A more recent development. Researchers from the University of Nottingham developed edible and 100% biodegradable food film using plant-based carbohydrates such as konjac flour, starch, cellulose and proteins. This innovative food packaging film offers better storage, safety and shelf life while being much more environmentally friendly than plastic.

Eco-bags: Indonesian company, Avani, developed a consumable, biodegradable eco-bag from cassava root that can dissolve in warm water, but the intention of this bag wasn’t to be consumed by humans. Avani’s eco bag nourishes fish and insects when consumed instead of poisoning them with plastics!

Spoons: Bakeys have created the world’s first consumable cutlery line from rice flour, wheat, and sorghum to combat plastic cutlery pollution. Designed to be fully vegan with no trans fat or preservatives, this company aims to create an eco-friendly eating utensil suitable for mass audiences. With over 40 billion plastic utensils used yearly in the United States alone, cutlery plays a massive role in the environmental harm caused by the food industry, and Bakeys aims to lessen that impact.

Bottles: Ooho, the edible bottle, is the leading consumable alternative to plastic bottles. Developed by Skipping Rocks Lab, Ooho uses a technique popularized in cooking spherification. By utilizing a double membrane of sodium alginate and calcium chloride, Skipping Rock Labs developed a transparent gel wall solid enough to hold liquid in a spherical pouch-like container. Unlike a traditional plastic water bottle, this container is completely consumable and leaves no waste behind.

How is Edible Packaging Made?

As shown in the above section, consumable packaging comes in many forms. This type of sustainable packaging is relatively new, so innovation and experimentation are a constant, and there is no one method to make edible packaging. However, there are several guidelines packaging innovators must follow to ensure their invention is the least intrusive to consumer experience and is indeed environmentally friendlier than traditional means.

The ultimate goal for packaging is, first and foremost, to protect and preserve the product. Since many common resources used in edible packaging consist of some shortcomings, the packaging is usually made with several different components to balance and support each other’s weaknesses. 

Secondly, to be eaten or biodegraded without harmful environmental impact, you do not want to include synthetic, toxic materials such as plastics; that would be counter-intuitive! Natural materials such as wheat, seaweed, alginate, fruit, or plant fibers should be considered in combinations that complement each other.

After selecting the appropriate materials, films and coatings are created by emulsifying or dispersing film-forming polymers into a solvent such as water or ethanol. It is then applied directly to the food item with the assistance of the solvent.

To learn more about sustainable coatings, read here

Finally, though a good amount of consumable packaging on the market may include complimenting tastes, the packaging should have a neutral or tasteless flavor in most cases. The reason for this is that if the taste is too strong, there’s a risk that the item inside will absorb the flavor and compromise the product. To avoid this, always consider tasteless or subtle, complimenting flavors to accompany your product.

Why you should consider Edible Packaging for Your Business

But now that we better understand this new type of sustainable packaging and covered the extensive innovation going into its development, you might wonder what the benefits of joining the edible packaging market are. Like other sustainable packaging options, the benefits are the same and more!

Meet customer expectations

The first benefit is the most significant business concern: satisfying customer expectations around sustainability. We’ve seen a global shift towards eco-friendliness, and customers are increasingly scrutinizing brands to ensure sustainability is a core practice. 

Edible packaging is one of the best ways to accomplish this. 

Because there is inherently zero waste tied to this type of packaging, and it is natural and biodegradable, it can be a great way to show that your company is willing to commit to the environment in the long run and will help build a loyal customer base that your business can rely on.

Diverse purposes

With plenty of innovations in developing new ways to use consumable packaging, many options are available to make this packaging your own and stand out from the rest. This type of sustainable packaging is multi-purpose and can be used in various ways for sustainability, versatility and cost-saving.

Some examples of this diversity include single-use items like the ice cream waffle cone mentioned earlier in this article or packaging for refrigerated items. This usage range is even expanding further with the advancement of technology into the territories of hot liquid containers and food preservation!

Doing Your Part for the Planet

Lastly, edible packaging is a great way to protect our planet. Even among the other sustainable options, this is one of the best. By eliminating the typical waste cycle and circumventing recycling methods, no traces are left behind to end up in landfills or improperly disposed of. Even when consumer behaviors cause improper disposal or littering, 100% biodegradability still ensures a safe and happy planet.

Drawbacks of Edible Food Packaging

Source: Wen Wen Fan

But just like with any other sustainable packaging, there are still disadvantages. This packaging method still needs to be perfected and, at the current time, may still need non-consumable materials, negating some environmental benefits. 

Furthermore, because edible packaging can be more sensitive to temperature and heat, more care is required during shipping, which may be costly for some businesses to maintain. 

And while plenty of research has shown its safety and effectiveness, there may be difficulty in gaining customer trust for edible food packages. People are so used to throwing away packaging or seeing it as a disposable item that it will take time for the culture to shift towards consumable packaging. But the good news is that it isn’t impossible.

The Future of Edible Packaging

One thing that has become apparent is that the future of packaging is starting to change. We’re moving towards more environmentally-friendly options that can significantly help reduce waste, such as plastic packaging and other toxic materials while creating a new standard of sustainable initiatives. 

Although more research and development are needed to scale this new sustainable packaging option and make it suitable for large-scale use, the current results show a lot of progress. So as more policies change and resources are invested into sustainable, edible packaging, we’re poised to see more innovation for more than just the food industry.

Expect to see changes in various industries, not only for edible packaging but sustainable packaging as a whole.

If you want to read more about sustainable packaging, please visit us here!

Energy-intensive manufacturing processes, the release of toxic chemicals and an increasing amount of packaging waste being littered into the oceans or ending up in landfills are a compounding problem that needs a solution. And though adopting sustainable packaging is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done. Indeed, on paper, sustainable packaging is less impactful to the environment, but there are still impacts that we might not realize.

Even with newly developed technologies and innovations allowing for more eco-friendly options, consumers, companies, and governing bodies need a concerted effort for real positive change. Sustainable packaging is a good start, and using diverse, sustainable methods is critical, but it can’t stop there. And to prove this point, we will dive into the environmental impacts sustainable packaging can still cause on our planet.

What Exactly is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable packaging refers to the aspects of a package like the sourcing, development, manufacturing, use and disposal that should have minimal environmental impact and footprint.

In other words, sustainable packaging needs to be eco-friendly so that it doesn’t contribute further to the severe impacts of traditional packaging.

As outlined by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), there are eight criteria’s that a package needs to be considered sustainable:

1. It is beneficial, safe and healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle.
2. Meets market criteria for performance and cost.
3. It is sourced, manufactured, transported and recycled using renewable energy.
4. Optimizes the use of renewable or recyclable source material.
5. It is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices.
6. It is made from materials that are eco-friendly throughout its life cycle.
7. It is physically designed to optimize materials and energy.
8. It is effectively recovered and utilized in a biological and industrial circular economy.

However, though these criteria are a great guideline to define sustainable packaging, the truth is that many available sustainable packaging solutions don’t always meet some of the above criteria. No, this doesn’t mean that businesses shouldn’t adopt sustainable packaging — it is still better than traditional packaging in terms of eco-friendliness. 

Businesses should be aware of these shortcomings and need to take additional measures to ensure the effective implementation of their chosen sustainable packaging solution. Because by itself, sustainable packaging cannot always do what it is intended for. Proper initiatives, education and total commitment from consumers, businesses and governments are required.

With this in mind, let us look deeper.

The Truth About Sustainable Plastic Packaging

As plastic is one of the most common and pervasive materials we see daily, let’s start by comparing traditional plastic and bioplastic.

We, as a society, produce over 430 million tons of plastic annually. Two-thirds of which are one-time use or short-lived products that are either littered into the ocean or improperly disposed of in landfills, where it will take hundreds of years to break down entirely. Even then, plastics will leave behind toxic chemicals that further harm the environment.

But of these 430 million tons of plastic produced, approximately 36 percent of it is used in packaging, making the packaging industry the largest generator of single-use plastic waste worldwide. Furthermore, to add more pollutant fuel to the fire, plastic is one of the most energy-intensive manufacturing processes in the world. Plastic is made by burning fossil fuels like crude oil at high temperatures while inputting additives to transform it into a polymer.

This process alone generated 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, or 3.4 percent of the global total.

So now that you understand the massive damage traditional plastics are causing to our environment, how do bioplastics fare? Instead of fossil fuel resources used in traditional plastics, bioplastic resources originate from renewable biomass like vegetable fats, plant starches or wood fibers.

Bioplastics fall into two categories: PLA (polylactic acids) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates). PLA is made by fermenting ingredients like cornstarch or sugar cane. It is commonly found in food packaging, clothing, cosmetics and home furnishing and is more brittle and does not hold well to heat compared to regular plastic. PHA is created and stored by bacteria when fermenting sugar or fats. It can withstand more heat than PLA and is commonly found in food packaging, agricultural products and medical devices.

But while bioplastics certainly meet the SPC criterion of sourcing raw materials from renewable sources, which is still a significant improvement over traditional plastics, there are still many drawbacks.

First of all, making bioplastic is still a very energy-intensive process. Sure, it is less energy-intensive than traditional plastic, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t energy intensive! A high amount of water and energy is required to create bioplastic.

Secondly, many bioplastics are not biodegradable and need special facilities that are not always readily available or implemented. If bioplastics enter a landfill, like their traditional counterparts, the same environmental damage is caused!  Bioplastics can also contaminate other recyclable plastics if improperly disposed of and act like regular plastic if it ends up in the ocean. And though bioplastics can emit fewer carbon emissions than plastic under the right conditions, it requires systematic change, infrastructure and proactive initiative, which has yet to be readily available. More on this later.

Overall, bioplastics can reduce environmental impact, but the adverse effects are still high.  As we said before, sustainable packaging is not the end solution but a step towards it.

Examining Other Sustainable Packaging Alternatives

It is not just bioplastics that still have an environmental footprint, but other sustainable options as well.

Glass Packaging

Glass is an example of an endlessly sustainable resource if proper infrastructure and moderated sourcing are in place. It is infinitely recyclable, long-lasting and requires less energy to recycle than manufacture.

However, as with bioplastic, it is not a permanent end-solution.  The fact is that glass also takes a lot of resources and energy to manufacture. It actually requires more resources than plastic and requires a massive amount of sand to be dredged up from coastal habitats. And like plastic, glass is often not appropriately recycled, ending its life cycle in a landfill or as litter, where it takes up to one million years to decompose!

Again, glass is an excellent way to reduce environmental impact, but we cannot switch to this packaging and think everything will be solved.

Aluminum Packaging

Aluminum is another infinitely sustainable source hampered by infrastructure and human behavior. Aluminum is known as the green metal because of its sustainability and infinite reusability in a circular life cycle economy. Recycling aluminum saves 95 percent of the energy required to manufacture new aluminum products, which has a substantial positive impact! But for this eco-friendly metal to work, it absolutely requires recycling. Unfortunately, in 2018, the recycling rate for aluminum cans was only around 35 percent. 

Once again, global initiatives and proactivity are required to make this a sustainable option. Manufacturing aluminum cans is an energy-intensive process that releases harmful emissions and caustic sludge that may contain traces of radioactive elements. Aluminum is an excellent sustainable material if appropriately recycled and reused, but the manufacturing process is an environmental nightmare that needs to be addressed.

Paper-based and Paperboard Packaging

Paper and paperboard are in a similar boat.

Though recent technologies have streamlined processes and eliminated toxic wastewater produced during manufacturing, intensive chemical and mechanical processes are still involved, resulting in harmful air emissions like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Even when approximately 68% of paper and paperboard are recycled in the United States annually, the highest among solid waste materials, other factors are in play that affect sustainability.

42% of all wood harvested globally is for making paper. With an increasing demand for packaging, is this truly a sustainable option? Deforestation is already a global concern, but the need for more paper might exacerbate the situation. Even other sustainable alternatives to tree-based paper, like hemp and bamboo, require land and resources to grow, collect and harvest, which leads us to our next topic.

The Impact of Paper and Plant-Based Eco-Friendly Packaging

We briefly touched on the topic of adverse land usage and harmful environmental effects on habitats with glass and paper packaging materials, but it is worth going into more detail. Many factors are still at play with sustainable packaging, and it is crucial to cover all bases for a complete picture of where we stand regarding environmental sustainability.

Plant-based sustainable packaging can seem like a great alternative when compared to plastic and other materials that require energy-intensive and often heavily pollutant manufacturing processes. Yes, like all other sustainable alternatives, plant-based packaging does have its benefits. However, many people must consider the land requirements needed to meet rising demands.

Crops need land to grow, and land is also a valuable finite resource. People often need to remember that extensive swathes of land are required to grow crops such as corn, hemp, and bamboo to meet the packaging demands of an ever-growing market. Not to mention the taxing demands from other industries for the same crops, relying solely on plant-based alternatives might cause more harm than good.

Typical industrial agriculture practices like extensive fertilization, pesticide utilization and monoculture are detrimental to soil health, the surrounding ecosystem and animals. And with the demand for crops increasing, even more land will need to be allocated to meet such demands. 

But where does this land come from? Do we tear down parts of a city to make room for more farmland? The obvious answer is no.

Industrial Farms Destroy Natural Habitats

New farmland is created by converting natural habitats, forests or any other untouched lands by humanity. Habitat destruction is the number one threat to animals around the globe, and the expansion of farmland is not helping. Plants and animals need space to live, grow and breed. When this space becomes endangered and insufficient, it may result in a drastic population plummet, which in some cases, is irreversible. Even the loss of untouched soil is causing significant environmental effects.

For example, let us look back at the bioplastic usage of corn. Corn is typically grown for food, but it can now be used to produce PLA bioplastics, further increasing demand for this crop. With corn being an extensively and industrially grown crop in North America, much land is required for corn fields.

Habitats such as great plains, prairies and grasslands are typically used for this, and this is where the problems begin to arise. Untouched soil naturally stores and remove harmful carbon emissions from our atmosphere. Depending on the location, soil can store different amounts of carbon, but the fact remains that it can remove about 25 percent of the world’s fossil fuel emissions per year.

However, since almost half of the land capable of supporting plant life is converted to farmland, the soil has lost about 50 to 70 percent of its previously held carbon. As it stands, current agricultural practices such as tilling, monoculture planting, and extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers have exposed the soil’s stored carbon, allowing it to burn off in the atmosphere and contribute to greenhouse emissions.

Bamboo and sugarcane, touted as sustainable materials, are no different if processes are not monitored, enhanced and ethically performed.

Satellite images of South America — where over 40 percent of the world’s sugarcane is grown — have revealed that in 2020, over 90,000 fires happened in the Amazon rainforest. Many of these fires were attributed to the expansion of pastures and fields.

Fast-growing bamboo still needs to be monitored too. Along with being the primary food source of pandas, growing bamboo industrially requires clearing endangered forests, which decreases the health of our finite land resource.

Know the Source of your Sustainable Packaging Materials

Paper and plant-based packaging are excellent substitutes for plastic, but biodiversity and awareness are required to prevent unintentional environmental harm. Speak with your suppliers and know exactly where your materials are coming from.

Materials sourced from farmlands bordering or overlapping endangered habitats are a big red flag. If your current supplier is unwilling to disclose the source of their materials, it might be time to find a new supplier! But awareness, monitoring and change don’t end with ethically sourcing raw materials. As we said earlier, a concerted effort across the board is required.

How to Mitigate the Environmental Impact of Manufacturing Sustainable Packaging

Changes and monitoring of the manufacturing process are just as essential to curb the negative environmental impact of sustainable packaging. We revealed earlier that many sustainable packaging still requires energy-intensive manufacturing and complex processes, which can be counter-productive to an eco-friendly alternative.

Manufacturing sustainable materials like glass require the combustion of fossil fuels, which results in sulfur and nitrogen oxide emission. Mixing these emissions with water and sunlight causes acid rain.

In addition, the melting of materials to create glass also produces harmful particulates like lead and arsenic. Aluminum, as mentioned earlier, produces caustic and possibly radioactive sludge when manufactured. With current technologies, entirely removing the harm of manufacturing these products might not be possible, but there are ways to mitigate and reduce these effects.

Frequent energy and water audits can help manufacturing companies know the stress points in their manufacturing methods. Though manufacturing can inherently be energy-intensive, these audits will help reduce energy expenditure and streamline processes. Water audits also help reduce wastewater and can help manufacturers find ways to conserve and reduce water usage.

Recycling and reusing waste is another great way for manufacturers to contribute to a healthier planet. Like with the manufacturing of paper and paperboard, advancement in technology has allowed the reuse of toxic wastewater, eliminating this environmental hazard from the manufacturing process! Frequently, manufacturers only require one part of a resource while the rest is disposed of. Processes must be implemented to use these wasted resources or removed from the manufacturing process altogether

Using renewable energies that are replenished naturally, like solar, wind, rain, tides, biomass and geothermal heat, are another excellent way for manufacturers to stay eco-friendly. Many states now offer tax breaks and incentives for businesses to do this too!

Finally, updating equipment and machinery will also help improve eco-friendliness. Outdated equipment and machinery utilize more energy than newer innovations. Switching to more recent technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption, and waste reduction is also possible with automation further streamlining processes.

The Need for Better Infrastructure and Proactivity

The final piece of the puzzle we will examine is the disposal process of traditional and sustainable packaging. The hard truth is that there is insufficient infrastructure and proactivity for the disposal of sustainable or traditional packaging.

Worldwide plastic waste has doubled since two decades ago, but the plastic recycling rate still needs significant improvement. Recycling is one of the best eco-friendly things to do, but globally, only 9 percent of plastic waste is recycled, while 22 percent is mismanaged, littered and ends up in the ocean. The rest end up in landfills or incinerated, which is still not an ideal outcome.

Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down in a landfill and releases toxic chemicals when they do. International cooperation and proactivity are required to improve these numbers, but the world is just not there yet. Bans and taxes on single-use plastics are present in over 120 countries, but more is needed. Most regulations only apply these bans and taxes on plastic bags, which is only a drop in an ocean of environmental impact. Landfill and incineration taxes, which would incentivize recycling, are also very rare.

However, incineration of waste and converting it to energy somewhat mitigates this. Though incinerating waste and converting it to energy is not the cleanest way to create energy, it is worth pointing out that more sustainable methods are becoming available in this area.

Waste-To-Energy Processes

Waste-to-energy, as the name clearly indicates, is the process of converting waste into energy. 

Currently, the most common way of doing this is via incineration, but other waste-to-energy methods include:

1. Gasification heats waste at high temperatures without incineration or combustion to create syngas.
2. Fermentation and Distillation involve using organic waste and biomass to create alternative fuels for engines.
3. Anaerobic Digestion involves using microorganisms to break down biomass in an oxygen-free environment to produce biogas high in methane, which can be used as a fuel source to create electricity.

Waste-to-energy is better than leaving waste in landfills without tapping into the available energy, but these methods are only a band-aid solution. Waste-to-energy processes cause high carbon dioxide emissions, one of the most notable greenhouse gases, and disincentivize the much more environmentally friendly option of recycling.

However, since many waste-to-energy plants are classified as “renewable energy,” uninformed businesses and governments may opt for this method instead of looking for better ways to protect the planet. So though there is a push for sustainable packaging, a push for better waste management infrastructure and procedures is also needed.

After all, the insufficient infrastructure doesn’t just apply to plastic waste and less-than-ideal waste-to-energy solutions.

Sustainable Packaging is Still Harmful if Disposed of Improperly

Many sustainable packaging alternatives currently available were designed to reduce the impact of improper disposal. However, this usually only works when the methods are done correctly, or conditions are just right. Biodegradable and compostable packaging, for example, are designed to break down faster and leave minimal to no traces of harmful chemicals when they do, but this is not always the case.

By definition, biodegradable packaging is sustainable packaging that breaks down faster when disposed of. Biodegradable packaging is commonly made from paper, paperboard or bioplastics and should break down without a trace. And though a good amount of this packaging does what it claims to do, some biodegradable packaging can still leave harmful traces when dumped in a landfill and broken down.

Microplastics are just one harmful trace that scientists are beginning to understand the actual environmental impacts of. They are small particulates that result from the disposal and breakdown of plastic waste, and bioplastics are no exception. Microplastic concentrations are everywhere. They are in the ocean, in the air and on the land. Studies even found microplastics in our tap water!

In the ocean, microplastic is often mistaken as food and can cause behavioral problems, neural toxicity and slow growth in marine life. On land, microplastics contaminate the soil and are toxic to earthworms, snails and nematodes that help keep soil healthy. Animals that drink from water sources contaminated by microplastics are also at risk of reduced health functions, compromised hormone systems, restructuring of gene cells and biochemical reactions. And all of these negative environmental impacts blowback to humans. We also drink, eat and inhale microplastics without even realizing it.

But though researchers are still studying the effects of microplastics on the human body, if it’s toxic to a swathe of other living organisms, it is most likely harmful to humans. Scientists suspect that microplastics can affect our immune system and cause DNA damage, among other suspected effects. And though this all seems very bad, compostable packaging doesn’t fare much better without the right conditions.

Proper disposal facilities and conditions are required to reap the benefits of compostable packaging fully. Some compostable packaging can be disposed of properly at home, but many require industrial composting facilities that are not widely available or easily accessed. If disposed of improperly, compostable and biodegradable packaging can be just as bad as traditional plastic, so implementing better infrastructure and educating the general population is critical!

What Can You Do To Contribute To Greener, Sustainable Packaging and Waste Management?

Now that you have a bigger picture of the many factors behind sustainable and traditional packaging, there is much to digest and consider. We hope this information is not a deterrence to adopt sustainable packaging as sustainable packaging is better for the environment than traditional packaging.

Instead, we provided this information hoping that people, companies and governments don’t just pick the most trendy sustainable option and call it a day. Improvements must be made not just in packaging but the sources we use to acquire the raw materials, the energy-intensive manufacturing processes, and the rampant improper disposal of waste plaguing our earth. So for the takeaways, some ways you can continue to do your part in lessening the environmental impact of traditional and sustainable packaging include:

1. Do your research. Consider your suppliers and manufacturers wisely. Do they operate with sustainable practices and utilize ethical sources? 

Do not be afraid to ask about their processes, check where they source their materials and request on-site tours for a first-hand look to ensure everything is up to your environmental standards.

2. Educate and advocate. Refrain from assuming customers know the best practices of waste disposal. 

Wherever possible, reiterate the importance of proper disposal and provide clear instructions on the best ways to do so on your packaging. Even if some cities’ waste management infrastructure might be lacking, you can still do your part by spreading awareness to more people and offering the best solution and alternatives with what is available!

3. Reduce overall packaging. Utilizing sustainable resources and packaging is excellent, but reducing the overall packaging is even better.

Using ethically sourced renewable materials isn’t the only way to ensure sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. Cutting down on the overall materials you need for your packaging helps reduce the strain on land usage, regardless of the materials you decide to use. Using fewer materials and smaller packaging also assists with reducing transportation emissions from carriers that need to ship your product.

As an added bonus, reducing your overall packaging will also help reduce your shipping costs!

4. Use recycled packaging materials. We’ve already discussed how recycling is one of the best things people can do for environmental sustainability, and companies should advocate this.

However, consider using recycled material in your packaging to take it a step further. Lead by example with an initiative and goal to reduce the use of virgin materials in your packaging and switch to recycled materials. Looking back at aluminum and how recycling saves 95 percent more energy than manufacturing, this applies to other materials too.

Recycling often requires fewer processes than manufacturing, making it more energy efficient and eco-friendly.

5. Consider reusable packaging. Designing your package in a way that can be reused several times is another way to supplement sustainable packaging and reduce your environmental footprint.

Reusable packaging eliminates the need to recycle or manufacture, saving even more energy and making this option another excellent solution to aid an eco-friendly initiative. Again, sustainability and eco-friendliness don’t just start and end with one positive action like switching out traditional packaging with a sustainable packaging alternative. 

To reiterate, people, companies and governments must understand that sweeping changes across all channels are required to make significant progress toward a more eco-friendly and sustainable future. Consider all factors, from gathering raw materials to its disposal. Look at where materials are sourced, and consider the land usage and habitats that might be affected. Ensure manufacturing processes are as streamlined as possible with reduced waste and energy consumption.  Educate for better waste management infrastructure and lead by example. Adopt these practices and encourage others to do the same. 

Sustainable packaging is only the beginning of a long-overdue overhaul of archaic and environmentally harmful methods and processes. Change doesn’t start on its own. It’s time for a paradigm shift.

In the food industry, products need even more protection than others. They need protection from many possible contaminants, tampering and to help preserve foods for more extended periods of time.

To this end, researchers estimate that food packaging accounts for over 66% of all total packaging in circulation.

It is essential, then, that the food industry consider eco friendly food packaging.

The planet is currently suffering from the sheer amount of damage we’ve caused, so with more and more consumers looking for eco-conscious companies to do business with, moving to eco packaging benefits your company and the environment.

But what is environmentally friendly packaging for food?

It is packaging that is more friendly to the environment than traditional packaging and is produced in a way that minimizes the environmental footprint of businesses.

Sustainable packaging aims to utilize renewable or recycled resources, reduce harmful emissions while manufacturing the package, and leave less of a footprint when the packaging reaches the end of its life cycle.

Reducing our environmental footprint has become increasingly important as our impact on the earth has become intolerable.

If changes are not made, irreparable damages will be caused and may affect future generations.

Our duty as consumers and businesses is to ensure a healthier planet, so eco packaging is a great place to make a positive impact.

This article aims to cover everything you need to know about eco friendly packaging, from the different types of sustainable food-safe packaging to the benefits, cons and challenges.

Types of Sustainable Packaging

Let us start with the different types of eco-friendly food-safe packaging options.

If you are wondering which option is the best, that question cannot be answered so simply. 

Each type of eco packaging has its benefits and disadvantages, so there may be better options for you than what works for one business.

However, we aim to provide you with the relevant information for each option so you can decide which choice is right for you.

Biodegradable Food Packaging

Let us first start with biodegradable packaging.

Biodegradable packaging is packaging that breaks down faster when disposed of.

Where it takes regular plastics hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, biodegradable bioplastic packaging can shorten that time.

Bioplastics are packaging engineered from plant resources like corn, sugarcane and soy.

Some are even edible, like gelatin, chitosan or algae.

They are packaging designed to leave no harmful contaminants when they ultimately degrade in a landfill.

However, though this type of packaging is designed to break down faster and leave no harmful traces behind, this is not always the case. Some packaging materials still leave behind damaging contaminants in our environment.

Often, biodegradable plastics break down into microplastics, which are thought to be highly damaging if it ends up in the ocean.

In addition, the production of some of these types of packaging can be very energy and resource intensive, which can be counter-intuitive to a sustainable initiative and further harm the environment.

Bamboo, for example, is biodegradable and compostable. It is rising in popularity among sustainable packaging materials to use for packaging, but there is more to consider than just the eco-friendliness of the material.

Other things to consider include the rising demand, which might hinder the traditional usage of the material. 

Inhumane agricultural practices may also come into question with the increasing demand.

Not only that, but considering the usage of chemicals to manufacture bamboo packaging is also something that needs to be considered.

The best way to counteract these negatives is to ensure you are sourcing the packaging material from a reputable third-party company and that they are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).

Though biodegradable packaging is a great option, thorough research must be conducted to ensure this type of packaging is appropriately sustainable and not causing more harm than good.

Compostable Packaging

Alternatively, compostable materials for packaging breaks down into its original components and can be placed in a food waste bin.

Comprised of paper, cardboard or bioplastic, compostable packages should not be harmful to the environment once broken down, and some packaging can be broken down in the home!

However, on the other hand, many common packaging materials used in this packaging type requires industrial methods, which are not widely available to consumers.

Proper disposal of this packaging is necessary to reap the environmental benefits, so an appropriate infrastructure or initiative is required to utilize this method effectively.

Along with this downside, much packaging that claims to be compostable is not actually 100% compostable.

In some cases, “compostable” packaging can be lined with a thin film that is not compostable at all.

Misleading claims from unethical companies are a big concern for compostable packaging, so, similar to biodegradable packaging, research on reputable companies is required.

These misleading claims are known as greenwashing and not only apply to other unethical companies but may also apply to your business.

Greenwashing is a term used to describe companies that intentionally make misleading or unsubstantiated claims about their environmental impact.

To avoid being negatively branded as a greenwashing company, consider your environmental impact and research accordingly. 

Like the biodegradable packaging option, ensure that the materials you use are what the manufacturers say they are!

Recyclable Packaging

Another option for green packaging is recyclable materials and options.

Paper, glass, metal and some plastics can be recycled and reused several times before they reach the end of their usable life.

Kraft paper is one of the world’s most eco-friendly packaging.

Even aluminum cans can be recycled, using only 5% of the energy it takes to create new aluminum cans.

However, the problem with this method lies with the millions of consumers.

Recycling only works when recyclable materials for packaging are disposed of properly. This means littering recyclable plastics, metals, glass, and paper into oceans or landfills completely defeats the purpose.

Companies that use recyclable packaging must also push a strong recycling initiative and enforce proper disposal of their recyclable packaging.

For example, Coca-Cola aims to utilize 100% recycled materials by 2025. 

Reusable Packaging

The final packaging we will cover is reusable packaging.

Instead of one-use packaging, reusable packaging can be repurposed or reused many times.

Reusable packaging is all about repurposing the package for extended use.

By avoiding discarding the package after a single use, consumers can extend the package’s life and prevent the excess energy and material consumption needed to dispose of and create a new package.

Glass is an excellent example of a reusable package. Glass is durable, easy to clean and can be reused for long periods without being discarded.

The Challenges of Sustainable Food Packaging

Though the many different types of sustainable packaging provide companies with a lot of options, these options don’t come without challenges.

However, many benefits will soon follow if companies can work together and overcome these challenges.

But before we get into the benefits, let’s look at the common challenges businesses might face when moving to a sustainable, eco-friendly initiative.

The Initial Cost

The initial setup cost is the main challenge when moving to eco friendly packaging.

Implementing eco friendly packaging into your business may require changes to be done with your supply chain and logistics, which can be costly due to the difficulty of coordinating such significant changes.

On top of that, eco friendly packaging is often more expensive than traditional packaging to produce, but you must look at the bigger picture.

Factors such as reduced cost of disposal, less energy consumption and fewer resources used to create such sustainable options should be considered when weighing the cost of traditional packaging and eco friendly packaging.

In the long run, switching to eco friendly packaging will help streamline many of your business processes.

This increase in efficiency will reduce costs in different areas of your business and help offset the increased cost of using eco friendly packaging over traditional packaging.

Infrastructure & Public Authorities

But though your company commits to doing its part to reduce negative impacts, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the public infrastructure to support some of these methods is there yet.

Waste packaging management is different in many municipalities and needs to be more consistent.

As more and more businesses move to do their part, the public authorities need to support these positive changes too.

Without an efficient and effective way to collect and correctly dispose of recyclable or biodegradable these efforts to help protect the planet are for naught.

To see the environmental benefits of eco friendly packaging, changes must happen at all levels, not just with businesses, which leads us to the final major challenge.

Consumer Behaviors

Where businesses must strive to provide more sustainable options and public authorities must implement better infrastructure to accommodate these eco friendly packaging options, consumers must also do their part.

While it is becoming a trend for consumers to shop with the environment in mind, many are still not familiar with the benefits of environmentally friendly packaging, nor are they willing to pay extra for it.

Companies need to take steps to educate consumers on why eco friendly packaging is beneficial and why it is essential to switch from traditional packaging.

Another challenge with consumers is to educate them on proper ways to dispose of eco friendly packaging.

We briefly touched upon this topic earlier when discussing recyclable food packaging, but consumers need to be aware of the harm they cause when improperly disposing of waste.

No matter how sustainable or eco-friendly a package is, consumers must dispose of it correctly to be effective.

Yes, biodegradable packaging can break down faster than traditional packaging and is designed to leave no harmful trace, but that doesn’t excuse consumers from tossing their waste haphazardly.

The fact is that a lot of waste does not end up where it should be.

If companies and public authorities are making an effort to reduce the negative impact of the environment, the consumers have just as much responsibility.

Again, education must be provided, and a sustainable initiative must be enforced by all parties to make a significant change.

You, as a business, can do your part by providing envionementally friendly packaging options and educating your consumers on the importance of protecting the planet.

Show them that you care, and they should care too!

The Benefits of Switching to Sustainable Food Packaging

If your business is dedicated to improving the environment and ready to take on these challenges, you’d be glad to know that many benefits come with overcoming these obstacles!

These benefits are not just for the planet but also for your business.

Doing Your Part For The Environment

To begin, let us look at the obvious benefit: a healthier and happier environment.

The main objective of eco friendly packaging is to reduce our negative environmental impact and carbon footprint.

It is no question, then, that a healthier planet will be the primary benefit of utilizing eco packaging.

environmentally friendly packaging aims to minimize energy and resource consumption while also preventing harmful waste from being disposed of and further harming the planet.

However, there are other benefits you need to be aware of!

Economic Benefit of Using Sustainable Food Packaging

We mentioned earlier that the initial cost of switching to eco packaging would be expensive.

This cannot be avoided at the beginning of your company’s transition from traditional to eco packaging.

New systems and infrastructure must be implemented, and the resources to produce sustainable options are often more expensive.

However, that does not mean eco-friendly food packaging is not economically beneficial!

Once you have established these new systems, your business will naturally become more efficient by finding ways to reduce waste and streamline manufacturing by utilizing less energy and resources.

With efficiency comes cost saving.

And staying ahead of any upcoming regulations that the government may implement on sustainable practices will prevent your business from costly and inefficient implementations in the future.

Furthermore, when your company switches to eco friendly packaging, it will positively increase your company’s image, leading us to the next benefit.

Improved Brand Image

As mentioned earlier in this article, many consumers are beginning to understand the impact of their consumption and are looking for more eco-conscious companies to do business with.

So when your business shows its dedication to more sustainable practices and implements such initiatives in your food packaging process, it will reflect positively on your company and brand.

Building a positive brand image attracts more customers to your business and also attracts talented workers who wish to work for a company that strives to make a difference.

Looking back at the previous benefit of switching to sustainable methods, building a positive brand image will also be economically beneficial. 

More customers mean increased profits, and more talented workers make your business even more efficient!

Sustainable Food Packaging to Sustain the Planet

Packaging for food products accounts for a lot of improperly disposed waste and the harmful environmental effects must be addressed.

The problem of packaging polluting the planet will only disappear if a concerted effort by businesses, public authorities and consumers is made. Only together can we make a difference!

A paradigm shift is needed for the betterment of our planet, and companies can start by considering sustainable packaging for food products.

By showing your dedication to saving the environment, you will gain the benefits of a positive brand image and increased profits, but most importantly, you will inspire others to do their part in protecting the planet.

We usually don’t overthink its usage, as we see plastic in our everyday lives as bottles, bags, 

food containers, and cutlery. 

But we also see plastic littering our oceans, streets, and parks. 

Packaging accounts for about 36 percent of all produced plastics, and 85 percent of that will end up in landfills or haphazardly littered onto our suffering planet.

Poly mailers are just another form of plastic packaging used to mail goods. 

Though some poly mailers can be recyclable, the figures mentioned above suggest that many will still end up in landfills or as litter at the end of the day. 

There is only one earth, and we must do our utmost to mitigate pollution on our planet. 

Enter paper mailers, an eco-friendly alternative!

More Than Just Brown Paper Mailers

As the term suggests, paper mailers are packaging free of plastic! 

They can also come in stock paper, be padded, or even customized like poly mailers. 

But the fact that these mailers are paper is not the only factor contributing to why they are an excellent alternative for an environmentally conscious e-commerce business and its customers.

Recycled poly mailers are an option for eco-friendly businesses, but that doesn’t erase the fact that plastic is not biodegradable. 

Plastic can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, producing harmful chemicals that pollute the environment. 

Add this to the fact that plastic disposal is frequently done incorrectly, and recycled poly mailers will not solve the issue of plastic in our oceans or landfills.

That is why paper mailers are currently the best option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. 

Kraft paper mailers, for instance, are not only free of plastic but can also be reused several times and are made from 100% recycled paper. 

They are lightweight, affordable and naturally biodegradable.

Another alternative type of paper mailer is the compostable mailer, which is waterproof! 

Made of plant materials like field corn and wheat straw, compostable mailers are also an eco-friendly type of paper mailer that can break down in 180 days at home or 90 days at a commercial facility. 

Since plant materials are the only ingredient for these mailers, they also leave no harmful traces or residues and are a highly sustainable solution for reducing plastic waste. 

The Compromise for a Healthier Planet

While there are many positives that paper mailers offer to the environment, they currently cannot match the protection poly mailers offer. 

No, paper mailers are not flimsy or fragile and can protect your items. 

However, poly mailers are unquestionably stronger, more puncture-resistant, and weather resistant than their paper counterparts. 

They are also less expensive to purchase than paper mailers, and for these two reasons alone, poly mailers are one of the most commonly used bags for e-commerce businesses.

Considering the above, businesses must compromise between cost and the environment.

Sustainable Paper Mailer Options

As businesses become more aware of their environmental impact, the demand for sustainable paper mailers continues to increase. 

Fortunately, there are several options that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.

Kraft Mailers 

Kraft mailers are an affordable yet durable option that is designed to be reused and recycled. 

Kraft mailers come with their own set of options and capabilities including:

• Expandable kraft mailers
• Returnable kraft mailers 

Expandable kraft mailers have a built-in expansion feature that allows them to accommodate larger items while still providing protection. 

Returnable kraft mailers have a durable construction that makes them suitable for repeated use and features a resealable adhesive strip for easy returns, making them an ideal choice for e-commerce businesses shipping apparel and clothing.

Compostable and Recyclable Paper Mailers

Compostable and recyclable paper mailers are made from recycled and/or biodegradable content. 

These paper mailers are designed with both customer convenience and sustainability in mind; they ensure customers can easily dispose of them after use, making it easier for them to recycle or compost their packaging materials when they’re done with them. 

This type of packaging is perfect for companies who want to provide their customers with an eco-friendly experience without compromising quality or convenience.

Fluted and Padded Mailers 

Made from recyclable corrugated fibreboard, fluted and padded mailers provide the necessary strength and cushioning needed to protect products during transit while still being light enough to keep shipping costs low. 

Not only are these types of mailers highly durable, but they can also be easily recycled at the end of their life cycle, making them a great option for companies looking to make sustainability profitable for their business.

Though there is no argument that a poly mailer is much stronger than a paper mailer, they are still an excellent alternative for businesses looking for eco-friendly alternatives.

With the ever-increasing usage of online shopping,  millions of items being shipped to customers’ doorsteps each day, and the public push for sustainable brands, e-commerce businesses must ultimately decide to leave less of a footprint on the planet. 

Switching from poly mailers to paper is one easy step in the right direction.

Sustainable paper mailing options offer businesses a way to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing customer convenience or satisfaction. 

From expandable kraft mailers to compostable and recyclable paper mailers made from recycled materials, there’s something out there for everyone! 

By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, you can ensure your customers receive the highest quality product while reducing your company’s carbon footprint – all at the same time! It’s a win-win!

Many businesses are looking for ways to become more sustainable, but few recognize how sustainability can actually also be profitable.

Although 90% of executives believe sustainability is important, only 60% of companies have a sustainability strategy.

By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, businesses will save on production costs, increase customer engagement and loyalty, and ultimately become more profitable overall. 

Consumers are also becoming more aware of the environmental impact that businesses have, and they are increasingly using their buying power to influence companies’ decisions on sustainability. 

Many businesses have started to make sustainability a priority, but the risk of a low ROI is often what holds many fast consumer goods companies back from making a full transition. 

Here’s a look at how you can make sustainable packaging profitable for your business. 

Reducing Waste and Saving Costs

Investing in sustainable packaging is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs for your business. 

Sustainable materials are often cheaper than traditional materials and require less energy and resources to produce. 

In addition, by using recyclable materials, you won’t have to worry about disposing of the waste generated from production or paying extra fees associated with recycling or disposal. 

This can save your business money in the long run while also reducing your environmental impact. 

Eco-friendly packaging materials are lighter than other conventional materials, which means they also take up less space in shipping containers. 

This reduces shipping costs since companies charge based on volume as well as weight. 

Additionally, because sustainable packaging materials are often made from recycled materials or from natural sources like corrugated fiberboard or paperboard, they tend to be more durable than conventional packaging materials. 

This means fewer packages will get damaged in transit and need to be replaced–saving money and time for your businesses. 

Take Belle Vie Candle as an example: 

Belle Vie Candles are hand packaged and designed, so it’s important the packaging and production process is convenient and time efficient, especially at a time when orders start to ramp up. 

PakFactory helped them determine that paperboard Auto Bottom Boxes would be the perfect fit for their products. 

Auto bottom boxes are shipped flat for space efficiency and do not require adhesive upon assembly making it super time efficient to put together. 

The structure of these boxes also provides enough support to hold slightly more heavy-weight products, like candles! 

These paperboard boxes are not only 100% recyclable, but they are also tailored to the product size to reduce packaging waste and lower the risk of any damage. 

Ultimately, Belle Vie Candle was able to focus more efforts on scaling its business and generating more sales with this optimized, eco-friendly packaging solution in place. 

Increasing Customer Loyalty 

Another great way that sustainable packaging can generate more profit for your business is by increasing customer loyalty. 

Customers want to purchase products from companies that prioritize sustainability and are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint.

By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, you will not only be able to show customers that you are committed to being more environmentally friendly, but also demonstrate that you value their feedback and input when making important decisions about the company’s operations. 

When customers see that your company is making an effort to be environmentally friendly through the use of sustainable packaging, they will be more likely to trust your brand and become part of your loyal customer base, guaranteeing more repeat sales and in turn more profit. 

People, customers, and retailers alike don’t just want products anymore—they want experiences—and sustainable packaging has become part of those key experiences that make them feel good about supporting your business. 

Plus, when customers trust your brand, they are more likely to share their positive experiences with friends and family which can help build brand credibility and a stronger reputation! 

For fast consumer goods, retailers are essentially secondary customers to consider. 

Sustainable packaging and the experience that comes with it, is something most retailers will be looking out for when stocking their shelves. 

Take Sonhab Chocolate for example: 

Sonhab Chocolate is a small company that initially handmade, hand cut, and printed their packaging in-house for their unique chocolate bars.

However, PakFactory was able to help them streamline their process with kraft paperboard boxes which not only saved them time and money but also gained them much more recognition in the wholesale market. 

Kristen and Cody at Sonhab Chocolate were able to pursue wholesale after launching their new eco-friendly packaging design, which was a huge game changer in boosting their sales and reach. 

Enhancing Brand Credibility

As discussed, sustainable packaging has become a major selling point because it shows commitment to environmental preservation and corporate responsibility without sacrificing quality or convenience. 

By utilizing sustainable packaging materials, companies can communicate that they are conscious of their environmental impact and are taking big strides to make responsible decisions. 

This can go a long way in building a strong brand narrative, which is the first step in gaining new and repeat customers while setting your business apart from other companies in the same niche. 

Additionally, businesses that invest in sustainability initiatives like sustainable packaging will be seen as thought leaders within their industry – building further credibility in creating long-term business relationships. 

Take Drop Supplements for example:

Initially, Drop Supplements was using bubble wrap as their primary packaging solution. 

However, they noticed that this packaging strategy was not strong enough, leaving them with damaged products and an unattractive brand presence which was driving down sales.

PakFactory and Drop Supplements worked together to create eco-friendly paperboard boxes designed to enhance their brand presence, adequately protect their supplements and deliver a branded experience tailored to their target market. 

This design differentiated each product by pops of color added to their brand logo, allowing for an eye-catching experience that reflected their brand personality. 

The colors paired with minimalist designs and eco-friendly materials elevated the value of their products and was definitely a huge upgrade from their bubble wrap solutions. 

With their new packaging, Drop Supplements was able to measure an increase in sales and build a bigger sense of brand presence and credibility within their niche. 

Sustainable packaging does not have to mean sacrificing profits; in fact, as you can see, when done correctly it can actually help increase profits! 

By investing in eco-friendly materials such as paper and cardboard instead of plastic, creating branded experiences, and designing packages with efficiency in mind (such as eliminating packaging waste), businesses can make sustainability profitable while also doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint at the same time! 

It’s a win-win situation!

Make the switch today!

The purchasing decisions of consumers are becoming more routed in sustainable initiatives pushing businesses to take corporate responsibility and make the switch to eco-friendly packaging alternatives.  

With more corporate responsibility comes a deeper understanding of eco-friendly packaging materials and their properties. 

Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable on sustainable practices and materials and are actively seeking brands that concisely lay out the eco properties of the materials they package their products in. 

Here we lay out all eco-properties that lay the foundations for sustainable packaging currently available.

Recycled 

Recycled packaging is made from paper or plastic packaging waste that has been processed to create a ‘new’ material. 

Made from at least 60% recycled material, recycled paper and cardboard are broken down into small pieces to create pulp. 

Every time paper is recycled, it loses some durability, which is why the recycled pulp is mixed with virgin pulp to ensure structural integrity. 

Once both recycled pulp and virgin pulp is mixed together, it is pressed and dried to create recycled paper and cardboard. 

Recycled plastic is made in a similar way, where both recycled and virgin plastics are mixed together to ensure structural durability for the ‘new’ recycled plastic material. 

Recyclable 

Recyclable packaging materials are intended to be disposed of with the intent to be broken down and reused in order to create recycled materials. 

Recyclable materials include:

• Kraft paper
• Corrugated fiberboard
• Glass
• Metal
• Certain types of plastic

While paper, glass, metal, and some plastics are recyclable, some packaging inks and coatings can alter the recyclability of certain packaging materials, making it important for businesses to understand the ins and outs of the recycling process for their products.

It’s also important to note that infrastructure for recycling is required to ensure packaging waste can be correctly disposed of.

Reusable 

Reusable packaging is engineered to be durable and used multiple times. 

Popular reusable packaging includes:

• Tin boxes
• Rigid boxes
• Corrugated boxes
• Resealable mailers 

These packaging types are engineered to be durable enough so that consumers can easily package and return products or reuse the packaging as decoration or home storage. 

Ultimately, reusable packaging could be any packaging type that has been designed to be easily resealable or durable enough for reuse. 

Compostable

Compostable packaging indicates that a material is able to naturally decompose and be recycled back into the environment with the purpose of enriching soil. 

Usually made from plant-based material like cornstarch, compostable packaging can be deemed home compostable or commercially compostable. 

Home compostable materials should be able to break down in home compost within 180 days without adding any additional warmth, meaning it does not require infrastructure or facilities to ensure the material has successfully decomposed. 

Commercially compostable packaging materials should be able to break down within 90 days using facilities that break down the material in temperatures above 55C. 

Plastic-free

The most common plastics are made from polymerized crude oil, a finite resource that has been in high demand for quite some time now. 

Plastics take thousands of years to break down into the earths soil and most single use plastics end up in landfills contributing to waste and pollution. 

Plastic-free packaging is exactly as it sounds, all components of the packaging from the box to the box inserts and any stickers and labels do not contain any form of plastics that are made from polymerized crude oil. 

Many nations around the world have pledged to reduce plastic waste by 2030, making plastic-free products like paper-based packaging a key component to reducing waste and pollution. 

Biodegradable 

Biodegradable materials break down into natural components of the environment when exposed to the elements. 

While most products will break down over time, many plastics will only decompose over a time frame of thousands and thousands of years. 

Biodegradable products must break down within the lifetime of a single generation and the final product should be water, CO2, minerals, or biomass. 

It is never a question of “how biodegradable” a product is. It is either biodegradable or not. 

While compostable and biodegradable may seem like very similar packaging properties, they hold different purposes. 

Biodegradable products do not have an impact or add any nutrients to the surrounding environment, whereas compostable products aim to enrich soil and promote more natural growth. 

In Summary:

Recycled: Made from recycled material

Recyclable: Designed to be successfully recycled

Reusable: Made from durable material to promote reuse

Plastic-Free: Contains 0% of plastic components

Compostable: Designed to biodegrade and add nutrients to the environment.

Biodegradable: Breaks down into natural elements making no impact on the environment. 

Overall, there are many eco-properties to consider, especially when it comes to packaging.

Depending on the industry, some eco-packaging types may be better suited for products than others. 

Consult a packaging specialist to find the best-suited eco-packaging for your product and brand!