Beyond Greenwashing: Authentic Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Packaging

Did you know that packaging accounts for 40% of the global plastic consumption? This is ironic, considering that over 70% of consumers are willing to pay for green packaging. In fact, more than one-third of people would buy additional green-packaged products if they could find them easily with clear labels. 

With consumer focus shifting rapidly, your brand image could be impacted if your business still hasn’t adopted eco-packaging solutions. Continue reading to find out which trends to adopt.  

Trends and Innovations in Eco-Friendly Packaging 

Eco-friendly packaging is a key component of a circular economy, which is a model of production and consumption geared towards waste reduction, recyclable materials, and regenerating nature.  

To achieve this, your eco-packaging solutions must consider the environmental aspects of the entire life cycle of a product or service — from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling. This process is known as life-cycle assessment.   

However, not all green packaging claims are trustworthy. Greenwashing can occur when you promote one sustainable stage of the life cycle but ignore another harmful stage. For example, a company may use recycled plastic for packaging but ship products using harmful modes of transportation.  

So if you are a manufacturer or retailer, consider the following trends in packaging sustainability designed with the principles of circular economy and life cycle assessment. 

Packaging Trends 

You can achieve packaging sustainability by following these eco-packaging trends:  

• Upcycling: It transforms used products into new sustainable materials or products with more value than the original ones. For example, upcycling a tire into a coffee table.  

• Sustainable sourcing: It involves selecting environmentally-conscious suppliers and renewable or remanufactured materials. Begin implementing sustainable sourcing by communicating your sustainability goals to suppliers.   

• Green Logistics: Integrating environmental considerations into logistics minimizes their ecological impact and maximizes efficiency. Companies can implement green logistics using green transportation, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient factory practices. 

Packaging Material 

To keep up with changing consumer demands and environmental challenges, here are some packaging innovations you can adopt: 

• Convert fibers from fishing nets and ropes into high-grade plastic to package products or to make bottles.  
• Water soluble packaging for high-quality eco-friendly garment bags.  
• Seaweed is another sustainable packaging innovation for making food takeaway containers.  

Packaging Design 

Here are some sustainable design trends for packaging coveted by consumers:  

• Use plant-based dyes to create a safe and environmentally-friendly look for your package design.  

• Using reusable or refillable packaging — like fabric bags — promotes waste reduction and decreases carbon footprint.  
• Minimalist package design is a sustainable design option that reduces space during transportation, reducing your carbon footprint.  

 
Click here to learn more about how Moglix can help you implement sustainable packaging in the supply chain.