Eco-Friendly Packaging: How It Pays to Make the Switch
by Sunaina BansalWhat is Eco-Friendly Packaging?
Today, “brand image” is crucial for every business. If you are looking to set up a new business or want to upgrade your existing business, you would surely love to develop close bonds with your consumers. Eco-friendly packaging helps you with that. With eco-friendly packaging, you are not only doing a favor for your business; but also for the environment and all living beings on our home – earth most essentially.
So, what is eco-friendly packaging and why is it so important today? In simple words, eco-friendly packaging is the type of packaging that does not harm the environment and living beings on the planet. Also popular as sustainable packaging, eco-friendly packaging is produced using easily biodegradable and recyclable materials. The producers make sure that there is no burden on the natural resources and energy resources during the production process.
Undoubtedly, the food business ranks amongst the top industries for using the most packaging products. The food business uses packaging most often for the safe delivery of foods and beverages while maintaining their freshness and quality. According to Sustainability Victoria, the packaging in food produces approximately 1.9 million tons of waste every year polluting the environment in a big way. It has grown the interest in eco-friendly packaging in Australia and people realize for the time to take action. Nielsen reports that around 73 % of people consider changing their habits for the better of the environment. It is a good opportunity for businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging for food now.
Why is Plastic Packaging not Biodegradable?
Plastic packaging is the most used packaging as they come in very handy. Unfortunately, it is not easy for the environment to cope with plastic waste as most end up harming natural resources and living beings.
With growing concern over the impact of plastic packaging, the market saw the introduction of “biodegradable plastic”. Many had high hopes. But, sadly, the research in England shows biodegradable plastic may not just meet your expectations.
In the study at the University of Plymouth, the polythene plastic bags including the biodegradable ones were tested in different natural conditions as they were experimented with burying in soil, submerging in the ocean, and exposing to sunlight and air. Surprisingly, even biodegradable plastics did not break down in any of the experiments. No breakdown means microbes will not be able to feed on them and digest them. So, plastic packaging is not degraded easily.
The biodegradable plastic needs to go through a high temperature; most of the time more than 122⁰ F. But unfortunately, the closed landfills are very unlikely to cross the temperature of 104⁰ F. Although some biodegradable plastic bags do make it easy for microbes to digest, there is not always any guarantee on the time factor for breaking down plastics; it may take decades to centuries. So, it will not be wrong to say that biodegradable plastic packaging bags have a similar threat to the environment as other ordinary plastics.
Many businesses might have turned to “biodegradable plastic packaging for food” with good intentions, but they might still be creating negative impacts on the environment unwillingly or unknowingly. So, it is ideal to go with other eco-friendly alternatives for biodegradable packaging for food.
Disadvantages of Traditional Food packaging
Do you know traditional food packaging does more bad than good? Let’s go through some of the cons of traditional plastic packaging to find out.
1. Pollution
Traditional plastic food packaging is non-biodegradable which leads to the pollution of soil and sea. It is a risk not only for the natural resources; but also for animals, for instance, many sea creatures are choked to death from plastic waste in the ocean.
No matter how much you recycle the plastics, most will eventually end up in landfills where decomposition is not easy. Upon that most people throw the plastic packaging just after single use leaving very short landfill space. This is raising issues on a global level.
As much as the plastic itself, the production period is equally disturbing to the environment. Releasing the excessive carbon dioxide, the production process uses many harmful chemicals including stabilizers and colorants which further destructs the environment.
2. Not good for food quality
Some plastic packaging is produced using different harmful chemicals which might degrade the healthfulness of the food that you store in it. Moreover, traditional plastic packaging has been slammed for absorbing the flavors, aroma, and color of the food.
3. Not good for brand image
“Go green” is trending these days for good. Today many people are concerned about the environment and are ready to take a step to make the world greener and better. So, they are also choosy with their brands as they are showing much love for the companies that care about the environment or nature. So, if you are still using traditional packaging, then it is time to change. With traditional food packaging, you are only creating a bad image and impression on your customer. Be careful you might just be replaced soon or later. So, it is the right time to switch to eco-friendly packaging.
How to switch to Eco-Friendly Packaging?
Your packaging also represents your image, so, a proper strategy is required for deciding the eco-friendly packaging for your product or business. We are here to guide you to help your business successfully switch to green, consider the following steps.
- Research
Begin with internal research to find out your product requirement. For instance, if your business sells hot foods then the packaging should meet the needs and requirements for the safety of the hot foods, and the same goes for cold foods. Once you identify your production requirement, it is time for external research. Note that not all companies that produce “sustainable packaging” are genuine. So, it is important to study the details of the material before deciding on the packaging for your product. Get the details regarding the production process and manufacturing process to ensure that they follow the sustainability practice. It is highly recommended to consider the government certification for the products before purchasing.
- Ensure safety in your packages
It is important to make sure that your packaging is made with no harmful chemicals. The inks, coatings, and other materials used in the packaging should not degrade the quality of the food. It should not produce any threats to humans, animals, and the environment throughout its existence.
Educate your customers
Imagine, you have switched to eco-friendly packaging, but your customers are still unaware of it and are not utilizing its features. There is no use for it, right? So, it is equally important to educate your customer.
If your packaging is eco-friendly, inform your consumer through the packaging itself by providing the “Recycling” icon on it, and also include the recycling process to ensure the correct reuse or recycling of the packaging for environmental good.
Conclusion
Increasing the brand value, the eco-friendly packages help in retaining your old consumers and attracting new ones as people today love companies that care about the environment. So, the extra cost that you spend on the eco-friendly package can contribute to increasing sales to generate more profit.
Alongside the financial perks, you also get to be a valuable member of the environment conservationist. No wonder, many businesses are switching to green as quickly as possible.
Are you ready to make a switch to green? If yes then, Keeo is the place to start your journey for creating value for your business and contributing to environmental protection. Here in Keeo, we provide eco-friendly packaging in Australia that is produced using fully compostable materials with no use of any harmful chemicals.
Back to News