Fact: Choosing The Right Packaging Will Help Save The Planet
In 2023, the EU generated 84.3 trillion tonnes of packaging waste, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. So, how can you reduce the carbon impact of your packaging? Here are the key factors you should consider.
Weight
Lightweighting is the process of reducing weight of material or product while maintaining the same product and functionality. Lightweighting packaging will improve sustainability, lower costs and enhance logistic processes.
A straightforward way to do this is to switch the materials used to package your products. For instance, glass packaging is a popular choice for candles due to its elegant appearance and eye-catching presentation. However, glass packaging - as well as being highly breakable - is tremendously heavy. The standard weight of one load of products packaged in glass is 40,000 lbs.
Alternatives including tin candle containers with a lid are far lighter. As such, they could be the ideal choice for a more sustainable product design.
Production Process
This is one of the trickiest parts for businesses as it is often out of sight and out of mind. Most companies use outsourced packaging solutions. As such, companies often have no idea how their packaging is made and the impact of this process.
That said, there are steps that you can take here if you are keen to make a sustainable choice. Certifiable sustainable packaging is readily available on the market. It is the perfect choice to demonstrate to customers that you are taking the green-friendly path with your business.
Recyclability
Experts agree recycling materials won’t solve the environmental crisis, but it will reduce the damage.
This is why metal is such a fantastic packaging material. 80% of all metal produced remains in circulation today. As such, it’s not buried in landfills and it’s certainly not going to waste. It’s a true part of the circular economy.
Repurposing
To ensure packaging has a minimum impact on the state of the planet, you need to think about its total lifecycle. It’s important that manufacturers stop looking at the initial opening of the package as the end of its life. Using the right materials and design, packaging can find new life and new purpose. This will delay or stop it from ending up in the rubbish and prevent it from clogging up landfills.
Metal tin packaging is a brilliant example of this. Customers use tin packaging to store precious items, keepsakes and even for refills. If your packaging is attractive, durable, and practical it’s more likely to be reused. Cardboard tubes and other packaging choices can also be reused as everything from plant pots to penholders.
According to a recent survey by We-Pack, 50% of consumers reuse packaging and only 5% immediately throw it away.
Disposal
Of course, eventually most packaging materials will end up as rubbish. That’s why business owners need to think about the impact. While plastic packaging will last for decades if not centuries, other options including kraft paper packaging are compostable and biodegradable. It will break down overtime and may even provide much-needed supplements to the surrounding soil.
About Earth Day
Earth Day was originally conceived in the 70’s across the pond. Since then, it has evolved into an international movement with 192 countries participating in the fight for a brighter future. The organization is responsible for 100’s of millions of planted trees and 36 million clean up volunteers.
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Start shrinking your environmental footprint today by making the right, sustainable packaging. Whether you are interested in exploring kraft paper, cardboard or tin packaging, our experts are here to help. Get in touch today or explore our full range now.
