Global trends in sustainable packaging
ustainable packaging has become a vital focus for businesses and consumers alike as environmental concerns grow. Traditional packaging, primarily made from plastics, has long dominated the market due to its durability and low cost. However, the environmental impact has been severe. Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to landfill waste, ocean pollution, and the depletion of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels. Additionally, the manufacturing process of traditional materials often involves high energy consumption and carbon emissions, further exacerbating environmental damage.
Table of contents:
Importance of sustainable packaging
• Biodegradable and compostable packaging
• Recycled plastics, paper, and glass
• Innovations in upcycling waste into packaging
• Success stories of brands reducing their carbon footprint
Technological innovations in packaging
Importance of sustainable packaging
In recent decades, plastic packaging in particular, has become one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation. According to the UN Environment Programme, we produce around 400 million tons of plastic waste every year, with only 14% being collected for recycling, as stated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Further, the UNEP also reports that around 36% of all plastics produced are utilized in packaging, including single-use plastic items like food and beverage containers, with roughly 85% of these ending up in landfills or as unmanaged waste. Moreover, about 98% of single-use plastics are manufactured from fossil fuel-based materials, or ‘virgin’ feedstock.
The greenhouse gas emissions linked to the production, consumption, and disposal of conventional fossil fuel-based plastics are expected to rise, potentially accounting for 19% of the global carbon budget by 2040.
The environmental impact of this unsustainable practice has prompted a global shift toward sustainable packaging solutions. According to PDI Technologies, consumers are now more informed than ever, with 80% of global consumers willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. Governments and international bodies are also enforcing stricter regulations, such as the European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling. Sustainable packaging not only helps reduce waste and carbon footprints but also enhances brand reputation and aligns businesses with evolving global regulations and consumer expectations.
In today’s market, adopting sustainable packaging is not only about complying with regulations but also about ensuring brand loyalty and long-term growth. As environmental concerns continue to shape consumer behavior and policy, sustainable packaging is key to staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Top global trends
Eco-friendly materials
• Biodegradable and compostable packaging: As the global demand for sustainable packaging grows, biodegradable and compostable materials have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional plastics. These materials are designed to break down naturally, reducing environmental impact and easing the burden on landfills.
Biodegradable materials are derived from renewable sources like cornstarch, sugarcane, and polylactic acid (PLA). When exposed to specific environmental conditions such as heat, moisture, or microorganisms, these materials decompose into natural elements like carbon dioxide and water. PLA, a bioplastic derived from fermented plant starch, has become one of the most popular biodegradable materials used in packaging, offering a plastic-like feel without the environmental consequences.
Also read: The rise of eco-friendly alternatives
1. Molded fiber: Molded fiber, made from recycled paper products such as newsprint and cardboard, is a biodegradable material.
The process involves soaking the recycled materials in water and then shaping them into the desired form through molding techniques.
2. Bamboo: Bamboo is a sustainable, fast-growing packaging material that offers a biodegradable alternative to plastics and wood. Requiring minimal water and no pesticides, it has a low environmental impact.
Its strong, lightweight fibers make it ideal for various packaging uses, from food containers to cosmetics. Bamboo supports waste reduction and appeals to eco-conscious consumers.
Also read: Biophilic bliss: Bringing the outdoors in
3. Mushroom: Mushroom packaging is a sustainable alternative made from mycelium, the root structure of fungi. It is biodegradable, grows quickly, and requires minimal resources. This material is molded into various shapes, making it ideal for protective packaging.
Mushroom packaging is eco-friendly, fully compostable, and offers a natural solution to reducing plastic waste.
Also read: 7 biodegradable materials to switch to
4. Seaweed: Seaweed packaging is an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to plastic, made from fast-growing, renewable seaweed. It requires no fresh water or fertilizers, making it highly sustainable.
Seaweed-based packaging is versatile and ideal for food wraps, containers, and even edible packaging, offering a zero-waste solution to traditional materials.
5. Case studies: Several brands are already making strides in adopting biodegradable and compostable packaging. One notable example is Tetra Pak, which uses plant-based plastics derived from sugarcane for its packaging solutions. This approach significantly reduces the use of fossil fuel-based plastics and has made Tetra Pak a leader in sustainable packaging.
Another example is Nestlé, which has been piloting biodegradable packaging for its Yes! snack bars, using paper-based materials compostable in industrial facilities. Danone, the parent company of Evian, has also shifted toward biodegradable and compostable materials for some of its water bottles, using a combination of recycled and bio-based plastics to minimize environmental impact.
Also read: How are big brands pledging to reduce waste
• Recycled plastics, paper, and glass: Recycling is a well-established practice in packaging, with materials like PET plastic, paper, and glass being reused to create new packaging solutions. Recycled plastics, for example, are widely used in industries like food and beverage, fashion, and cosmetics. Recycled PET (rPET) reduces the need for virgin plastic, cutting down on the use of fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, recycled paper is frequently used for packaging products like boxes, tissue, and wrapping materials. Glass, which can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, is another valuable resource for sustainable packaging.
• Innovations in upcycling waste into packaging: Upcycling goes a step further by transforming waste materials into higher-value products. This innovative approach has been applied to packaging in creative ways. For instance, agricultural by-products, like fruit peels, wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse, are being upcycled into biodegradable packaging materials. These solutions help reduce waste while providing a sustainable alternative to conventional packaging.
One innovative example is The Better Packaging Co., which developed packaging made from recycled plastic waste recovered from oceans and beaches. Their ‘Pollastic’ line uses upcycled ocean plastics, helping to reduce marine pollution and promote a circular economy.
Also read: Understanding circular economy initiatives
• Success stories of brands reducing their carbon footprint: Adidas has launched shoes and clothing made from ocean plastics as part of its collaboration with Parley for the Oceans. Their efforts have diverted tons of plastic waste from the oceans while highlighting the potential for upcycled materials in mainstream products.
Unilever is also making strides in this area, having developed packaging from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics for its household and personal care products. They have raised their use of recycled plastic to 22% of their total plastic consumption, keeping them on course to achieve their goal of using at least 25% recycled plastic by 2025.
Minimalist packaging design
• The less-is-more approach: One growing trend in sustainable packaging is the move towards reducing the amount of packaging material, known as the ‘less-is-more’ approach. This shift emphasizes minimalism by utilizing only essential materials, thus cutting down on waste and making packaging more eco-friendly. The benefits of this approach include cost savings, as less material means lower production and transportation costs, and reduced environmental impact through less waste generation. Additionally, minimalist packaging has proven to appeal to consumers who are increasingly conscious of the environmental footprint of the products they buy.
Also read: Do customers care about sustainability?
One notable example is Apple’s product boxes. In recent years, Apple has reduced the size of its iPhone packaging, removing accessories like chargers and headphones, cutting down on material use, and allowing more efficient shipping. In the cosmetics industry, Lush is known for its ‘naked’ products that come without packaging, such as solid shampoos and soaps, reducing plastic waste entirely.
• Edible packaging: Made from food-grade materials such as seaweed, starches, and proteins, this type of packaging can be eaten along with the product or composted naturally. Being applied in areas such as food and beverage, it serves as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. Current developments focus on improving the shelf life and versatility of these materials, with the potential to revolutionize the way we package food. However, edible packaging faces challenges, including ensuring food safety, consumer acceptance, and logistical issues like storage and transport. While promising, it still needs broader consumer acceptance to become mainstream.
Notpla, a startup has developed seaweed-based packaging that can be eaten or biodegraded naturally. Their product, ‘Ooho,’ is an edible water bubble used at events like marathons in place of plastic water bottles. Loliware is another company innovating in this space with its edible straws made from seaweed and other natural materials, aimed at replacing single-use plastic straws.
Technological innovations
• Smart and connected packaging: Smart packaging, which integrates technologies like QR codes and NFC (Near Field Communication) tags, is transforming the packaging industry by adding layers of functionality beyond basic protection. These technologies allow consumers to access product information, verify authenticity, and even track the product’s journey from source to shelf. By improving traceability, smart packaging helps reduce waste, as companies can better manage inventory, prevent overproduction, and address inefficiencies in the supply chain.
For example, companies like Tetra Pak have adopted connected packaging with QR codes that provide information about the product’s sustainability credentials, while Ralph Lauren has embedded NFC tags in its apparel to ensure product authenticity and monitor the garment’s lifecycle. These innovations enable both brands and consumers to make more sustainable choices, reducing environmental impact.
• Biotechnology in packaging: Biotechnology is playing a pivotal role in the development of sustainable packaging materials. By using biological processes to create eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, biotech innovations are offering promising solutions for reducing plastic waste. One breakthrough is algae-based plastics, which are biodegradable and have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based plastics.
Similarly, mycelium packaging, made from the root structure of mushrooms, provides a compostable alternative to plastic foam used in protective packaging.
Companies like Evoware are leading the way with algae-based packaging for food, while Ecovative Design is pioneering mycelium packaging for electronics and furniture. These innovations are poised to transform the future of packaging, driving the industry towards more sustainable, biodegradable solutions that minimize environmental harm.
Conclusion
Sustainable packaging faces several challenges as it continues to evolve. Economically, the cost of developing and scaling sustainable materials remains high, making accessibility a concern for smaller businesses. Technically, the durability and functionality of sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable or compostable materials, still need improvement to match the performance of conventional packaging. Additionally, both industry and consumer adaptation is gradual, with some consumers hesitant to embrace new materials and companies struggling to overhaul long-established supply chains.
However, the future of sustainable packaging holds promise. Over the next decade, we can expect to see continued advancements in material science, such as algae-based plastics and mycelium packaging, alongside the growth of smart packaging solutions that reduce waste and increase traceability. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and consumers and initiatives such as Alliance to End Plastic Waste, UN Sustainable Development Goals, UN Environment Programme, Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy, The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, will be essential in driving widespread adoption, as policies and public demand push for greener solutions.
In conclusion, it is crucial for businesses and consumers alike to support sustainable packaging as part of a collective effort to reduce environmental harm. By prioritizing innovation and sustainability, we can pave the way for a greener, more responsible future.
We’d love to hear from you! What packaging techniques are you currently using to promote sustainability in your business? Share your experiences and let’s inspire each other to make a positive impact!
~ Written by Shambhavi
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