Top 3 Simple Ways to Make Your Packaging More Sustainable
According to Google Trends, the amount of Google searches for "sustainability" have rapidly been increasing since 2004, with the most growth seen in the past year. There's no doubt that, as a collective, we are more interested in moving towards a more sustainable future. Because packaging plays such an important and massive role in human consumption, something everyone undoubtedly takes part in, it's crucial to focus on this statistic and lean into the promise that consumers are interested in making more sustainable choices. Yet, it’s not only important because it's what people are focused on, but it's important for the well-being of our planet and, inevitably, our future.
Today we're breaking down the top three simple ways to make custom packaging more sustainable. Sustainable packaging is what consumers are looking for more and more in this current market, and according to Entreprenuer.com, "An authoritative new study finds that regardless of product category, brands with legitimate sustainability claims do better."
Read on, and start the shift towards sustainable custom packaging.
- Post-Consumer Recycled Materials
One of the things you can do to ensure your custom packaging is more sustainable is to use post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. PCR packaging uses materials that consumers have recycled after use, including paper, cardboard, aluminum, and even plastic. The materials are collected from local recycling facilities, separated by material, and then sold to companies to be reused.
It's understandable to treasure efficiency in your supply chain operations as a business owner, but it's also important to focus on what consumers are looking for, specifically in packaging designs. PCR packaging helps support environmental responsibility and comply with what consumers are looking for: more sustainable options.
One of the many benefits of using PCR materials is not having to rely on your consumers to do the heavy lifting. In general, PCR packaging cannot be recycled again since it's already made from recycled materials. While this might seem like a negative quality, this allows brands to be sustainable without depending on the consumer to recycle or compost the packaging after use.
In general, PCR materials are an excellent sustainable choice for brands looking to be more sustainable. In addition, the materials can be fashioned into a wide range of custom packaging options, including pouches, custom-printed boxes, and marketing collateral, to name a few. PCR materials offer the same level of protection and performance as "regular" materials.
Using PCR packaging will undoubtedly help companies reduce their carbon footprint, lessen the impact on already overcrowded landfills, and help meet consumer's sustainability demands. Plus, this option allows a sustaiable option for consumers without having to rely on their actions after purchase, unlike something such as compostable packaging.
- Using Vegetable-Based Inks
Typically, the ink printed on custom-printed packaging is made from petroleum, which comes from a harmful and finite resource: crude oil. Petroleum-based inks contribute directly to CO2 emissions but often contain heavy metals, including cadmium, lead, and even mercury. These are both harmful to the environment and human health.
Instead of using this toxic material, there's a more sustainable option. Using vegetable-based inks means that they are renewable and, in the growing process, help keep the soil in their farmlands both healthy and more fertile.
Beyond the base of the material being more environmentally friendly, vegetable-based inks are also easier to remove, meaning that the energy used to recycle the packaging is much lower, creating a smaller impact on the environment.
While vegetable-based inks can be used on practically any material, the sustainable impact is even better when they're used in conjunction with FSC-certified paper. By simply switching the ink, your company can make a tremendous difference without affecting the custom-printed packaging that your customers are used to interacting with.
- Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is one of the most popular choices for sustainable packaging because of its durability. In fact, the word "kraft" comes from the German word "strong," further proving the fact that it's known for its strength.
Kraft paper is tear resistant and can be made into cartons, boxes, and envelope-style custom packaging. Additionally, the material is recyclable and compostable, lowering brands' environmental impact and continuing a circular economy. It's also available in various colors and shades, making the material wonderfully versatile for miscellaneous custom packaging projects.
Beyond its strength and color options, kraft paper is also lightweight and affordable, making it a great opportunity for businesses looking to make a more sustainable choice without going over budget.
Raw kraft paper is also more absorbent than regular paper, which means it's not ideal for printing, but it is perfect for special finishing processes like embossing and debossing. These are also more environmentally friendly choices as no ink or extra materials are needed. Embossing allows designs to have a three-dimensional aesthetic and beautifully accentuates logos, patterns, or illustrations.
Beyond the steps we share below, we always recommend talking to a sustainable packaging expert. They'll be able to help you source the best solution for your brand at the best cost for you. At YEBO we can help you make the most sustainable choices that will make the most of an impact and a difference for you and your business. Reach out to us today to create gorgeous, sustainable packaging for your brand.
About Yebo:
The Yebo Group is an all-in-one packaging and printing solution. Whether you're a startup or a big corporation, Yebo amplifies the impact of your product by providing the most advanced custom printing and packaging options in the industry.
As a trusted packaging manufacturer located in Orange County, we work with some of the biggest brands. Continuously solving our customer's packaging needs while challenging the packaging industry standards.
Our goal is to inspire consumer packaging solutions for the world. Yebo has made this a hallmark of our success by partnering with our clients and growing with them. Simply put, we’re not just a vendor but a qualified extension of your team. We believe that good packaging delivers products, but great packaging creates inspirational brands.
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