Discover 11 Sustainable Packaging Materials for a Greener Future

With time, people have become more aware of the environment. This means that the packaging industry must adopt ways to shift towards sustainability.

Selecting the right packaging material is crucial because the amount of waste generation and the protection of the products depends on it.

In this article, we’ll explore different environmentally friendly packaging materials. This will help you to choose what’s best for you and your planet.

Why Is Sustainable Packaging Important?

Many packaging materials which are widely used such as plastic and styrofoam, generate a lot of waste and pollution. That’s why sustainable packaging is crucial now more than ever.

A report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation warns that plastic in oceans could outweigh fish by 2025 if we don’t change our ways. Nowadays, consumers want to buy from brands that care about the environment.

By choosing green packaging materials, businesses can reduce their impacts on the environment and grab the attention of eco-conscious customers.

Types Of Environmentally Friendly Packaging Materials

These are discussed below:

1. Recyclable Packaging Material

Recyclable materials can be reused for new products. These include some kinds of plastic, glass jars, aluminum cans, and PET.

A recycling program can help your business to be more sustainable and an attraction for eco-conscious customers. It is also great to promote the process of recycling.

2. Paper Packaging Material

As paper is biodegradable, it is a popular choice for packaging. It can break down easily and can be made from sustainable sources.

Different products like cardboard boxes, kraft paper bags, and wraps can protect your products. We can also use non-toxic inks to print on them.

3. Biodegradable Packaging Material

These materials naturally break down over time, such as containers made from cornstarch. Certifications are necessary to authenticate the validity of any material that is claimed to be biodegradable.

Using biodegradable packaging materials can show your commitment to the environment. This attracts customers who care about sustainability.

4. Plastic Packaging Material

Traditional plastics are hazardous to the environment, but the new types are made from recycled materials like PET which is widely used.

Some new biodegradable plastics are also introduced such as PLA. It comes from renewable resources like sugarcane. These options help to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

5. Molded Pulp Packaging

It is made from recycled cardboard and paper. This makes it an eco-friendly option for making protective packaging. Molded pulp packaging is used to provide cushioning for delicate products such as electronics.

It is a fantastic way to ensure the safe shipping of your products. This material is compostable, that’s why its impact on the environment is also minimal.

6. Styrofoam-Like Material

Normal styrofoam is not good for the environment, as it takes a long time to break down. But, now some alternatives are made from recycled materials, which provides the same results.

Different companies use molded fiber or bio-based foams that are compostable. They offer amazing insulation for shipping purposes.

7. Plant-Based Packaging

Plant-based packaging materials are a great substitute for regular plastic, as they are made from renewable resources such as corn and sugarcane.

These materials are both compostable and biodegradable, which makes them ideal for packaging. It helps businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

8. Reusable Packaging

This kind of packaging is designed to be used multiple times. This significantly reduces the waste generation. These include tote bags, glass jars, and shipping containers.

Encouraging the customers to reuse eco friendly packaging is helpful for the environment and it also helps to gain the loyalty of the customers.

9. Eco-Friendly Inks and Adhesives

In packaging, you must also keep in check the materials, which you use for printing and sealing purposes. Inks derived from soy or vegetables are less harmful to the environment than conventional petroleum-based inks.

Following this spirit, you can use water-based adhesives to make your packaging sustainable. It showcases your commitment to the betterment of the planet.

10. Wheat Straw Packaging

Wheat straw is a by-product that is obtained during wheat production. It can be processed to make biodegradable packaging materials. This innovation reduces the reliance on plastics.

It is mostly used for food service products. This material is also compostable, which makes it a sustainable choice for businesses.

11. Seaweed Packaging

The trend of seaweed packaging is emerging rapidly in the packaging industry. This type of packaging can break down easily, due to the natural biodegradable nature of the seaweed.

This is a unique opportunity for the brands to stand out from the crowd, as it has a low environmental impact.

Choosing the Best Packaging Material

When you are deciding which material is more environmentally friendly, consider the fact that how easy it is to recycle and break down.

The best choice depends on the type of your products and the requirements of the customers. Give proper thought to every aspect and select the material that helps you to achieve your sustainability goals.

Which Material Are You Going To Select?

We’ve discussed several environmentally friendly packaging materials and come to the conclusion that you’ll have to select the best packaging material, not only to benefit yourself but for the betterment of the planet, as well.

Fortunately! At Your Box Packaging, we offer all these packaging materials at market-competent rates and shorter turnaround times. Our experienced staff ensures to provide a hassle-free packaging journey to our customers.

Contact us via email at sales@yourboxpackaging.com and join hands with us to start a journey towards a greener future today!