This guide to sustainable packaging materials will help you make sustainable choices
- The Categories of Eco-Friendly Packaging
- Examining Sustainable Packaging Materials
- Why are Coatings Important in Sustainable Packaging?
Packaging waste has been an issue for a long time in the retail sector.
Plastic and molded foam are piled up in landfills, where they will remain for many generations.
The pandemic forced the industry to shift to online shopping. This was a short-term gain.
Shopping online for groceries and furniture has made ordering easier than ever. Still, consumers and businesses must take more responsibility for creating sustainable processes supporting environmental initiatives.
It can be hard to know what sustainable packaging material is.
It is important to evaluate the life cycles of packaging materials to ensure that brands fulfill their sustainability responsibilities.
These are the Categories of Eco-Friendly Packaging
Based on the specifications and capabilities of the materials, sustainable packaging falls into three main categories.
Recyclable packaging
Recyclable packaging has been the most widely used type of sustainable packaging in large part of the retail sector.
Recycling packaging can include but is not limited to, paper-based materials like:
- Corrugated cardboard
- Molded pulp
- Kraft folding carton
Recycled paper-based materials can be soaked, chopped and cooked to make new products.
Although paper's durability decreases with recycling, recyclable materials can be recycled in large numbers.
It can be composted at the end of its useful life, bringing it back to the full circle and not negatively impacting the environment.
Portable packaging
Although paper-based packaging is recyclable, it cannot be used on a large scale. This is because it depends on the infrastructure for composting and waste programs that will bring the waste cycle full circle.
These materials can be composted:
- Bioplastics
- Packaging for mushrooms
- Cornstarch packaging
Although mushroom packaging is still being developed as a compostable packaging material for food, bioplastics and cornstarch packaging have gained market share in recent years as reliable compostable materials.
Due to their reliance on plastic and polystyrene for hygiene and durability, the food and restaurant industry generates a large proportion of packaging waste.
But, bioplastic packaging such as cornstarch or bioplastic materials is engineered to provide up-to-standard durability. They also have hygienic properties that ensure the packaging will not break down for a long time.
Bio-plastics and cornstarch packaging materials are circular economic.
Reusable packaging is one of the most environmentally-friendly options on the market. It eliminates the need to use single-use plastic packaging, which greatly contributes to global packaging waste.
These are some of the most popular reusable packaging options for products:
- Bags
- Tin boxes
- Collapsible rigid boxes
Global shipping of products produces significant waste. Reusable pellets and shipping containers can help reduce costs, which in turn can increase the ROI.
Reusable packaging can be recycled to minimize the impact on the product's end-of-life cycle.
The Sustainable Packaging Materials Examined
Cardboard corrugated
The conventional corrugated box is composed of 3 layers of fiberboard.
Linerboards are the outer layers, while the flute is the layer of paper between them.
Corrugated sheets can sometimes be doubled up to provide extra protection.
The most popular shipping and mailing option is the everyday corrugated box.
The walls offer protection from even the most severe handling and are relatively affordable.
Corrugated boxes are used by most companies to ship large quantities of products over long distances efficiently.
For greater brand exposure, however, some companies print on corrugated boxes.
However, corrugated cardboard can be recycled 100%. Some inks could compromise its recyclability.
Companies can use sustainable inks if they print on corrugated cardboard to maintain sustainability.
These are some of the most popular sustainable inks used for packaging:
- Soy ink
- Vegetable ink
- Water-based ink
Kraft Folding Carton
The kraft pulping process makes raw kraft durable, tear-resistant and brown.
Kraft paper board is ideal for making durable wrapping paper, sturdy cardboard and rigid box. It can also be used to make branded packaging solutions.
Raw Kraft paper's porous surface allows for high-quality printing. This gives it a rustic, premium look.
Kraft paper is more durable than regular paper because of the kraft process.
More Linin is removed from Kraft Wood Pulp, leaving more Cellulose that gives paper its tear-resistant, durable properties.
Raw Kraft paper is more porous than regular paper, which makes it less efficient for printing. However, it's very accepting of special finishing processes like:
- Embossing/debossing
- Foil stamping
Kraft is a natural material and can be recycled 100%. Sustainable coatings are available to enhance packaging artwork.
Tin boxes
Tin boxes are a popular sustainable packaging substrate. They can be 100% recycled and reused while giving a luxurious appearance.
Tin can be easily processed and returned to its original production cycle. They are magnetic, making it easy to extract waste from streams.
Tin packaging can be a great option for luxury brands that want to increase their sustainability practices. It adds a high perceived value and encourages consumers to reuse or recycle.
Tin is also impenetrable, which makes it ideal for protecting food products such as chocolates from the elements.
Molded Pulp
For extra security and support, molded pulp is often used to create box inserts.
It is an effective replacement for plastic inserts because it offers more durability and protection for products in packaging boxes.
It is moldable to the product, making it durable and convenient for packaging various products.
You can add varnishes or coatings to give molded pulp inserts a luxurious look.
Due to the surface's texture, it is not advised to print on molded pulp.
Cornstarch Packaging
Cornstarch packaging can be described as a biodegradable material that can replace plastic and polystyrene (Styrofoam).
It is available in transparent or opaque materials and can be used in many ways.
Take-out food is the most common use of cornstarch packaging.
Packaging options like;
- Trays
- Lids
- Bags
- Plates
- Containers
Cornstarch packaging, unlike petroleum-based plastics, is biodegradable, renewable, and recyclable. This makes it an excellent choice as an eco-friendly packaging material.
Collapsible/Magnetic Rig Boxes
The rigid boxes with magnetic closure are sealed shut by two magnets.
Its solid and sturdy construction makes it an attractive packaging option for premium products.
The magnetic closure makes it easy to unpack the boxes, encouraging customers to store them for decoration or storage.
You can choose from standard or collapsible magnetic closure boxes.
The collapsible magnetic closure rigid box is packed flat and shipped to reduce shipping and handling fees.
Double-sided tape is used to attach collapsible rigid boxes to their collapsible sides.
Businesses will often keep the collapsible part of their packaging functional so customers can easily collapse and reuse packaging.
Why are Coatings Important in Sustainable Packaging?
It is still difficult to make fully recyclable packaging.
There are many layers to packaging. Each layer is made from different materials, coatings and inks.
Companies can take different steps to review their current use of materials, such as bans on single-use plastic.
These are just small steps. However, the industry has bigger goals.
Particularly the use of more recycled material to make flexible packaging, eliminating the need to use plastic, creating new forms of plastic that are recyclable, and increasing the availability of recycled plastic to encourage recycling.
It might be difficult to see where coatings fit with the plastics focus.
Many businesses have made significant efforts to provide consumers with recyclable and sustainable products. However, a lot of the industry has been Greenwashed over the years.
Although the material choices made by businesses are crucial to the sustainability of their products, coatings can often compromise the recyclability and durability of packaging.
Coatings can be useful as they add functionality to plastic that may not exist if it is eliminated. However, this still raises the question of how eco-friendly packaging is really.
Eco-friendly initiatives are increasingly being recognized by consumers, who are also becoming more educated about the topic.
Customers will soon notice brands that claim to be eco-friendly but use packaging that is not recyclable.
However, greenwashing is growing in prominence. Consumers are becoming more aware of the phenomenon.
Businesses taking steps to become more sustainable should acknowledge and embrace the value of sustainable coatings and packaging in general.
Water-based coatings have become an alternative to flexible packaging and are more sustainable.
This includes:
- Primers
- Barrier coatings
- Varnishes
- Heat-sealing
Water-based coatings can withstand harsh conditions and act as a protective layer like any other non-sustainable coating.
Many other options and technologies are being developed. This will allow for more innovation in sustainable coatings. It will also help pave the way to fully sustainable packaging solutions.
We can expect more innovation in sustainable packaging materials and a greater shift towards sustainable business practices.
This comprehensive guide to sustainable packaging will help businesses make informed decisions about greener packaging.
