When evaluating different types of packaging, businesses must consider all
aspects of their operations to select the most appropriate option. It’s a
question that impacts not only how goods are protected and transported but also
how the brand is ultimately experienced and perceived by the end customer.
Sustainability is a crucial consideration in this equation, as rethinking
packaging can lead to more environmentally responsible business practices. This
in turn can help address consumer concerns about wastefulness and environmental
impact.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s a simple solution for every business. With
packaging, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. By exploring various options,
businesses can strike the right balance between functionality and
sustainability.
Single-use packaging
Single-use packaging is commonly used by many businesses due to its ability to
simplify operations and reduce
costs.
It eliminates concerns about packaging lifespan, allowing businesses to
streamline operations.
Advancements in recycling programs have also made it easier to recycle some
single-use packaging. This makes it more convenient for customers, who therefore
don’t have to consider how they can clean, store, or reuse this type of
recyclable single-use packaging.
Circularity by Design: How to Influence Sustainable Consumer Behaviors
Join us Thursday, December 5, at 1pm ET for a free webinar on making circular behaviors the easy choice! Nudge & behavioral design expert Sille Krukow will explore the power of Consumer Behavior Design to drive circular decision-making and encourage behaviors including recycling and using take-back services. She will share key insights on consumer psychology, behavior design related to in-store and on-pack experiences, and how small changes in the environment can help make it easy for consumers to choose circularity.
In addition to recycling, businesses should also focus on the materials used in
their packaging. Choosing options that support a circular
economy — such as
recycled fiber packaging that can be recycled multiple times — is an excellent
alternative to single-use materials.
When businesses prioritize packaging made from recycled materials that can be
recycled again, it simplifies sustainable choices for consumers. The easier the
process, the more likely consumers are to participate — reducing the chances
that packaging ends up as waste.
91 percent of
packaging
ends up in landfills, but the use of recyclable single-use materials offers an
opportunity to change that trajectory. Food packaging contributes 5 percent of
a product’s energy use over its
lifecycle;
but when properly recycled, these materials can avoid contributing to landfills
and instead be repurposed — reducing the overall environmental footprint.
Recyclable and/or biodegradable single-use packaging that utilizes sustainable
materials can not only help drive a circular economy — it can also help
differentiate a brand in the marketplace, attracting eco-conscious consumers and
fostering customer loyalty.
While single-use packaging provides convenience, it's important to consider the
potential contingencies that can accompany it. More and more areas have
regulations and bans on single-use items — such as plastic
bags
and
utensils
— which can affect the bottom line. And recyclable packaging may vary in cost,
depending on the type and availability of recycling facilities.
To reduce waste, businesses need to assess their carbon footprint and explore
sustainable alternatives — particularly if their products aren’t being recycled
properly. Companies can also use social media to educate
consumers
on proper recycling
methods,
ensuring sustainable practices are followed and materials remain in use for
longer.
Reusable packaging
Reusable packaging is not a new idea. For example, refillable jars and bottles — which can be
used for bulk groceries — are a common form of reusable packaging. It is a
practice more and more businesses are adopting as consumers search for ways to
be more sustainable and as legislation surrounding single-use packaging
increases. This shift back towards reusable packaging is being seen from a more and more personal-care brands and retailers; as well as at a
growing number of event
venues,
in a citywide, multi-brand collaboration in Petaluma,
California;
and even at the 2024 Paris
Olympics,
where beverages were served in reusable cups — encouraging circular practices on
a global stage.
There are environmental benefits to reusable packaging: It can
decrease greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60
percent,
reducing a company’s carbon footprint and conserving resources. And during its
lifespan, a single reusable packaging item prevents hundreds of single-use
packaging items from entering the landfill — reducing solid waste by up to 86
percent.
In addition to environmental benefits, reusable packaging also offers economic
advantages. It can reduce material costs and waste-management
expenses,
making it a cost-efficient option for businesses. It’s robust and durable,
providing protection for products during transportation and reducing the risk of
damage. And it suits an evolving consumer base, which is increasingly demanding
environmentally responsible products and packaging. In some cases, consumers are
happy to pay for reusable materials — like a bag they can use for multiple
purchases — offsetting some of those initial costs.
But reusable packaging doesn’t suit all packaging needs. For example, it may not
be adopted by certain businesses that have concerns about increased risk and
complications for health and
safety.
It can also be difficult to change consumer habits and get them to embrace
reusable packaging, especially when convenience is a factor. Reusable packaging
is only useful if people are willing to reuse
it.
Many food businesses, for instance, have introduced reusable takeout
containers
— a great choice for eco-conscious customers, but one that relies on
intentional
behavior.
For instance, it’s not always convenient for consumers to have reusable
containers on hand for spontaneous takeout orders, which can undermine the
purpose of reusable packaging.
While reusable packaging may not always be practical, some companies have found
innovative ways to promote the reuse and repurposing of packaging. Zappos
introduced a limited-edition paperboard shoebox,
#iamnotabox,
designed to be reused or repurposed — encouraging customers to extend the
lifecycle of the packaging and reduce waste in alignment with circular economy
principles.
Which is right for your business?
Rather than viewing packaging as inherently wasteful, understanding the
different types of packaging — and the materials used to create them — can help
balance or even offset their environmental impact.
Ultimately, there is no single right answer when it comes to choosing the best
packaging type. However, businesses should consider factors including
environmental impact, cost, consumer preferences, operational challenges and
economic viability. For us at Sustana, it's
about helping businesses deliver value and practicality through recycled-fiber
packaging solutions
that provide safety, strength and durability — all while supporting a circular
economy.
By exploring the many packaging options available and aligning them with your
business needs, you can discover innovative solutions that drive sustainability.
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Published Nov 11, 2024 8am EST / 5am PST / 1pm GMT / 2pm CET