There are so many brands out there that claim they use “sustainable” packaging for their products. However, if it isn’t reusable, it isn’t sustainable.
Let’s dig into this.
Why reusable?
In the last year, packaging has been in the spotlight. Yet the term “packaging” can be vague and can encompass a number of different areas. It could be the actual packaging your product is in or it could be the packaging used in transport. Regardless, most companies are using single-use packaging throughout their entire supply chain and that just isn’t sustainable.
Reusable packaging is sustainable.
Reusable packaging refers to containers, crates, pallets, and other packaging materials designed to withstand multiple uses throughout their lifecycle. Unlike single-use alternatives, which are disposed of after one use, reusable packaging is intended for repeated use, minimizing the need for continuous production and disposal.
Even if something is recyclable or compostable, it still requires the use of virgin materials and taps into our precious resources. This then adds to the waste output and harms the environment, your bottomline and your impact long-term.
3 harmful single-use packaging options
The single-use spirals are as follows:
Compostable packaging, while biodegradable under specific conditions, may not break down effectively in landfill environments, where oxygen and microbial activity are limited. Seemingly, about 60% fail to disintegrate after 6 months. Moreover, the production of compostable materials can still require significant resources and contribute to pollution if not managed properly.
Recyclable packaging, although touted as a sustainable solution, faces challenges such as contamination and limited recycling infrastructure, leading to much of it ending up in landfills or incinerators. Additionally, the energy-intensive recycling process itself may outweigh the environmental benefits in some cases.
Other single-use packaging, while convenient, contributes heavily to the global plastic pollution crisis. With millions of tons of plastic waste entering oceans and ecosystems each year, the detrimental impact on wildlife and human health cannot be overstated. Furthermore, the extraction and production of single-use materials deplete finite resources and exacerbate climate change.
We can’t wait
The term “sustainability” is a buzz word and it’s constantly evolving. Consumers demand greater transparency and accountability from businesses, and brands spend more time prioritizing how they can provide more value and more worth with their sustainability efforts.
With governments worldwide implementing stricter regulations and consumers favoring eco-conscious brands, look at the EU especially, the time to prioritize reusable packaging is now. We can’t wait to prioritize a circular economy if we want to see real change in the next year, or even the next few years.
Consumerism isn’t going to change, so why not change the mode of transportation to consumerism which we can control?
Reusable packaging is just better packaging.
Let’s talk about how we can get you into reusable packaging and save 35% or more on your packaging costs. It is truly better for the environment and for your budget. Schedule a call.
