The path towards eco-friendly packaging is a central topic for all companies. But what does it really mean? Let’s bring some clarity.
Eco-friendly packaging: how many times have we heard this term in the last 6 months? By doing a quick calculation at least a dozen. The truth is that there is still confusion regarding the basics of environmental sustainability. Today we will help iron out any doubts.
The projecting consumers
A great push towards sustainability comes from consumers. In the current background, buyer behavior has changed significantly. The projecting consumers live their choices in a wider scenario. They rethink themselves, they live “in training”. Their purchasing experience also influences their perception of effectiveness, their self-awareness (Ipsos).
Now more than ever it is important to understand what really matters in the relationship with your customers. Functional performance is no longer sufficient to guarantee meaningful and long-lasting interactions. The emotional bond, in fact, is increasingly instrumental to a solid relationship with users.
Eco-friendly packaging and CSR
CSR, Corporate Social Responsibility, is the ability to combine profit with attention to the environment and society. It is not a residual activity and it cannot be considered a way to solve contingent problems. It is a strategic choice, capable of affecting organizational plans in the short, medium and long term.
CSR can no longer result in a tactical choice or a declaration of intent. Customers want companies to be concerned about limiting emissions, about the conditions of those who work for them and about avoiding waste, starting by recycling and reducing packaging.
Biodegradable is not the same as compostable
Biodegradable and compostable are not two synonyms. The former is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the latter to exist.
As a matter of fact, biodegradability only describes the tendency of a material to turn into carbon dioxide through the action of microorganisms, like natural organic waste.
This implies that a biodegradable material is not necessarily compostable because, for example, it may not disintegrate sufficiently during a composting cycle. Similarly, a material that breaks down into very small fragments which, however, are not completely biodegradable, cannot be defined as compostable.
The packaging of the future
Whether it is glass, metals, plastic or paper and cellulose, tomorrow’s packaging must be as sustainable as possible for the environment and for human health. The sustainability and circularity of packaging follow the same path required of all the players in the system. We are obviously talking about Directive 2008/98 / EC: before disposing of materials as waste, we must do everything in our power to replace them, reuse them, recycle them and finally recover them.
The packaging of the future will have to minimize the likelihood of its transformation into waste. Regulatory bodies, consumers and the environment are asking for it. Designing and realizing packaging while guaranteeing recyclability, biodegradability and compostability is the collective mission to which we must all adhere.
Examples of eco-friendly packaging
An example of environmental sustainability with eco-friendly packaging is that of Germinal Bio. The food company ensures 100% recyclability. Paper packaging is prominent, with the aim of gradually eliminating the use of plastic. The internal bags of many products have been replaced by an innovative biodegradable and compostable material, 100% vegetal, compliant with European standard UNI EN 13432 and certified as “OK Compost”.
We already told you about the reduction of packaging by Kellog’s. Also we are excited to learn that Nestlè’s cocoa powder packaging will quit the iconic yellow plastic jar for an all-cardboard alternative. Besides Nestlè launched its own portal to guide consumers on the correct disposal of their packaging called “Where do I throw it out”.
Conclusions
Do you need to redesign some polluting packaging, privileging cardboard or corrugated cardboard? Packly offers you an unprecedented selection of formats, sizes and customizations. Create a prototype, enrich it with your distinctive features and Packly will take care of the rest!
