Circular Approach to Packaging Materials Set to Catch On
Alex ToddCircular approach to packaging Most business giants today, especially the ones in the e-commerce domain, have started rethinking the concept of packaging.
However, a lot still needs to be done in the field of circular approach to packaging.
Though packaging plays a n important role in the protection of goods, it should not be at the cost of the environment.
In the initial days when the concept of packaging emerged, companies opted for low value materials, most of the times, in combination with other toxic materials.
Due to such an approach, the process generated products that were difficult to recycle. At the same time, they created an adverse impact on the environment.
Statistics reports that in 2011, Europe generated 79.9m tones of waste. Such figures became a cause of concern and gradually, the scenario of packaging changed.
As the spending power of consumers have increased over the years, it is expected that global packaging sales will reach $975bn (£629bn) by 2018.
According to Roy Vissers of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, packaging should be an asset and not a liability.
This simply means a circular approach to packaging or no loss of material performance.
The Steps towards Embracing a Circular approach to Packaging
A good example of circular approach to packaging is the one used by the company Cradle to Cradle.
It combines all kinds of agricultural wastes that include corn stocks, cotton burrs along with mushroom roots.
These materials can be a great alternative to plastic, a commonly used medium of packaging. Reports say that Dell was the first organisation to use this kind of packaging material. Coca-Cola also played a leading role by just introducing the first PET bottle that was entirely prepared from plants.
Experts say the first step to adopt a circular approach to packaging is to collaborate with the suppliers.
It’s equally important to get everyone involved, from recyclers to designers, who can work together to understand how material choices and performance needs influence the recyclability of packaging, as well as the resources and energy used in producing it.
Educating the consumers also plays an important role in making such an approach acceptable.
Consumers should be made aware about where and how they can recycle the packaging materials.
As consumers become aware about the environment and businesses realise the commercial and ecological benefits of taking a circular approach to packaging, the trend is set to catch on.
Understanding Circular Approach to Packaging
It’s critical for business owners to be mindful of the environmental impact of their packaging. With more and more consumers becoming conscious of their carbon footprint, it’s important to consider sustainable packaging options that will appeal to eco-friendly customers. One option to consider is circular packaging.
Circular packaging is designed to be reused or recycled, instead of being sent to landfill after just one use. This results in a much lower impact to the environment than traditional packaging. However, it’s not just the environment that can benefit from circular packaging – your business can too!
Implementing circular packaging can help you save money, as you won’t need to keep buying new packaging materials. It can also help you to build a positive reputation with consumers, as they’ll see that you’re taking steps to reduce your company’s impact on the planet.
So, why consider circular packaging?
First, it reduces your business impact on the environment. Traditional packaging is often made from non-renewable resources and can end up in landfills, whereas circular packaging is designed to be reused or recycled. This results in less waste being generated and reduced overall resource use.
Additionally, circular packaging can save your business money in the long run. By using fewer materials and resources, you can reduce your production costs and pass those savings on to your customers.
Finally, circular packaging can help in building brand loyalty. Consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability, and by switching to circular packaging, you can show that your business is committed to minimising its impact on the environment.
Sustainable Materials for Your Circular Packaging
Unfortunately, many traditional packaging materials are not eco-friendly and can end up in landfills where they’ll take centuries to break down. Luckily, there are a growing number of companies that offer sustainable packaging options made from recycled or biodegradable materials. By doing a little research, you can find eco-friendly packaging that will fit your needs and help reduce your impact on the environment.
Some sustainable packaging options include:
- Reusable bags and containers made from cloth or other durable materials.
- Biodegradable bags and wrapping made from plant-based materials.
- Paperboard boxes and shipping envelopes made from recycled paper.
- Glass jars and bottles that can be reused or recycled.
Future of Circular Economy
The future of the circular economy is promising. With more and more businesses understanding the importance & benefits of sustainability, it is poised to take off in a big way.
In a nutshell, the circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear model of “take-make-waste.” In the circular economy, materials are used and reused over and over again, with waste being minimised or eliminated altogether. This approach has huge benefits for both the environment and the economy.
Businesses that embrace the circular economy can shape its future and ensure that it thrives. There are many ways for businesses to get involved, from adopting circular business models to investing in research and development. By taking action now, businesses can play a major role in shaping the future of the circular economy.
To know more about different packaging materials, keep a close eye on site.
