Why is eco-friendly packaging so important?
As a business, you may be feeling increasing pressure from consumers to switch to eco-friendly packaging in today’s increasingly eco-conscious world.
But why is eco-friendly packaging so important to your business?
Eco-friendly packaging is important because it helps reduce your environmental footprint by keeping harmful materials out of landfills. With approximately 12 million tonnes of packaging waste generated in the UK each year, it is essential to take responsible steps to minimise our environmental impact.
But how will switching to eco-friendly packaging benefit my business?
In this blog, we explore the six benefits of switching to eco-friendly packaging for you and your business.
Contents
Reduce waste
Eco-friendly packaging can help reduce your packaging waste in several ways. For starters, materials used in eco-friendly packaging are typically recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable. This reduces landfill waste and promotes a circular economy by reducing the need for new resources.
Secondly, the average box is considered 40% larger than necessary, which increases the use of void fill and protective materials to keep products protected in transit, thereby increasing waste.
Through efficient packaging design, you can create packaging that fits your product perfectly without compromising protection, while reducing costs and waste.
Actionable steps:
- Conduct a packaging audit to measure product dimensions vs box sizes.
- Use right-sized boxes with modular inserts.
- Explore biodegradable void-fill options, such as packing peanuts or recycled paper.
Improve brand reputation
As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious and demand more eco-friendly options from businesses, switching to eco-friendly packaging solutions is a sound move. This would, in turn, satisfy consumers and improve your brand’s reputation.
Opting for eco-friendly packaging solutions can give you a competitive edge and encourage more consumers to choose you over competitors for your sustainability practices. For example, 39% of consumers have switched to competing brands simply because they offer sustainable packaging.
Actionable steps:
- Highlight sustainable packaging on product pages and social media.
- Include labels like “100% recyclable” or “compostable” on packaging.
Cost savings
Businesses often believe that opting for eco-friendly packaging solutions is costly. Although they may have a higher upfront cost than traditional packaging solutions, they can save money over the long term.
Opting for eco-friendly packaging isn’t always as simple as changing all your materials. For example, IKEA switched to eco-friendly packaging by reducing empty space, saving €1.2 million per year and demonstrating the long-term impact.
Governments are tightening regulations on packaging materials, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Plastic Packaging Tax. Therefore, to comply with these regulations and avoid costly penalties, it is essential to use eco-friendly materials.
Actionable steps:
- Compare total lifecycle costs (materials, shipping, waste disposal).
- Consolidate shipments to reduce transport costs.
- Reduce empty space in packaging to save on materials and courier fees.
Conserve natural resources
Traditional packaging is typically made from non-renewable resources. With the packaging industry forecast to grow 11% by 2030, demand for materials is rising.
Only a finite amount of these non-renewable resources is available, and these can’t be replenished quickly or at all. The production of these materials often involves high energy consumption and the release of harmful greenhouse gases.
Choosing eco-friendly packaging materials will conserve natural resources and help reduce environmental harm.
Actionable steps:
- Use recycled cardboard or paper from certified sources.
- Consider compostable films for flexible packaging.
- Prioritise materials that require less water and energy to produce.
Comply with regulations
With regulations like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Plastic Packaging Tax introduced in the UK, businesses are now responsible for packaging materials and their disposal.
Failing to adopt more sustainable practices and materials has become a costly decision for businesses that do not comply with these regulations, as they face significant fines and penalties.
Actionable steps:
- Track all of the packaging you place on the market.
- Work with a compliance scheme to manage reporting obligations.
- Gradually phase out materials that are subject to higher taxes.
Summary
Switching to eco-friendly packaging benefits both your business and the planet.
You can reduce waste, cut costs, protect natural resources, improve your brand’s reputation, comply with relevant regulations, and gain a competitive advantage.
Our team at Suttons can guide your business through every step of this transition, from selecting the right materials to designing packaging that’s efficient, sustainable, and protective.
Get in touch with our team of packaging specialists today and start your sustainable packaging journey, and make a positive impact on your business and the planet.
