Did you know that within the younger generations, Millennials are willing to spend 33% more for an eco-friendly item, while Gen Z would be willing to spend up to 50% more for an item with eco-friendly packaging?
Environmental health and protecting the ecosystem are some of the top values of the younger generations, and these younger generations have the most spending power! In today’s day and age, companies can’t afford to not focus on sustainability in packaging.
What is Sustainability in Packaging?
Sustainable packaging is an eco-friendly option for goods and product packaging. Most companies use cheap materials such as plastic for their packaging, but plastic is not eco-friendly or sustainable because it cannot be broken down naturally. Plastic damages the environment by polluting our oceans and hurting our wildlife.
Sustainable packaging focuses on reducing its environmental footprint. Companies can achieve sustainable packing in three different ways: by minimizing the packaging production process and using the least amount of packaging possible, by using packing that is reusable, or by using 100% recycled or raw material.
Some examples of sustainable materials that can be used in packaging include:
- Biodegradable materials
- Recycled cardboard/paper
- Wood/bamboo
- Organic fabrics
- Plant-based packaging
- Edible packaging
Sustainable Design in Packaging
What is sustainability in design packaging? Sustainable design is designing product packaging to use the least amount of material possible while still keeping the product inside clean and safe. Besides minimal packaging, designers can also make their packaging sustainable by creating packaging designs that have multiple uses, such as a shopping bag that can double as a clothes hanger.
Using sustainable materials with reusability in mind will help decrease a company’s environmental footprint while also connecting with the younger generation.
Automation Can Help You Go Green
The sustainable packaging market was estimated at a value of $237 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to $313 billion by 2025. The earlier companies hop on the eco-friendly train, the more rewards they will reap. With sustainability being such an important priority to consumers, it’s crucial for companies to make the switch, so they don’t get dumped.
Automation can help make your packaging production not only more sustainable but also more efficient. Automation decreases production costs and reduces the volume of material used for each packaged good by using the minimum amount of packaging needed without wasting any. The reason for this is because automation removes human error; machines have higher levels of production, consistency, and reliability.
Our Methodology page will tell you all about our innovative approaches to creating sophisticated automated workflows to help companies in the printing and packaging industry become more sustainable.
More Automation Info for You
With the rise of global warming concerns in recent years, consumer demand for sustainability in packaging. and eco-friendly options are the highest they have ever been. Now that you know the three different methods a company can utilize to be more sustainable, you’ll be able to compare and contrast different eco-friendly materials and automation techniques to find the right ones for your product.
We hope you found this article useful. We want to help your company become more eco-friendly and attract the newer generations by switching to sustainable packaging. To learn more about modern packaging solutions and how automation can improve your process, head on over to our Solutions page to see how we can help your company smoothly transition to a more eco-friendly, easier process for packaging.
