As concern for the environment continues to grow, recycling has become an important issue for consumers. A 2023 survey found that 85% of Americans believe recycling has a positive impact on the environment, while 80% consider it to play a significant role in their homes. Another 2022 study found that 90% of Canadians viewed recycling as an important way of helping the environment and that 74% actively participate in recycling programs.
The packaging industry finds itself at a critical crossroads as it seeks to develop durable packaging while embracing the sustainable packaging trends that consumers demand. Continue reading as we explore the future of eco-friendly packaging trends, why sustainable packaging is important to consumers, and examine what steps are being taken by businesses leading the way in the use of environmentally friendly packaging materials.
The Rise of Biodegradable Materials in Eco-Friendly Packaging
An overwhelming number of consumers have a strong preference against single-use products, especially those made from plastic. A 2023 survey found that 77% of Americans support a ban on single-use plastics.
The idea that a plastic bottle or bag they used once could sit for decades in landfills has become a significant point of contention among consumers concerned about the long-term environmental impact of the products they use.
Biodegradable materials designed to break down naturally over a few years, rather than decades or centuries, help address the concern many consumers have over the packaging they open and immediately throw away. Biodegradable packaging is especially appealing for the food and beverage industry, where single-use packaging is common.
As advances in biodegradable materials continue to make these items more affordable, wider adoption is anticipated, but the economies of scale are not quite there yet. However, as more consumers begin to shift towards demanding packaging materials that align with their environmental beliefs, this sustainable packaging trend will only continue to gain momentum.
The Role of the Circular Economy in Packaging
As consumers pay more attention to the materials used in their packaging, they’ve also begun to focus on the processes behind how packaging is made and used.
The circular economy is a growing trend seeking to meet consumers’ desire to reduce waste and use more sustainable packaging materials. Moving away from products that are produced and discarded, the circular economy focuses on creating reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging to keep material in use for as long as possible. This trend strives to reduce the resources required to make packaging materials while easing the environmental impact of packaging waste.
Businesses adopting a circular economy mindset take a fresh approach to designing, producing, and managing their packaging. For example, the process starts by making packaging using materials that can either be easily recycled or composed. Once the initial packaging has been made, it can continue in the loop, moving on to be recycled and used to create new packaging or used in compost, which can also be repurposed. With either approach, the original packaging continues to find use beyond its initial purpose, extending how long it remains active in the economy of usable goods.
Businesses leading the way in this space are developing packaging solutions that move away from traditional one-and-done use to embrace doing more with less. By embracing the principles of a circular economy, these companies are helping to close the loop on waste and create a more sustainable future.
The Use of Post-Consumer Recycled Materials
The trend toward using post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, founded on the principles of the circular economy, has also continued to gain momentum in the packaging industry.. As the call to use fewer new materials grows louder, PCR materials created from products that have already been used, thrown away, and then recycled have become more popular.
Rather than use packaging once, the PRC process gives new life to materials that would have once ended up in a landfill rather than as a new product. Using materials like recycled paper and plastics, businesses that embrace PRC materials in their packaging solutions help reduce the carbon footprint associated with creating “new” packaging.
Integrating PCR materials into their packaging is a wise decision for businesses wanting to connect with eco-conscious consumers, who support sustainability goals, and want to know the packaging they use can find another life once it leaves their hands.
Less is More with Minimalist Packaging
Minimalist packaging that takes a smart approach to design is expected to be at the forefront of sustainable packaging trends. As the name suggests, minimalist packaging focuses on using fewer materials, fewer compound or mixed materials, and eliminating excess by simplifying designs with the goal of reducing waste and improving recyclability.
Minimalist design also embraces the use of smart packaging solutions that integrate technology and innovative materials that enhance the functionality of packaging. For example, QR codes can provide product information on packaging using less space and inks than traditional methods. Packaging can be designed so that it’s easy to separate the components that can be recycled from those that can be composted. Advanced materials that are lighter but offer the same durability as heavier materials can provide businesses with alternative options for how they package their products.
By adopting minimalist packaging solutions, businesses can reduce costs while meeting consumer expectations for the eco-friendly packaging they demand.
Bulldog Bag is Here to Help Business Embrace the Future of Packaging
As consumers continue to align their environmental and sustainability goals with the products they choose to use, companies must embrace eco-friendly materials or risk alienating their customers.
At Bulldog Bag, we’ve long been observing sustainable packaging trends that are helping to make the packaging industry more environmentally friendly. From using sustainable materials to actively participating in the circular economy, we understand that the future of packaging is one where the Earth is respected and protected.
Ready to integrate sustainability into your packaging programs? Connect with our team to discover the difference Bulldog Bag can make in aligning your packaging with what consumers have grown to expect from the companies they choose to do business with.