Recyclable material for packaging and labels is a good start but we all know that a large percent of what we put in the recycle bin ends up in landfills. It’s time to move forward into the world of compostable and biodegradable packaging and labels.
Firstly, what materials are considered biodegradable?
- Paper and cardboard: These packaging materials made from trees are completely biodegradable.
- Biodegradable plastic: There are plastic bags which are actually biodegradable and start to decompose when exposed to sunlight.
- Biodegradable bubble wrap: Yes, such things exist! Bubble wrap made from recycled polythene is environmentally-friendly.
- Materials made from corn starch: Packaging items that are made from corn starch are ideal for food. The only drawback is they have limited use or cannot be reused again.
- Materials made from mushroom: Mushroom material is natural, compostable, and takes around 30 days to decompose. So chic and cool that IKEA started using them!
- Materials made from seaweed: Seaweed materials decompose in four to six weeks, perfect for food packaging.
If you’re wondering “what’s ‘the best’?”, there’s no definitive answer to that. As you can see above, each material has its own benefits and potential drawbacks. Ultimately, what’s best, is what’s most suited to your business and your product.
You may ask, how can I follow this sustainable packaging trend? For the business owners out there, here are some eco-friendly packaging materials and recyclable packaging ideas:
- Outer packaging
Cardboard boxes and paper packaging are leading the way when it comes to sustainable outer packaging, but did you know that you can also use poly mailers? The name itself may sound synthetic but the good news is, they are recyclable!
- Filler items
If you’re shipping fragile items, then you need fillers inside the boxes so they don’t break. Again, those biodegradable bubble wraps are revolutionary! And don’t forget the parts holder made from mushroom that brands like IKEA are using.
- Product container
The container of your product itself can be recyclable or reusable. For example, instead of plastic containers, sustainable brands are switching to glass.
- Product labels
Labels are important, allowing you to proudly display your branding and logo. Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean that your label should decompose right away. You can use a material like BOPP which is both sustainable and sturdy.
- Packaging design like tape or stickers
Every part of your packaging can be made more eco-friendly. Little things can make a difference like making sure your packaging tape is made of environmentally friendly materials.
Customers prefer businesses who are helping save the planet. According to the 2019 Edelman Brand Trust Survey, 71% of consumers surveyed said that a company’s environmental impact was a big factor in their purchase decision. Contact Labelservice today to see how we can help you become more eco-friendly.
