Embracing Sustainability: The Rise Of Eco-Friendly Packaging ...

Bradley Saveth, President & COO @ SupplyCaddy.

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In recent years, the packaging industry has experienced a significant transformation as consumer demand for sustainability has grown stronger. The era of single-use plastics and excessive packaging waste is gradually giving way to a new paradigm: sustainable packaging.

Today, eco-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking brands that prioritize environmentally friendly practices, making sustainable packaging a crucial factor for business success.

I currently serve as the president and chief operating officer of SupplyCaddy, a global manufacturer and supplier of packaging solutions tailored to the food service industry. Our customers include many of the world's largest and most iconic restaurant chains, airlines and retailers.

Having had the opportunity to work closely with large chains and see the impact of their packaging choices on both business operations and the environment, I have gained invaluable expertise in the realm of sustainability and understand what it takes to encourage brands to choose more eco-friendly packaging options.

I have come to understand the unique challenges chains face when it comes to sustainability. Balancing the need for efficient, well-priced packaging solutions with the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives is a delicate task. However, through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts, brands can shift toward more sustainable practices.

Choose eco-friendly materials.

As concerns over climate change and plastic pollution continue to mount, sustainable packaging offers a compelling solution. By using materials that are recyclable, biodegradable or made from renewable resources, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

Traditional packaging materials, such as plastic and Styrofoam, are being replaced by alternatives like recycled paper, cardboard, plant-based plastics and compostable materials. These materials not only reduce the carbon footprint but also promote a circular economy by closing the loop through recycling and composting processes.

Sustainable packaging also aligns with consumer values, attracting a customer base that seeks products that reflect their commitment to a greener future.

Take innovative design approaches.

Sustainable packaging is not just about the materials used; it also encompasses innovative design approaches that optimize packaging efficiency. Minimalist packaging, for example, eliminates unnecessary layers and focuses on simplicity and functionality. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the overall brand aesthetic.

Additionally, companies are leveraging smart packaging technologies, such as intelligent labels and QR codes, to provide consumers with product information and promote recycling practices.

Optimize your supply chain.

Sustainable packaging extends beyond the end product; it also involves optimizing the entire supply chain. Companies are exploring ways to minimize transportation-related emissions by optimizing packaging sizes and shapes, reducing the use of fossil fuels and adopting more sustainable logistics practices. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of the packaging process.

When optimizing the supply chain to enhance sustainability in packaging, I have found the following steps to be highly effective:

• Focus on collaboration and transparency: Establishing strong partnerships and fostering open communication with suppliers, manufacturers and logistics providers is crucial. By sharing sustainability goals and expectations throughout the supply chain, businesses can collectively work toward identifying areas for improvement and implementing eco-friendly practices. Collaboration also enables the exchange of ideas and best practices, and allows for multiple sets of eyes to review each element, providing diverse perspectives and expertise.

• Streamline packaging design: Reducing packaging waste and optimizing sizes and shapes can significantly minimize transportation-related emissions. By reevaluating packaging materials, business leaders can identify opportunities to use lighter-weight materials or explore alternatives that have a lower environmental impact. Additionally, designing packaging that maximizes space utilization during transportation can reduce the number of shipments required, thereby lowering carbon emissions.

While optimizing the supply chain, it's important to consider a few key points to avoid potential pitfalls:

• Don't overlook local sourcing opportunities: While global sourcing can offer cost advantages, it often entails long-distance transportation, resulting in higher carbon emissions.

• Avoid short-term solutions: When optimizing the supply chain for sustainability, it's crucial to think long-term. Focus on implementing solutions that have lasting benefits rather than quick fixes. Short-sighted approaches may lead to unintended consequences or unsustainable practices in the future.

Drawing from my firsthand experience, I have seen these steps bring significant positive changes within the supply chain, leading to enhanced sustainability in packaging.

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Consider the business case for sustainable packaging.

Sustainable packaging not only aligns with consumer values but also offers tangible business benefits. By embracing sustainability, companies can enhance their brand reputation, differentiate themselves from competitors and attract eco-conscious consumers. Moreover, sustainable practices often lead to cost savings through reduced material usage, optimized logistics and improved operational efficiency.

For company leaders who aspire to shift towards sustainable packaging, several important factors should be considered to navigate the transition successfully:

• Price and cost considerations: While sustainable packaging may have a perception of being more expensive, it's crucial to take a long-term view. Assess the total cost, considering factors like material savings, operational efficiencies and potential marketing advantages.

• Materials and design: Reevaluating current packaging materials is a crucial step. Consider eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable or compostable materials, recycled or recyclable materials, or renewable resources. Additionally, optimizing packaging design to reduce material usage and waste can have a significant impact on sustainability.

• Challenges and solutions: Shifting to sustainable packaging may involve challenges such as supply chain complexities, cost considerations or ensuring compatibility with existing manufacturing processes. To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to take a phased approach. Start with pilot projects to test and refine sustainable packaging solutions before implementing them on a larger scale. Engage employees and stakeholders, fostering a culture of sustainability within the organization.

The packaging industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the need for sustainability and consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions. By prioritizing sustainability, companies can not only reduce their environmental impact but also harness a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving marketplace. The time for sustainable packaging is now, and those who embrace it can shape a greener future while reaping the benefits of a thriving, conscious consumer base.

Innovative packaging advances improve product protection and facilitate each manufacturer’s shipping, warehousing, and merchandising requirements. In addition to developing efficient, effective, packaging and logistics solutions, modern turnkey packaging companies also invest in biodegradable packaging materials and forward looking, environmentally responsible package designs.

Biodegradable packaging and other green initiatives align with a growing, collective, consciousness uniting contract packagers, manufacturers, and an ever-expanding consumer base — all seeking better environmental outcomes.

As an increasing number of food and non-food items call for eco-friendly packing alternatives, supply chain stakeholders are embracing the widespread benefits (and limitations) of biodegradable packaging.

Biodegradable Plastic Addresses Environmental Concerns

Once heralded for its durability, plastic’s primary advantage ultimately became its most impactful downside. Traditional plastics require hundreds, even thousands, of years to break down in the environment.

Recycling and reusing are effective strategies devised to reduce plastics headed for landfills, but consumer consciousness isn’t the only shift yielding environmental benefits. Technological advances, including bioplastics and biodegradable packaging materials, also contribute to greener outcomes. Unlike traditional plastic, the most effective biodegradable plastics used in mainstream packaging can break down in as few as three to six months.

Biodegradable plastics include formulations derived from plant starches, such as corn starch, as well as cellulose based versions. Using renewable resources rather than non-renewable petroleum products to produce plastic leads to substantial long-term environmental benefits. Polylactic biodegradable plastic (PLAs), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) represent additional biodegradable plastic alternatives used in consumer packaging.

While reducing packaging waste destined for incinerators and landfills is a primary benefit of biodegradable packaging, the strategy yields additional gains, when compared to traditional polymers.

• More energy-efficient to produce – Manufacturing biodegradable packaging materials can often be accomplished with less energy than that required to produce traditional plastics.
• Fewer emissions during manufacturing – Reducing the amount of energy and fossil fuels required to produce plastic results in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Flexible applications – Turnkey packaging companies utilize biodegradable packing materials in a number of ways. The substances can be extruded, injection molded, and foamed, often using modified conventional machinery. Biodegradable material can be colored and its texture can be modified for aesthetic purposes. Some biodegradable packaging material is fortified with additives that increase durability and stability.
• Greater sustainability – Biopolymers and other packaging materials produced from renewable resources contribute to greater overall sustainability. The movement toward eco-friendly packaging aligns with consumer calls for responsible, sustainable, production and packaging.
• Soil enrichment – Under the right conditions, well-executed environmental packaging breaks down into nutrient rich soil, contributing to healthy conditions for growing plants.

Does Biodegradable Packaging Have Limitations?

Although they are conceived and produced expressly to reduce environmental impacts, biodegradable packaging materials have limitations. Cost, durability, and failure to produce desired sustainability benefits are among the chief concerns holding back some biodegradable packaging solutions.

Consumers seeking green packaging alternatives are met with a sometimes confusing landscape, comprised of multiple environmentally conscious packaging designs. Adding to the uncertainty, technical jargon and extraneous marketing claims make it difficult for consumers to distinguish between various packing methods and accurately assess the environmental impacts of each package type.

Although various green packaging materials are commonly lumped into a single catch-all classification, biodegradable plastics typically fall into two distinct categories — each with unique environmental impacts. In order to leverage the best possible environmental outcomes, consumers must recognize the limitations of biodegradable plastics and other types of packaging marketed as biodegradable. To alleviate confusion over various packaging alternatives, Europe has imposed universal standards for biodegradable plastics and introduced a logo to be placed on compostable items.

The term, bioplastics, refers to plastic packaging material derived from renewable resources. But bioplastics are not exactly the same as biodegradable plastic. The latter is actually produced using petroleum based materials, which have been fortified with additives known to help degrade the plastic under specific conditions. Also known as oxo-degradable plastic, a pro-oxidant additive helps the material biodegrade over time. Unfortunately, there is no independent, verifiable and conclusive guarantee the plastic material will fully break down.

In addition to concerns about biodegradable packaging’s ability to break down with microorganisms, biodegradation technology presents perceived limitations such as:

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• Single-use applications – After decades of promoting recycling for the good of the planet, producers are now asking consumers to embrace single-use biodegradable packaging solutions. The change of direction is seen by some as a confusing conflict, as consumer understanding catches up with advances in plastics technology.
• Cost – Manufacturing biodegradable plastic relies on natural raw materials, driving up the cost of producing green packaging alternatives. The production process itself also adds expense, compared to the cost of making traditional plastic. As a result, the cost of creating biodegradable plastics runs roughly 20-30% higher than spending required to manufacture traditional petroleum based packaging plastics. Although higher costs prevail in today’s manufacturing environment, it is thought industry advances will ultimately bring down the price of biodegradable plastic production, on par with traditional plastics.
• Durability – Detractors worry biodegradable plastics won’t fully break-down over time, but some stakeholders share contrary concerns, believing biodegradable packaging lacks the protective lifespan offered by traditional packing materials.
• Limited environmental gains – Unlike true bioplastics, which derive from natural ingredients that break-down on their own, biodegradable plastics are petroleum-based, relying on special additives to promote biodegradation under specific conditions. Though biodegradable plastics are already viewed as a preferred environmental alternative, there is room for continued improvement, as plastics technology advances.