Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. What are the options for environmentally friendly packaging?

Making sustainable choices for your products is not only good for the environment; it’s also good for your business.

As consumers become more aware of their impact on the environment, pressure is on businesses to step up and offer environmentally friendly packaging.

Brands are increasingly focused on changing to sustainable packaging materials, as well as reducing the amount of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging needed for their products.

Of course, there are waste regulations in place that all businesses must follow by law. However, implementing eco-friendly steps further than those required is actually a genuine business opportunity. Not only is it great for our planet, but it can also enhance brand image and even improve revenue.

Why switch to environmentally friendly packaging?

Aside from the obvious ‘environmentally friendly’ part, embracing sustainability can have a positive impact on your business.

Brand image

Stand out from your competitors and let your customers know that you care about more than just the bottom line.

Lower overheads

Many countries are now offering ‘green’ tax relief, and even exemptions, for environmentally friendly businesses. Also, be aware that the UK government recently revealed plans to introduce a plastic packaging tax to be levied on all manufactured or imported plastic packaging with insufficient recycled content.

Customer loyalty

Improve customer retention amongst your eco-savvy consumers by showing a genuine dedication to their cause.

More evangelists

In the age of social media, environmentally friendly packaging is proving to be incredibly ‘Instagrammable’, which can open your brand up to a whole new customer base.

Attract first-rate employees

Studies show that the millennials who are driving the shift to ethical and sustainable products, are also motivated to work for businesses that share their values.

Reduce expenses

Many companies are held to the belief that sustainability is more expensive; however, investing in creative packaging design can help to reduce material usage, lower production costs, and cut down on transportation rates.

How to switch to environmentally friendly packaging?

As packaging experts, we can offer specialist help and advice to any business looking to make a move to environmentally friendly packaging. Whether you want to completely overhaul to be fully sustainable, or put a plan in place to make incremental steps towards an overall eco-friendly goal, here are some tips for you to follow:

Prevent

In the UK, a fifth of our household waste is packaging – five million tonnes every year in the UK alone! Packaging is important to be able to protect products, or to display them effectively in store; but are you confident that is the case for all of your products?

Perform an objective review of your product range. Does everything need primary and secondary packaging?

Reduce

For products where packaging can’t be feasibly eliminated, consider how you can get down to as little packaging as possible. Is every element of packaging on the product needed?

Working with packaging design specialists could show you areas where material usage could be greatly reduced, whilst maintaining the protection and/or display capacity required.

Reuse

According to a recent study, functionality is becoming one of the most important features for consumer satisfaction with packaging. In fact, 60% of surveyed consumers in the US have purchased a product again because of the packaging’s functionality.

Packaging that can be repurposed is a major step towards reducing waste; plus it is also incredibly engaging and shareable. Are there any products in your range that could be improved with multi-functional packaging?

Recycle

The most obvious move towards environmentally friendly packaging is to change to sustainable packaging materials. Many brands are switching to materials that can not only be recycled, but that are made from already recycled materials. Paper and cardboard is a popular choice; however, many packaging specialists are creating more innovative materials such as oxo-biodegradable plastics.

It’s also important to consider the messaging on your products. Do you make it absolutely clear which parts of your packaging can be recycled and which can’t? Ambiguity and confusion can lead consumers to believe that you aren’t committed to your eco-friendly efforts.

Join the environmentally friendly packaging revolution

We can be in no doubt that ‘eco-friendly’ isn’t a fad that’s suddenly about to leave the public consciousness. On the contrary; the trend is only going to grow, along with the pressure on businesses to step up their eco game.

Changing to environmentally friendly packaging solutions is certainly an investment of time and resources. However, done right, the returns could far outweigh any initial outlay – for both the planet, and your brand.

If you’re not considering making the switch, you can be sure that your competitors are. Would you rather be the green pioneer in your industry, or play catch up once your competition has already reaped the rewards?

Choosing Tagit as your packaging partner means choosing a company with real environmental integrity. We are committed to doing business in a more enlightened way, and taking responsibility for the impact of our work on the world around us. Contact us today to discuss your environmentally friendly packaging project.