Eco-friendly packaging: which ones are and what to choose
At a time when environmental pollution has reached its zenith, when the demand for goods from the earth has exceeded its production, when the mortgage of the health of future generations is now a given, the implementation of an ecological strategy by companies in every field of activity is imperative.
In particular, in recent years with the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increased need for large volumes of packaging by large or smaller companies, the choice of exclusively ecological materials in packaging is at the center of discussions.
Packaging is as important as its contents. The development of a package must keep up with the development of science and the need to protect the planet based on the principle of sustainability and the use of ecological materials in the package.
Eco-friendly packaging materials
It is a fact that within a few years many of the materials used in the packaging sector are characterized by one word: sustainability. The shift to products that are environmentally friendly is a choice not only of companies but also of the buying public.
Indicatively, 55% of consumers stated that they make their purchases from companies that are aware of the protection of the planet, while 54% reported that they buy products with ecological packaging (source: "Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey").
Environmentally friendly packaging
First, we should emphasize that when we talk about environmentally friendly packaging, we do not mean only those made of natural materials, but also those created with modern techniques and special eco-friendly processing so that they are resistant to use and over time minimizing, at the same time, their environmental footprint. For example, a durable packaging that can be used again and again, takes on new life with each use, does not burden the environment and is based on the logic of sustainable development.
Below apposed the most popular environmentally friendly packaging materials:
Natural pulp packaging
These are virgin plant fibers that come from trees and are used to make paper. Because they are 100% natural material, they have a shorter life cycle as during recycling the fibers become smaller and smaller. However, through the special addition of wood fibers, the structure of the natural pulp can be improved and its life cycle extended.
In fact, the packaging created from natural paper pulp and bearing the special FSC™ mark certifies that made of material from well-managed forests, FSC™-certified, recycled materials and other controlled sources.
Packaging from recycled paper pulp
Recycled paper pulp is produced from paper that is collected, compressed and after a special treatment takes its final form in order to be used in other products. Particularly in the field of packaging, recycled paper pulp is an extremely environmentally friendly solution, mainly used in the production of cardboard boxes and cartons.
Compostable packaging
Compostable packaging is packaging that will naturally break down when left in the right environment (home or commercial compost) so that it can decompose. It is made from organic materials that break down in a reasonable amount of time without leaving toxic chemicals or harmful particles in the environment. At the same time, compostable packaging has the ability to break down into rich nutrients that can be used as fertilizer to improve soil quality.
Compostable packaging can be made from three types of materials: paper, cardboard or bioplastics.
Packaging from cannabis
Recent changes in European and American legislation, which make it possible to use the plant for various preparations, have skyrocketed the popularity of cannabis. Hemp fibers are used to make twine, sackcloth and even sails because of their durability. In recent years, the plant's fibers have been used by the paper industry to produce special quality paper and packaging, creating a new economic cycle based on sustainability and the least ecological burden.
Choosing "green" packaging for businesses
Choosing the right eco-friendly packaging for your business doesn't have to be complex or complicated. The largest companies worldwide choose the extremely ecological option of cardboard boxes for the transport of their products. Made from natural or recycled paper pulp, cardboard boxes as packaging for your products are an ecological and safe option.
With unlimited dimensional possibilities, many shape and printing options, the cartons can be successfully adapted to the high demands of each brand.
At Cartabianca the boxes are made from recycled kraft paper with 3 or 5 sheets in brown or white. The dimensions are configured based on your needs and the safe transport of your products gain’s prestige.
CARTABIANCA has been certified according to FSC™ Chain of custody standard (FSC™ C172223) and may offer ecological solutions on customers request with products made of material from well-managed, FSC™-certified forests and other controlled sources.
Let's design together the ecological packaging that suits the needs of your own business.