Sustainable packaging ideas for your brand

Did you know that over the last year, there has been a sharp increase in people who have adopted a more sustainable lifestyle? (Deloitte, 2022) It is becoming clear that consumers are becoming more socially conscious when it comes to their purchases, with ethical practices and values of an organisation playing a key part in their decision-making.

And top of that list?

Sustainable products and packaging.

Compostable, bio-degradable and recyclable (and even plant-able!), there are so many different options out there that are making it easier for businesses to be sustainable and ethical inside and out.

So let us dive in and help you along your sustainable journey:

1. Compostable bags

Mailers that are made from 100% compostable materials are not only great for sending products in the post but can also be put in the compost. Our eco-friendly custom mailers are made using a combination of PLA (made from field corn and wheat straw) and PBAT, a bio-based polymer, meaning they have a low environmental impact.

2. Plant-able packaging

Yes, you read that correctly. Thanks to seeded paper that can grow a variety of plants including vegetables, herbs and wildflowers, you can now have packaging that your customers can use to brighten up their garden as well as help the bees.

3. Soy – it’s not just food

It is not just paper material that can be eco-friendly. An alternative to petroleum-based inks, soy and vegetable-based inks are considered environmentally friendly, are easier to recycle and are even bio-degradable. When it comes to printing your packaging, make sure you are using a company that offers sustainable alternatives when it comes to ink.

4. Keep your impact minimal

Minimising packaging design not only saves on storage space and costs but can also reduce your carbon footprint. Whilst packaging places a vital role e.g. protecting products, and sharing information, using the least amount of material possible is going to ensure that any waste is kept to a minimum but can still impactful from a design perspective.

5. Make it edible?

From seaweed sandwich wrappers to edible coffee cups, we might have a few years until this becomes mainstream, but it is certainly on the rise. Mushroom packaging, for one, is rapidly growing as a packaging option for purpose.

If you sell food-based products, imagine your customer being able to cook the packaging as well as the contents… we’ll leave you to ponder on this.

When it comes to adhering to the trends of sustainable and ethical practices, the design and manufacturing of your packaging needs to put the planet first. While some of these ideas might be a bit ‘out there’, there are some very easy ways you can start making your packaging journey sustainable including using:

• Recycled cardboard and paper stock
• Biodegradable packaging peanuts
• Eco-friendly packaging tape
• Biodegradable packaging plastics
• Compostable tissue paper

Looking for custom packaging?

We can help you improve the sustainability of your supply chain with high-quality packaging solutions that are tailored to your industry and products!

We offer a wide range of print packaging solutions to ensure you create a proper brand experience at every step of your customer journey.

Give us a call on 01522 300222 or send us an email to discuss your requirements – we’ll be happy to help.