Are you an eCommerce merchant or an entrepreneur? Then you must have an idea about the giant eCommerce marketplace: Amazon’s popularity. And the other top brands like Gucci, Calvin Klein, or ASOS.
Eco Friendly Packaging becomes a higher priority for each brand to reduce and give the generations a plastic pollution-free globe. Also, in the global marketplace, Biodegradable packaging earned $3589.1 million in 2021. In the upcoming years (2028), it will gain a 6.9% CAGR.
Can you imagine how big the marketplace and profitable supply chain is? Want to be a part? In the hope of helping you to achieve your marketing goal, we cover the following:
- Traditional vs. Eco-friendly: Which one brings more revenue and traffic?
- Pros & Cons of sustainable packaging.
- 4 Marketing tips to create a demand for your product or business.
Sounds encouraging. By understanding its core meaning, let’s keep footprints in the green packaging revolution.
What is Eco Friendly Packaging?
Eco-friendly packagings or sustainable packaging solutions are any packing material that is easy to recycle, safe for individuals, and the environment. These materials ensure minimal impact on energy consumption or natural resources. That’s why it’s referred to as green packaging too.
For example, kraft paper bags or block bottom packaging mono materials are eco-friendly. But multilayer plastics are not. Many companies started to use these packs to build an authentic and unique brand image to grab consumers’ attention. Also, these packagings are a great invention to protect both wildlife and the environment.
In short, these packaging solutions aim to:
- Eliminate land fill wastes
- Provide options to recycle
- Encourage the use of reusable materials
Want to explore more about these product packaging trends, including benefits to add extra profit? Keep scrolling!
Eco Friendly Packaging vs. Traditional Packaging
As we all know, traditional packaging is made from plastic barriers (carbon-based materials or others). That’s why plastic bags aren’t recyclable or biodegradable. And here lies the main difference between green packs and traditional ones. There are some factors that highlight the core drawbacks between them, like
- Packaging material (Eco friendly packaging materials & traditional).
- Recycling facilities
- Biodegradable or non-renewable, and many others.
Wondering about thinking – how to choose the right food packaging solutions? To figure out this, we discuss these two packaging types in detail. Let’s start!
Traditional Packaging
As mentioned, plastic packaging or traditional bags are made from laminated or harmful plastic materials. And these bags have gained popularity over decades. But the question now arises – why do popular brands switch to it? The answer is spreading earth-conscious, new generation preferences, and other marketing factors.
To explore more reasons, let’s look at the traditional pack’s advantages and disadvantages below:
Pros
- Cost Effective
Like biodegradable packaging, plastic packaging is also budget-friendly. But considering the glass jars, the cost is higher. However, for bulk-volume product shipping, these bags are effective.
- Durable
Traditional plastic bags are flexible and lightweight, apart from glass ones. Also, at the same time, it is incredibly durable. But the tin, cans, or glass ones damage easily.
- Longevity
This factor has a positive impact on consumers. Plastic takes about a thousand years to break down and lasts extensive periods without damage. But the scenario is different for the jars or cans.
Note: The material is affected and degraded by excessive light, scratching, cracking, and denting.
- Food Flavors
If you use it for food storage, glass, and metal ones don’t absorb the stored food flavors. Also, you can use it several times.
Note: Plastic absorbs the smells and tastes of strong-flavored food items, like curry, soup, and sauce.
Cons
- Environmental & Health Impact
Plastic bags are not biodegradable. That means it is not mixed with soil and emits excessive carbon dioxide. On the other hand, a study shows that the bag releases toxic chemicals that lead human health into the high risk zone.
Note: Plastic containers leach chemicals into food when heating it in the microwave.
- Not Recyclable or Compostable
As mentioned earlier, the traditional bag production process ensures a longer lifeline, creating cramps to mix with the environment. The scenario indicates that it has no recycled materials, and the plastic waste cause a massive impact.
- Users Perception
From small businesses to branded ones, shifted towards green packaging to reduce plastic waste and provide a healthy environment. Also, plastic bags give customers a negative impression of its barrier materials and food spoilage.
After going through several drawbacks of conventional packs, it’s time to explore the green ones’ pros and cons.
Environmentally Friendly Packaging
New packaging & New customers = More Revenues & Brand Popularity.
Environmentally conscious people love these packs for its creative design and recycled factors. However, most brands choose it to keep pace with product packaging design trends. Another reason is that less packaging = less waste.
As we step forward to 2023, you will notice different up-to-date trends in sustainable bags. For in-depth information, scroll down!
Pros
- Packaging Materials
Biodegradable or compostable packaging has durability from environmental or industrial process hazards. But the barrier of most biodegradable or compostable packaging is lower than traditional packaging.
- Lack of Toxins and Allergens
Unlike traditional ones, which are made from petrochemical and synthetic materials, these bags are non-toxic and allergy-free. That means these bags ensure a healthy meal for the end consumer.
- Reduce Lower Carbon Footprint Significantly
These bags releases fewer carbon emissions in the production process. That’s why it has gained popularity for the biodegradable packing peanuts to organic dog treat, rice packaging, and other items.
Note: It is helpful to reduce greenhouse gases and ocean pollution from plastic items.
- Bulk Storage Friendly
Eco friendly packaging material is perfect for bulk amount products. As a business owner, if you want to ship more items, don’t worry about its strength. Also, these bags are ideal for multi purposes and versatile solutions. Some manufacturers offer customized solutions on shape, size, and design.
- Recyclable and Reuseable
In the marketplace, several types of recyclable packaging increase consumers’ interest. You can use it for different purposes.
- Boosts Brand Image
These bags offer many blank spaces so you can decore them per product and consumer demand. From logo to product info or color combo, you can choose anything. Also, it works as free promotion of your business.
Cons
- Production Time
Some sustainable bags are made with agricultural crops that take enough time. But if you switch to stand up pouches or roll films, you can get them anytime.
- Cost
The cost of compostable bags or eco friendly packaging is much higher than traditional bags.
- Manufacturers Misleading
Some companies mislead customers by mentioning that the materials are not suitable for preserving food. Or, you can fulfill your vast consumer demands. However, the scenarios can’t decrease the packaging popularity.
However, after going through in-depth pros and cons of two bags, the decision is yours which one you choose to scale up your business. But sustainable options give a healthy lifestyle by maintaining high standards.
If you choose these bags, you need to know when you consider eco-friendly bags. Let’s identify expert tips in the next section!
4 Important Tips: Why & When You Consider Eco Friendly Packaging?
Now it’s time to explore why sustainable packaging ultimately pays for brands to make the switch in the long term. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Printing Requirements
In the pros section, we have mentioned that it helps to convey your brand or business message. A package with enough space facilities for product labeling and designing is ideal for promoting and building an impressive first impression. You can go with custom print options and high durability if you want to get it.
Retailers Demands
From food stores to medicine suppliers or online retailers, everyone prefers green packaging to serve healthy and hygienic products — one of the best significant ways to grow quickly and effectively. For example, Walmart’s sustainable playbook packaging gives companies a creative packaging method.
Packaging Strength
Are you planning to open up a cannabis business? Child-resistant packaging is the best fit for you. Sustainable packaging materials resist children by providing tear-resistance, puncture-resistance, high strength packs.
Is It Suitable for Bulk Orders?
We already discuss that eco-friendly packaging options are more popular for bulk storage or shipping. Also, you don’t need to bother thinking about extra costs.
Offer a Returns Program?
The return program and low MOQ (minimum order quantity) these criteria depend on the company’s policies. So, before ordering, you need to ensure these terms.
Bonus: Where Can You Get Reliable and Quality Enriched Green Packaging Manufacturers?
In this ever-changing packaging industrial era, there are multiple suppliers and manufacturers available. But to ensure your consumers’ health by serving healthy food or other items, you need a reliable source. For example, UFoodPouch offers custom packaging options that fulfill almost all brands’ requirements.
Conclusion
Eco Friendly Packaging can uplift your company name, boost product personality, and increase sales by attracting new customers. On the other hand, you can build your own brand image by minimizing packaging waste. So, the decision is yours which one you choose.
