Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging is not only better for the environment but also boosts product sales. More and more consumers prefer products with eco-friendly packaging. Here are our top tips for sustainable packaging!

1. Prevent Product Waste

Sustainable packaging isn’t just about materials—it’s also about reducing waste. Food waste, in particular, has a significant environmental impact. A well-designed package ensures minimal product residue, helping to prevent unnecessary waste.

2. Use Recyclable Materials

Ensure your packaging is recyclable. Materials like paper, cardboard, and aluminium are 100% recyclable. Some plastics, such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), can also be effectively recycled. Avoid materials that are difficult to recycle, like Styrofoam. Keep in mind that while glass is fully recyclable, its production generates high CO2 emissions, making it not always the most eco-friendly choice.

3. Choose a Sustainable Certification

Eco-labels help you select environmentally friendly materials. Examples include:

• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Ensures paper and cardboard come from responsibly managed forests.
• PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification): Guarantees sustainable sourcing of wood and paper.
• Nordic Swan Ecolabel: Requires at least 70% of fibres in paper or cardboard to be from sustainable forestry or recycling.

4. Opt for Mono-Material Packaging

Mono-material packaging is made from a single material, making recycling much easier. For instance, a bottle entirely made of PET can be recycled efficiently, whereas mixed-material plastics are often non-recyclable.

5. Use Recycled Materials

Incorporating recycled materials reduces the need for new raw materials while maintaining packaging quality. Recycled packaging isn’t limited to cardboard and paper—aluminium is also an excellent option.

6. Reduce Ink Usage

Printing ink can have a significant environmental impact. Conventional inks contain harmful substances and affect recyclability. Reducing ink usage lowers chemical waste during the recycling process.
💡 Some inks are biocompatible, meaning they are safe for human and animal tissue. While not fully biodegradable, biocompatible inks can reduce the environmental impact of ink removal. However, no fully biocompatible ink exists yet due to the non-renewable nature of most pigments.

7. Encourage Reuse

Create reusable packaging that customers can keep and refill, such as glass jars, reusable bags, bottles, or storage tins. You can also enhance the customer experience by offering creative ways to repurpose packaging, such as turning a cardboard box into a household item.

8. Avoid Over-Packaging

While decorative packaging can create a premium feel, excess packaging often ends up in the bin. Over-printing also increases environmental impact. Instead, find innovative ways to create a wow factor without unnecessary materials.

9. Educate Your Customers

Help customers recycle properly by adding clear recycling instructions to your packaging. Simple messages like "Recycle me with paper waste" or a ♻️ symbol make a big difference.
Consumers often misunderstand sustainable packaging—for example, assuming glass is always better than plastic. However, recyclable plastic can be more sustainable due to its lighter weight and lower CO2 emissions. Educating customers on why you chose a specific material helps build trust in your brand’s sustainability efforts.

10. Don’t Rely on Biodegradable Plastic as a Miracle Solution

Biodegradable plastics, made from renewable plant-based sources like sugarcane or starch, can be a sustainable alternative. However, they don’t instantly decompose in nature and still require proper disposal.
While new technology enables some biodegradable plastics to dissolve in warm water, recycling and waste reduction remain the most effective solutions. The RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) also advises against over-reliance on biodegradable plastics.

Need Help with Sustainable Packaging?

Yes, we know—sustainable packaging can be complex. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! 🦸 Feel free to get in touch.

‍