Every year, people around the globe dispose of millions of tons of packaging materials. All of this disposed of garbage influences the pollution of our environment. Plastic wrappings on water bottles play a major role in the process of polluting our earth. Traditionally, there are plenty of environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging materials out there. For example and such as cardboard boxes and metal tin containers. Nevertheless, people and companies globally are searching for more sustainable alternatives.
Sustainability is so much more than being recyclable or environmentally friendly. Companies must become sustainable in many ways. For example, include transportation and water and energy use. So choosing packaging material is often used as a measurement of a company’s overall sustainability. And with consumers get this more and more and more. The impact of packaging materials on the environment is big. Picking the right wrapping for your product is more important than ever.
Therefore, let’s have a closer look at what are some of the most sustainable packaging materials. Most noteworthy, you come across these products every day. As well, you see it while shopping for everyday goods and appliances.
Plant-Based Bio-Plastics
Since 2009 the world’s largest beverage company Coca-Cola Co. devoted a serious amount of its time to developing sustainable plastic packaging. Global efforts to develop plant-based bioplastic increased significantly. The first generations of Coca-Cola Co’s Bioplastic bottle were known as PlantBottle. This packaging replaced one of the two main components of PET. The renewable substance is made from sugar cane.
Traditional PET plastics make up 30% MEG. Another name is mono-ethylene glycol. Also, 70% PTA is short for purified terephthalic acid. Coca-Cola Co’s first plant-based bioplastic bottle replaced the petroleum-based MEG. All done with a natural alternative made from plant-based materials. Wrapping became more sustainable, environmentally friendlier, and safer to use. Then recyclability level stayed the same. Most important, replacing MEG with a plant-based alternative doesn’t change the recyclability of PET.
Introducing PlantBottle by the Coca-Cola Co. was the most significant development seen in the bioplastics industry. Therefore, they want to make the impact of this latest bioplastic more significant. Coca-Cola Co then collaborated with several large corporate players. Heinz and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment also started to apply eco in their wrappings.
After introducing the PlantBottle, other big players such as the Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance got in. Then the Alliance devoted more time to developing bioplastics. So more corporations choose sustainable bioplastics over petroleum plastics.
Bamboo & Mushroom Packaging
Source. Inhabitat
Besides the CoCa-Cola Company, there are other major players out there. They are revolutionizing the packaging industry. Take Dell. Dell introduced us to pioneering packaging materials. That’s been so throughout the past decades. This makes it so much easier for customers being ’green’. Then they can promote a healthier supply chain.
In 2009, Dell started to use Bamboo. They used Bamboo as a part of the boxes and cushions. They used it for wrapping their notebooks. Although many of us might not know it, Bamboo is a highly renewable material. Not only is it extremely strong and durable, but it’s an alternative to foams. Foams are used in packaging materials. Traditional foams were often produced by using chemicals. Although and most important, bamboo is a 100% natural product. Not only is it recyclable just like paper, it’s also compostable. It has received the D-6400 certification from the ASTM. ASTM is the American Society for Testing and Materials.
After introducing bamboo packaging materials, Dell developed a soft cushioning. Dell made this from mushrooms used for packaging purposes. Just like bamboo, this mushroom-based wrapping is 100% natural and is easily broken down by nature. Thanks to their unique packaging inventions, Dell was able to cut more than 20 million pounds of packaging materials in 2018. The company furthermore managed to make 75% of all the packaging materials recyclable. That makes them one of the greenest companies in the world. Finally, it’s been Ever since the first introduction of bamboo and mushroom-based packaging materials. Now they are more commonly applied by more companies around the globe.
Metal packaging materials
Look there is nothing new or exciting about metal packaging materials. Tin containers and aluminum cans still offer sustainable, environmentally friendly, and recyclable options. As always, they are available today to store your goods.
Finally, both large metal tins and small tin containers are 100% recyclable. When recycled, metal containers do not lose any of their original quality. Thereby making them a great wrapping. The best part is that comes with an unlimited life cycle. Recycling metal tins save the global economy billions of dollars every year. Metal containers are one of the most sustainable forms of packaging. Yes, nearly any way imaginable. Besides being environmentally friendly, sustainable, and highly recyclable!! Metal tins are furthermore cheap and fully customizable. In conclusion, this makes them a great and affordable packaging option. Both for small and large companies alike. Custom tins are found back in many industries where they offer sustainable and attractive packaging for products such as foods, beverages, cosmetics, and many other more.
