# Sustainable Packaging Materials Used For Everyday Goods

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/12/sustainable-packaging-materials-used-for-everyday-goods/
- Published: 2020-12-29T19:03:04-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

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](https://www.packagingchimp.co.uk)
out there. For example and such as cardboard boxes and [metal tin containers](https://www.ucan-packaging.com/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.

## ⌊Bio plastics⌉⌊Bio plastics⌉**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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/plant-based-bio-plastics-the-future/)
increased significantly. The first generations of Coca-Cola Co’s Bioplastic bottle
were known as PlantBottle. This [packaging](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/04/new-uls-study-shows-how-consumers-drive-sustainability-packaging-trends/)
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**

![Bamboo and mushroom packaging](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2018/05/img_0618.jpg?resize=537%2C334&quality=52&ssl=1 "img_0618 - The Green
Living Guy")

Source. [Inhabitat](https://inhabitat.com/dell-will-be-first-tech-company-to-use-ecovative-mushroom-packaging-for-shipping/)

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**

##### 󠀁[⌊Metal packaging⌉⌊Metal packaging⌉󠀁[

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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/6-unexpected-products-made-from-recycled-materials/).
Both for small and large companies alike. [Custom tins](https://www.ucan-packaging.com/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.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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