Sustainable packaging which has previously been seen in ‘progressive’ ‘niche’ brands has become essential in a brand’s design process. A consumer will simply disregard a product if it is not considered ‘sustainable’ or ‘eco-friendly’. Say a mindful consumer browses the supermarket shelf for a product, one with an eco-friendly label will automatically trump the ones without.
These ever-changing times are greatly influenced by government regulations and public concerns for the environment. Greatly so, that governments are implementing regulations to eliminate plastic and single-use packaging.
It is now the responsibility of branding and design agencies to create sustainable options for their clients. Packaging should reflect eco-change yet still be insta-gramable.
How can we achieve this?
These four traits are the backbone of sustainable packaging:
- EFFECTIVE- Provides value by protecting the contents within the supply chain and supports informed and responsible consumption.
- EFFICIENT- The packaging line and machinery used are designed to utilise materials as efficiently as possible throughout the product life cycle.
- CYCLIC- The materials used to package are continuously cycled through natural or technical systems to minimize degradation or the use of upgrading additives.
- SAFE- All parts of the packaging must not pose any risk to human health or the planet.
Another option is to reduce or cut out;
-Printing inks
-Coatings
-Glue / Adhesives
-Secondary or protective packaging
FMCG & CPG packaging simply needs to change with the times, which means keeping up with the eco-trends that are listed below:
LESS IS MORE- Be creative with less material.
DISPOSABLE PACKAGING- Select materials that won’t end up in a landfill for hundreds of years.
UPCYCLE- kill two birds with one stone, make something useful out of a material that would otherwise be wasted.
SOURCE NEW MATERIAL- add mushroom fibre to your list.
While sustainable packaging is beneficial for the brand and the environment, there is no denying it comes with challenges. However, this initiative will pay off in the years to come. Not only will it be mandatory in a decade, but it will also put brands ahead of the rest and boost current sales.
So, in a nutshell, what are we saying? it’s time to jump on the eco-bandwagon sooner rather than later if you haven’t already!
THE NO-BULL BRANDER 