Sustainable fashion is an ethical approach not only designing, but also sourcing, manufacturing, selling, and delivering clothing in a way that minimizes the industry’s negative impact on people and the planet along the entire value chain, including the packaging materials.
The importance of the packaging materials you utilize cannot be overstated. The excessive reliance on plastics and non-recyclable or non-biodegradable materials has resulted in a negative perception of packaging among many consumers.
When customers receive your product, they desire to witness responsible packaging that incorporates non-toxic, recyclable, and biodegradable materials, thereby addressing the sustainability concerns our planet is currently facing.
In this age of well-informed consumers, these environmental issues hold significant weight, making it crucial for your brand and business to prioritize eco-friendly practices.
Benefits
Reduces Use Of Resources
The use of eco-friendly packaging play a role in the amount of energy it takes to package a product or make the actual packaging. It can reduce solid waste, water usage, electricity, and emissions.
Some people have a negative view of flexible packaging despite the fact that it is greener than most forms of rigid packaging. It is mostly those who are unaware of packaging life-cycles. But, plastics have the upper hand in reducing carbon footprint.
A study. done by Franklin Associates, A Division of ERG (Eastern Research Group) back in 2014 for the ACC (American Chemistry Council) and the CPIA (Canadian Plastics Industry Association) shows the following:
- Plastic packaging enables weight savings of over 78% when compared to alternative packaging materials.
- In 2010, 14.4 million metric tons of plastic packaging were used. If alternative packaging were substituted, more than 64 metric tons of material would be required.
- The substitute packaging would require more than 80 percent more cumulative energy demand and 130 percent more global warming impact. This would be equivalent to adding more than 15.7 million vehicles to our roadways.
Reduces Carbon Footprint
Numerous customers express concern about their environmental impact, which significantly influences their brand loyalty and product choices. Embracing eco-friendly packaging allows you to showcase your commitment to responsible marketing and corporate responsibility.
Furthermore, adopting eco-friendly packaging goes beyond business interests and contributes to reducing your company’s environmental impact, specifically in terms of carbon emissions. Carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere through fossil fuel consumption. By minimizing packaging or utilizing recyclable and renewable materials, you can effectively lower your CO2 emissions.
Biodegradable
“If the packaging is composed of natural materials, it becomes biodegradable, unlike plastic, which takes an extremely long time, potentially hundreds or thousands of years, to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals in the process. Certain eco-friendly packaging options, like sustainable paper products, are even designed to be compostable.”
Easily Reused Or Recycled
Essentials aspect of what makes packaging eco-friendly is its ability to be reused or recycled. Encouraging the reuse of packaging means that its lifespan is extended, which reduces the need for new materials, further lowering its carbon footprint. If the packaging is of good enough quality, it should be able to be reused for things like further packaging, storage and even arts and crafts.
Versatile Packaging
Eco-friendly packaging offers versatility and can be repurposed and reused across various industries that traditionally use conventional packaging. Unlike regular packaging, its advantage lies in the absence of limitations on the number of times manufacturers can utilize it.
Eco-friendly packaging allows for innovative and diverse designs, unlike traditional packaging. This versatility extends to a wide array of products, spanning from food items and cosmetics to electronic devices and clothing. With such a broad range of options, you have the freedom to tailor the packaging to meet your specific needs.
References:
- https://blog.catalpha.com/the-importance-of-eco-friendly-packaging-for-your-product
- https:https://www.industrialpackaging.com/blog/6-benefits-of-sustainable-packaging//chronos.agency/7-advantages-of-using-eco-friendly-packaging/
- https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-living/ethical-sustainable-fashion/
- https://www.weavabel.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-eco-friendly-packaging
