In earlier times products were often kept in an open condition and packaged in paper or cloth. While packaging only environment friendly product were used as plastics were not commonly available. Also most products available were local and limited and often not transported long distances. As the number of products and options in all categories increased, packaging became important and became part of the product protection and branding exercise. Now supermarkets shelves are bursting with products that are differently packaged; but at the same, consumers and manufacturers have become more eco-friendly and want to minimize waste and also use more sustainable packaging options. In fact green and environmentally packaging has become part of the unique selling proposition of large numbers of products.
Benefits of Packaging Materials That are Environmentally Friendly
Eco-friendly packaging material has certain benefits apart from their sustainability positives. When sustainable packaging is used it results in:
- Reducing the weight of the packaging.
- Increasing packaging efficiencies.
- This reduces transportation and warehousing costs.
- In turn this reduces vehicular emissions and also results in reducing the carbon footprint of the products.
- Using biodegradable packaging material reduces the polluting impact on landfills.
- Greater awareness of recycling and recyclable material improves resource efficiencies.
There are many environmentally friendly packaging materials available and these include products made of or comprising:
- Recycled paper that can be composted
- Recycled plastic that can be composted or reused
- Sugar bagasse
- Plant starch
- Forest wood
- Palm leaf
- Eco-friendly packaging shreds
- Paper peanuts
- Non toxic foam
- Biodegradable twine
- Recyclable anti static peanuts
- Bamboo and mushroom packaging
- Coatings, adhesives, additives and inks that are safe and not toxic
There is increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly and minimal packaging materials where these do not affect product integrity or shelf life. Eco-friendly packaging materials are less toxic, reduce environmental damage and decrease pollution levels as well as having a lower carbon footprint. Occasionally they can be more expensive to make as they are manufactured in lower quantities. As such, it is all the more important that manufacturers find cost effective packaging that result in an environmental friendly product.
MJS Packaging can help you. We have been in the packaging business for over a century and can source the environmental friendly product that you need for packaging. Whether you want basic or standard packaging or secondary packaging, we offer a one stop shop for all packaging requirements.
