Posted by Mike Cunningham on Apr 28th 2023
Plastic Free Packaging.
In the recent decade, single use plastics have come under the spotlight for their effects on the environment. With three hundred million tons of plastic waste produced each year it is a huge area for concern. Plastic pollution particularly affects marine life, as much plastic waste ends up in our oceans. High numbers of seabirds, fish, turtles, and other marine animals are killed each year after ingesting or getting caught in plastic. Fortunately, there are many plastic-free alternatives available.
Alternative Options: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the packaging that comes with products they buy. Choosing a plastic-free packaging design can improve your brand image and could even improve sales. Cardboard and paper are some of the most ecologically friendly packaging options out there. Both are usually 100% recyclable.
Plastic windows in cartons can easily be replaced by photography of the product, or if the product really needs to be visible, there are biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. Cutting down on plastic also reduces the manufacturing carbon footprint. This equals less plastic waste and pollution overall.
Eco Plastics: It is important to remember that not all plastics are the same. Plastics made from petrochemicals are potentially the most harmful to the environment. These plastics do not degrade and often end up in landfills or our oceans. However, many of these are recyclable, which reduces the raw materials required in their production and ensures they do not end up in the environment. Using recycled plastic packaging is a great step towards a fully sustainable business. Some plastics, such as cellulose films, are made from plant-based materials and are biodegradable. Others can have additives that make them degrade when exposed to certain conditions.
Why Avoid It?
There are several reasons you might want to avoid plastic in your packaging:
Reduce the environmental impact of your products.
Appeal to eco-conscious customers.
Reaffirm your brand as green and caring.
Potentially increase sales or charge more for your products, a 2020 survey showed that 74% of people were willing to pay more for sustainable products.
Call us at 813 242 6995 or sales@quickpakinc.com and we can discuss plastic free packaging options.