5 Eco Friendly Product Packaging Alternatives for Sustainably Minded Brands.

ShopifyPackaging

15 Oct

Written By Mandy

Eco-friendly packaging alternatives are essential for reducing environmental impact and meeting sustainability goals. Banning or restricting plastic packaging is a growing trend worldwide as governments and communities aim to address environmental concerns, reduce plastic pollution, and encourage sustainable alternatives. These bans can take various forms, including restrictions on single-use plastics, limitations on specific types of plastic packaging, and incentives for adopting eco-friendly packaging options.

Here are 5 eco-friendly packaging alternatives we’ve been spotting that eco conscious businesses are more commonly pivoting to for more sustainable brand packaging solutions:

Honey comb Protective Wrap:
An 100% recyclable and biodegradable protective paper wrap which can be recycled or composted. Honeycomb structures are also highly effective at absorbing and dissipating energy, making them ideal for protecting fragile and delicate items during shipping and handling. The hexagonal cells in honeycomb packaging provide cushioning and minimize the risk of damage.
Mushroom Packaging:
Mushroom packaging is completely biodegradable and compostable. It is made from mycelium, the root structure of fungi, and natural agricultural waste, which means it can break down naturally without harming the environment. The manufacturing process of mushroom packaging has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to the production of plastic or polystyrene foam. It requires less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It is durable and lightweight allowing the safe and more cost effective-shipping of items while remaining sustainable. It is lightweight, reducing shipping costs and energy consumption during transportation.
Plantable Packaging:
Plantable packaging, also known as seed paper or eco-friendly paper, is a type of packaging material that contains embedded seeds. When the packaging is no longer needed, it can be planted directly in the soil, where it biodegrades, enriches the soil, and sprouts into plants. This reduces waste and contributes to a circular economy. It encourages consumers to engage with nature and learn about gardening and plant growth. It fosters a sense of responsibility for the environment and the act of planting the packaging and watching it grow can create a unique and memorable experience for customers, strengthening their emotional connection to the brand.
Vegetable Bags:
Packaging made with key ingredients such as cornstarch and plant-based sugars have a significantly lower carbon footprint than petroleum-based plastics. Their production generally requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible supply chain. They are biodegradeable and when discarded, they break down naturally into non-toxic components, returning to the environment without causing harm. This contrasts with traditional plastics, which can persist in landfills and the environment for hundreds of years.
Water based Ink Labelling:
Water-based ink labeling offers several benefits compared to traditional printing inks, particularly in terms of sustainability, safety, and environmental impact. This type of ink labeling is more environmentally sustainable as they contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and do not release harmful chemicals or pollutants into the air. This reduces air pollution and minimizes the environmental impact of the printing process. Water-based inks are inherently plastic-free, making them a sustainable choice for labeling and packaging. Water-based inks can produce vibrant and high-quality printed materials, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including product labeling. They are known for their ability to create sharp, clear images and text.