Over the years, lobbyists have been increasingly standing up against the use of plastic packaging. Indeed, their efforts have not been in vain, as many governments are closing their doors to the use of plastics and other non-biodegradable packaging options. While sustainable packaging options are yet to be fully embraced, it is worth noting that most companies are striving to achieve their quotas. That said, here are some standout developments or trends that are synonymous with sustainable packaging.
Design for Recycling
Recycling is undoubtedly the way to go if we are to achieve a net positive effect on the environment. It is also worth noting that just because a product is designed for recycling does not mean that it will be recycled. There has been immense pressure on packaging manufacturers to embrace cycling. This has seen a massive push for recycling, with governments revising their recycling quotas upwards.
Design for Reuse
Even though recycling is critical, packaging manufacturers are now ken of designing for reuse. This is the way to go since the volume of plastic materials that gets into landfills reduces. However, designing for reuse has come with a fresh set of demands, key among them being that manufacturers have to use robust materials that can withstand washing or sterilization. As far as reuse goes, manufacturers also need to pay attention to the additional impact of producing reusable packaging products.
Design with Bioplastics
Another standout trend in sustainable packaging is that there has been an increasing need for manufacturers to use bioplastics. While bioplastics might not be particularly different from plastics, they undoubtedly pose less harm to the environment. Bioplastics might help ease the pollution problem that we are facing now, but it might not help solve it.
Design with Paper
Paper, for a long time, has been the preferred substitute for plastic packaging. The only downside with paper is that it requires relatively more mass to serve the same function. In light of this fact, the environmental effect tends to be high for paper packaging, save the carbon footprint. Another downside of paper is that it is also subject to serious supply issues, with the global forest cover diminishing quickly.
While sustainable packaging is undoubtedly the way to go, designers have to think outside the box. Also, sustainable packaging could be subject to policy issues, especially regarding recycling quotas that compel manufacturers to do the opposite of what they should be doing. …