Packaging the Green Way: Using Biomaterials in Packaging
The conversation of climate change and environmental stability is one you can’t ignore. With the increasing demand of all-natural organic products, the need of sustainable, bioplastic packaging is also on a rise. It’s no surprise that businesses are taking charge at creating environmentally-friendly solutions to satiate the growing consumer demand for a decreased overall carbon footprint.
Moreover, these eco-friendly practices give businesses a competitive edge since they demonstrate awareness and compassion as persuasive factors in driving consumer sales.
Let’s look at the new materials being used for organic packaging as a part of a firm’s sustainability goals.
Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics
The recycled product of plastic waste is called Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) resin. Basically, the plastic materials are collected and sent through a process that produces plastic resin pellets.
Manufacturers aim towards using high percentages of PCR as their packaging options. Using PCR resins offers several benefits including cost savings, increased profits and not to mention an improved image of their brand. However, there can be a few limitations in using PCR including the clarity of the product and perfect color matches. Nonetheless, this sustainable packaging option is a consumer favorite!
Renewable polyethylene
Another organic packaging option that’s loved by the manufacturers is Biopolyethylene or renewable polyethylene which is identical in properties to conventional polyethylene, but it’s made from a variety of feedstocks like sugar cane, wheat grain or sugar beet.
Sugar polyethylene, in particular is used increasingly since it is BPA-free and has a comparatively lower carbon footprint. It has a variety of applications and is commonly used in recyclable tubes and bottles — a big hit among consumers!
Composted materials
Composting has gained a lot more traction in the recent years. In addition to new ways of improving soil fertility, compostable materials are now being used in food packaging, mainly in carry-out containers.
The new biodegradable flexible packaging films are the talk of the town! The layers in the packaging are combined to provide heat resistance, stiffness, strength and prevent external elements like moisture, heat and aroma. The three layers used in these flexible packaging are not only compostable but also appeals to both the consumers and manufacturers alike!
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