Plastic packaging is so outdated. Well, outdated and harmful to boot.

But there are plenty of environmentally friendly packaging options out there. And plenty of sustainable packaging companies have already been putting them to use.

So, what exactly constitutes sustainable packaging? And how can you be a part of the sustainable packaging solution?

See Related: How To Make Natural Deodorant

Sustainable packaging materials criteria

Sustainable packaging refers to material that can be used again and again while reducing its impact on the environment over time. Below are the various ways eco friendly packaging manages to do so:

#1. Raw material or recycled materials

Raw materials from natural resources make the perfect sustainable packaging materials. While recycled packaging materials can continue to give without such a harsh environmental impact.

#2. Limited manufacturing process

Minimizing the production process can decrease or neutralize a company's carbon footprint. And investing in clean production technologies can make for both environmentally sound packaging as well as a more sustainable supply chain.

#3. Reusable packaging to make for circular economy

Eco friendly packaging also extends the entire lifecycle of the sustainable materials used. In order to extend the usability and end of life of these recycled source materials, they must go through a life cycle analysis or life cycle assessment as well as a life cycle inventory.

Types of sustainable packaging materials

There is plenty of recycled material that can be used as packaging material. So here are the top non-plastic materials being put to use today.

Compostable packaging

At PAPR Cosmetics, we have invested in compostable packaging for our aluminum free deodorants. This way, our packaging material can naturally decompose back into the earth.

All while neutralizing our ecological footprint. Made of 99.98% FSC certified, responsibly sourced paper, our packaging design adds to the sustainable options out there. And meets consumers' functional and economic needs.

Recyclable packaging

Additionally, our sustainable packaging can also be recycled. Other brands use eco packaging made from recycled plastic and recycled bottles.

Each of which puts plastic packaging to good use. Using recycled materials means conserving natural resources, reducing the waste of material usage, and generally decreasing any negative environmental impacts.

Cardboard packaging

Cardboard packaging makes new packaging out of used paper pulp. So it's one of the best sustainable packaging solutions from an environmental perspective.

Cardboard product packaging can also be cut and formed into a variety of different sized shipping boxes. And without producing additional packaging waste within the packaging industry.

Biodegradable packaging

Before you completely rule plastics out of the green packaging equation, just know that there is such a thing as biodegradable plastics. These bio based plastics don't end up in landfills and can easily be recycled after use.

When it comes to environmentally friendly packaging, biodegradable material definitely has the least environmental impact. Because it simply returns back to the earth.

Plant based packaging

Plant-based packaging solutions can be made from a variety of different biological sources. From mushrooms to seaweed, from corn to food waste.

And don't think that this sustainable packaging can't be used for preserving food products. Because it can! It's just a matter of the packaging products involved and the materials used.

Reusable containers

Another great sustainable packaging design is reusable containers. You may have received a plastic free deodorant in a glass jar.

But now you have an eco-friendly glass jar to use for holding your toothbrush. Either way, repurposing materials contributes to packaging sustainability and is one of the best sustainable packaging solutions out there.

Bonus: What Is The Best Natural Deodorant For Sensitive Skin?

Why use sustainable packaging materials?

Sure, sustainable packaging is eco-friendly and limits your impact on climate change. But here are some other benefits sustainable packaging can offer.

Meet consumer demands

More and more consumers are coming forward, supporting sustainable product packaging. So you won't just be doing the eco-friendly thing, you'll also be meeting customer demands and backing your own sustainability claims.

Expand consumer pool

Some customers only buy from companies that use sustainable packaging. So if you join that club, you've got an entirely new customer base to connect with.

Increase brand loyalty

You'd be surprised at how many customers would trade the price of shipping costs for sustainable packaging. When you make a claim to support the environment, it speaks volumes to consumers looking to be ethically and environmentally conscious.

Adjust consumer behaviour

You can be a part of the bigger movement within the supply chain. These changes such as renewable energy and sustainable packaging are just catalysts to adjust human behavior and shift how we view our impact on the environment.

Minimizing waste

Sometimes, the waste produced by packaging not only hurts the planet, but also clogs up your brand. So clean house and take a look at the criteria for sustainable packaging as defined by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. It never hurts to go zero waste where you can. 

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Think about gas emissions from a business perspective. The more emissions you put out, the shorter you'll have to define your brand and make for a sustainable model.

Neutralizing carbon footprint

At PAPR, we plant a tree for every new subscription. And in doing so, we allow our consumers to give back to the environment by protecting biodiversity and helping reforestation efforts around the world.

The bottom line

There are plenty of ways that you as a brand can incorporate sustainable packaging into your business. And there are plenty of benefits to gain from it anyway.

With a variety of options out there, it's a no-brainer to switch to sustainable materials. And make for a better and brighter tomorrow. 

Keep Reading: How To Go Zero Waste At Home

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PAPR Cosmetics is on a mission to create conscious beauty products with as little impact on the planet as possible. Our products are fully recyclable, vegan, and cruelty-free. When we take down one tree, we plant a new one. For more information and sustainability tips, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Tumblr.