The Best Eco Friendly Packaging for you

For a lot of people, being eco friendly is in, and sustainability is something that isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a must. There are now more designs than ever before that make your packaging look good, and not as awkward-looking. Here, we’ll go over some of the best eco friendly packaging trends for you to consider for your packaging services. 

Minimalism is In 

If you’re not already doing this, going minimalistic with paper and cardboard is one of the best ways to not only look ecofriendly, but also to save money. 

If you use lightweight materials that are easy to recycle, that’s even better. 

No Additives 

It’s tempting to put stickers and fancy little additions on your packaging, but sometimes, plastic tape and stickers aren’t good, because they won’t be easily recycled. Consider trying to avoid this, and if you try to use stickers and tape, try to go for paper-based ones. 

Compostable Mailers 

If you have compostable mailers, then you’ll be in luck. This is great compared to the plastic poly bags that are out there.  This is because they weigh practically nothing and reduce that overall problem that can happen if you've got too much going on. It also reduces the carbon footprint that’s there when it comes to shipping.  

Plus, when someone tosses it, they can just break it down. 

Plastic and Ink Substitutes 

Now, it’s not like you have to wear off plastic packaging forever, but there are alternatives for you to use, PET substrates are one example, as they’re easier for one to recycle than other types of plastic. 

As for inks, go for soy-based inks, instead of ones based on petroleum.  Soy-based types of inks are far easier for someone to recycle, and are sustainability sourced, without the volatile organic compounds. 

Have a smart Supply chain 

If your supply chain is not correct, then fix this. 

You should try to focus on paper, but it’s reasonably sourced, as this will help with reducing the usage of virgin pulp and contributing to the major deforestation process. 

Don’t Use Plastic Packaging Peanuts 

While packaging peanuts are great for cushioning, if you use them too much, they can harm the overall environment. 

With more and more companies focusing on using some biodegradable packing peanuts made from wheat starch or corn, they’ll be able to break this down and focus on ensuring that you’re smart and sustainable. 

Recycled vs. Recyclable 

There is a difference between recycled and recyclable paper. 

There is paper that you can get that’s made directly from virgin wood, so that’s fully able to be recyclable.  Now recycled means that they are totally recycled and might not be virgin fibers, so it can be used and used again all the time. 

Get FSC 

You should try to go for the Forest Stewardship Council certified products, as they are paper items that come from a sustainable operation for timber. 

While recycled materials are ideal for the environment, FSC certified cardboard and paper are great options for one to choose from. 

Get =some Aqueous Coating 

Aqueous coating is a material that’s water based, eliminating fingerprints and smudges directly to the packaging without messing with the reality, and also makes it VOC free and nontoxic too. 

With all of these different means to ship out items, you’ll be able to reduce the environmental impact, and it will make it so much easier to transport. It also lowers the overall fossil fuels and saves you a ton of money in the long haul simplifying this, saving you a lot of money as well too.

Packaging with Embedded Anti-Microbial Properties

There’s so many new features with packaging worth checking out. various packaging materials that incorporate different antimicrobial features ensure product safety and hygiene during the transit process. 

With so many people worried about germs and the like, antimicrobial packaging is the solution they need, in order to have better peace of mind and a strong understanding of all the packaging incentives that are there. 

The New Technology Used 

Antimicrobial packaging is not some old technology. In fact, it’s so new that not every brand will use it! 

With anti-microbial coatings naturally put on the packaging, there’s a lot of benefit to be had. This coating will prevent the microbes from getting there.

There’s also material choices too, with the purpose of preventing these microbes from coming onto the packaging. This includes nano-silver, or copper-infused materials. When placed on the packaging, it prevents the growth of these bad bacteria, and ensures overall product freshness. 

The applications 

Almost any industry that has to worry about harmful bacteria should be using this.

Most notably, food packaging. If bad microbes get in, people get sick. Food poisoning is no joke, so having packaging that prevents this is important.

Another industry that benefits from this is medical supplies.   With medical supplies, they’re sensitive to see, and you’d be surprised at how much it can impact the overall experience. When you’re able to protect medical supplies, more can use it, and extends the life of those high-ticket items. 

Finally, anything where a lot of customers touch it. germs are easily spread on fingers, mouths, and the like. This is especially true during the winter months, when you may get sick more often.   High-touch consumer goods such as electronics or any sorts of interactive products will benefit from the anti-microbial products, as it will prevent the future spread of germs. 

The Benefits 

There’s a lot of benefits to be had with this packaging.

One, it extends the product’s shelf life. It exists for so much longer, and many customers will love that their items last a longer period of time. This is especially the case with food, which is only getting more expensive.

Lessened contamination is another. Cross-contamination is no joke, and it happens when you’ve got packaging that’s filled with gross microbes, or exposed to this.   with anti-microbial embedded packaging, you prevent that from being a thing.

Finally, you can improve the consumer safety with this packaging. Consumers who are able to trust a brand to give them a safe, effective product experience is so good.   when it’s embedded, it improves this, and really makes everything better for you.

Future Possibilities 

With antimicrobial packaging, there’s a wealth of applications that are coming down the pipeline. However, we might be seeing more with packaging especially that offers long-lasting protection for items. More and more technology is being used to extend the product’s shelf life, whenever it can happen.

Their other area is biodegradability and being recyclable. This is something that a lot of consumers are getting more aware of. With antimicrobial packaging, they can have packaging that’s protected, while also being recyclable and biodegradable. Overall, it enhances the product’s quality, and in turn, makes it so that your antimicrobial packaging is better utilized. 

In general, this type of packaging is considered to be a new venture, but there’s a lot of great items for you to consider, and you’ll be able to, with this, help and improve the experience for a lot of people, and will make it better for everyone who is interested in offering the ultimate in packaging protection.