Sustainability is growing in its importance and necessity across the globe. Customers are more aware nowadays and they understand that brands must take the initiative to identify and fulfil their responsibility of reducing the environmental impact of their business activities.
Packaging, as it stands, is a huge part of the sustainability debate. Sustainable packaging is the one of the most valued elements of a business in the eyes of consumers. According to research by Deloitte, 53% of the consumers believe that if a product uses minimal or recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging, it makes it sustainable. Moreover, 31% of the consumers said this was a consideration when making a purchase.
What is Considered as Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging uses materials that are environment-friendly, recyclable, not harmful to flora, fauna or people, and not generating greenhouse gases. Moreover, the materials should also not burden natural resources such as water, land and more on their creation as well as disposal through recycling, decomposition etc.
According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, eco-friendly packaging must meet the following criteria:
- Useful, safe, and healthy for the public throughout its lifecycle
- Fit for purpose in terms of performance and cost
- Consumes only renewable energy
- Made from recycled materials
- Uses only clean technologies
- Minimises wastage
- Is part of a circular system of reuse
Why is Sustainable Packaging Important?
Sustainable packaging and the concept of sustainability is more than just a trend. It’s the need of the hour and the tipping point of years of environmental neglect by brands using single-use plastics apart from detrimental practices such as overpackaging, careless disposal of waste and cost-cutting mechanisms that are employed at the expense of the planet.
Packaging waste is responsible for millions of tonnes of garbage across India and has led to the creation of massive landfills in its wake. According to a shocking report by Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment, the packaging industry is responsible for 40% of plastic pollution worldwide. According to government claims, more than 34 lakh tonnes of plastic waste were generated in India in 2019-20, which doubled in five years at an alarming growth rate of 21.8 percent per annum.
For instance, plastic bottles take more than 450 years to fully decompose which puts a lot of burden on the environment which millions of bottles dumped into landfills every year.
That is precisely why more and more brands across the country have sprung into action to do their part as well as spearhead packaging awareness campaigns and cleaning drives to inspire others to follow suit.
Stay tuned for the next article to know how brands can embrace sustainable packaging in five simple yet effective ways.
