It’s Time to Switch to Environmentally Friendly Packaging

By Mohammed Bashir, London Daily News
Businesses can reduce their environmental impact by switching to eco-friendly packaging solutions that safely wrap and protect products during shipping, while contributing to sustainability efforts.

Problem: The Packaging Crisis
Packaging waste is one of the most significant contributors to environmental damage across the globe, with several key industries relying heavily on disposable packaging materials. The food and beverage, retail, and consumer goods industries top the list, using billions of packaging units every year to transport, store, and deliver their products.

Key Statistics (UK):
Plastic Waste: UK households discard an alarming 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging annually, averaging 66 items per household per week. (Source: Statista)
Food and Drink Packaging: In 2022, food and drink packaging accounted for 83% of plastic packaging waste in the UK. (Source: Statista)
Paper and Cardboard Packaging: Households in the UK produced 5.4 million metric tons of paper and cardboard packaging in 2021. (Source: Statista)
Top Polluters: Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and PepsiCo were named the UK’s biggest packaging polluters. (Source: The Guardian)
The environmental consequences of excessive packaging are dire. Single-use plastics, commonly found in food and drink packaging, are not only filling up landfills but also polluting oceans and harming marine life. Plastic debris can take hundreds of years to decompose, often breaking down into microplastics, which enter food chains and water sources, impacting both human health and wildlife. Beyond pollution, the manufacturing and disposal of packaging materials contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Solution: Eco-Friendly Packaging and Innovation
To address the environmental challenges posed by traditional packaging, all stakeholders in the packaging supply chain—manufacturers, brands, and governments—must act responsibly and prioritise sustainability.

• Packaging Manufacturers: Packaging manufacturers and suppliers need to put the environment first by investing in research and development (R&D) to create cost-effective, sustainable packaging options. Packaging foam, for example, can be manufactured from biodegradable or recycled materials, offering a safer alternative to conventional plastic-based foam. By switching to eco-friendly packaging foam and other sustainable materials, manufacturers can reduce the carbon footprint of packaging while still protecting goods during transit.
• Brands and Retailers: Businesses should opt for recycled, biodegradable, and compostable materials wherever possible. From recyclable packaging foam to biodegradable plastics and corrugated cardboard, there are now many options available that minimise harm to the environment. Additionally, brands should look into reducing over-packaging by tailoring packaging to the size and weight of the product, ensuring minimal waste.
• UK Government: The UK government needs to play a stronger role by enforcing stricter regulations on packaging waste and incentivising businesses that adopt sustainable practices. Initiatives like banning non-recyclable plastics and promoting environmentally friendly packaging can help the country transition to a more circular economy where packaging materials are reused, recycled, and repurposed.

Tips for Reducing Packaging Waste
Here are some actionable steps businesses and individuals can take to reduce their reliance on non-sustainable packaging:

• Assess Packaging Needs: Before packing, determine if packaging is truly necessary. Can the product be safely shipped with less or no packaging?
• Choose Sustainable Materials: Opt for biodegradable or recyclable packaging foam instead of traditional plastic foam.
• Right-Sized Packaging: Use packaging that fits the item’s size to avoid unnecessary waste. Custom-cut packaging foam ensures that products are well protected without excessive padding or space.
• Reuse Packaging: Encourage reusing packaging materials like boxes and foam for future shipping needs, reducing the demand for new packaging.
• Encourage Recycling: Label packaging with clear recycling instructions to make it easier for customers to dispose of packaging responsibly.

The shift to environmentally friendly packaging is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. By adopting sustainable packaging practices, businesses can lead the way in protecting the environment, reducing their carbon footprint, and safeguarding our planet for future generations. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, the time to act is now. Eco-friendly packaging solutions like recycled and biodegradable packaging foam are readily available and can make a meaningful difference in your company’s sustainability efforts.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/