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Eco-friendly packaging is now becoming the top priority of businesses and consumers. The trend of custom packaging design is now shifting towards minimal sustainable packaging. As consumers are now becoming conscious about the environmental impact of waste materials that come through different packagings that are made from unsustainable materials.
Precisely our youth i.e., Gen-Z is now rapidly shifting to eco-friendly packaging to reduce their carbon footprint. Businesses should invest in eco-friendly packaging to attract consumers and influence buying decisions. It also helps to enhance brand recognition as customers choose those brands that align with their values.
If you are a business owner or a professional in packaging who wants to be more eco-friendly then you should opt for sustainable packaging solutions. This guide will walk you through different eco-friendly material choices for sustainable packaging that are kinder to the planet and look great as well.
Why Are Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials Important?
At Hot Custom Boxes we are committed to provide businesses with eco-packaging options that offer both sustainability and customization. According to the 2023 Global Buying Green Report by Trivium Packaging, 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for products that use sustainable packaging.
A 2023 PR Newswire report found that 90% of Gen Z shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. The same report found that 71% of global consumers had chosen a product in the past six months specifically because the packaging was made from eco-friendly materials.
You need to choose cost-effective material options that don’t compromise quality. To help you prioritize sustainability and cost-effectiveness, we’ve put together a handy list of environmentally friendly packaging materials
Kraft Paper: Strong & Recyclable
Kraft paper is made from wood pulp and is a good option for businesses who are looking for eco-friendly packaging materials. It is a durable and recyclable packaging solution that’s why businesses in the food, retail and e-commerce industries rely on it. All chemicals which are used in making kraft paper can be reused.
Kraft paper packaging material is widely used in making bags, wrapping sheets and custom boxes. Hot Custom Boxes’ Kraft Mylars are 100% FSC-Certified and are available in different sizes. You can customize your Kraft Mylar according to your brand’s specifications and style.
Biodegradable: Plant-Based Alternatives
Biodegradable means the ability of material to decompose into the earth naturally without leaving any toxic residue. Biodegradable packaging materials are basically made from plant-based materials like mushrooms, cellulose, bamboo and other bioplastics. Biodegradable materials take 180 days to decompose naturally in the environment. Here are some of the types of biodegradable packaging materials.
- Sugarcane-Based Materials
- Bioplastics (PLA)
- Mushroom Packaging
- Bamboo Packaging
- Cornstarch Packaging
Sugarcane-Based Materials
It is a biodegradable material that quickly decomposes in the environment and provides nutrients to the soil. Sugarcane-based material is widely used to make different packaging due to its heat-resistant properties. You can customize it into different shapes and sizes. It provides a great surface for printing logos and other brand elements for effective packaging. It can be used in various industries like food, beverage and retail.
Bioplastics (PLA)
It is material that is made from renewable resources like cornstarch and sugarcane. PLA is a clear transparent sheet that is used for box lining and food containers. Bioplastic(PLA) is a plant based packaging material that is used in various industries for different sustainable packaging needs.
Mushroom Packaging
It is an innovative packaging material that is made from plants. It is a great alternative to styrofoam and is made from mycelium. Mushroom packaging is lightweight and can be used for shipping purposes due to its durability and protects the products from damage. You can deliver your products to your customers without any damage or refund. It results in happy and satisfied customers with a premium unboxing experience.
Bamboo Packaging
Bamboo packaging is a biodegradable and recyclable packaging material. It is becoming more in demand as companies are now shifting to eco-friendly materials to achieve their sustainability goals. It is a sustainable material to manufacture packaging for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and consumer goods.
Cornstarch Packaging
Cornstarch is a biodegradable material. It is the best alternative to styrofoam and plastic that are used for different packaging boxes. It helps to reduce carbon footprint and is a good choice for food takeaway. This kind of eco-packaging appeals to consumers and improves brand image.
Corrugated Cardboard: Durable & Protective
Corrugated cardboard is made from trees and old corrugated containers. This packaging can be reusable up to 7-10 times before making new packaging materials. Notably, according to corrugated.org, “more corrugated packaging is recovered for recycling than any other packaging material.” Material choice affects the durability of the packaging boxes.
Corrugated cardboard and paperboard materials options are widely used in crafting packaging boxes for e-commerce and online shopping. Different online businesses are utilizing it for packaging and shipping items.
Recycled Materials & Inks: Contribute To Circular Economy
Recycled materials are the best choice for contributing to the circular economy. They provide a second chance to the materials that are already in circulation. Other than that, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint you can use water-based and algae-based inks to print your brand logo and other information on packaging boxes. It promotes long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
Compostable Packaging Films
Compostable materials take 90 days to decompose in commercial composting conditions. Compostable packaging films are the best choice for food packaging, beverage cups, etc. They are made from renewable resources such as cellulose and seaweed. These films are available in single-ply and multi-ply for various custom packaging needs.
- Seaweed Packaging
- Cellulose Packaging
Seaweed Packaging
It is an innovative and sustainable alternative to plastic. It is made from extracted seaweed biopolymers that are processed into films and resins. It is used to create compostable or edible packaging components like windows for retail boxes or films for mylar pouches.
Cellulose Packaging
It is a renewable, compostable packaging material made from plants. This material is used to make a variety of packaging like paper and regenerated cellulose films. It is a cost-effective and durable alternative to plastic. It is used in making packaging for shipping and retail.
Why Should Businesses Use Sustainable Packaging?
As we know that global warming is increasing day by day and the main reason is environmental pollution. So you have to shift your packaging to sustainable packaging solutions. Here are some of the factors that will improve after shifting to sustainable packaging:
- Enhance Brand Recognition
- Improves Customer Experience
- Build Trust In Brand
- Environmental Benefits
Enhance Brand Recognition
By using eco-friendly packaging, you can tell your customers that you care about the environment. Customers will recognize your brand as eco-conscious and enhance brand identity in the marketplace. Paperboard and cardboard material options are a good choice for businesses as they are eco-friendly and cost-effective packaging solutions.
Improves Customer Experience
It helps to improve customer experience through eco-friendly packaging with minimal designs. And the use of green and blue colour palette evokes emotions of calmness and balance that influence purchasing decisions.
Build Trust In Brand
By using the psychology of packaging design across all sustainable packaging can help build customer trust in your brand. Consistent use of branding elements, typography and colour psychology can help to build customer trust and loyalty in your brand.
Environmental Benefits
Eco-friendly packaging helps in reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills and oceans. By using biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials brands can reduce their carbon footprint and conserve natural resources. Sustainable packaging also supports global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
At Hot Custom Boxes, all of our products fit into a compostable, recycled or reusable framework and are entirely customizable according to your product requirements. Let your business be the star of the show and feature your brand colours, logos, slogans and more.
Start Designing Your Green Packaging Today!
Join hands and start your designing journey of sustainable packaging with Hot Custom Boxes! Want more information regarding eco-friendly materials for sustainable packaging solutions? Give us a call (332) 263-6086 or email us at [email protected]!
