10 bæredygtige emballagetrends

I dag bliver bæredygtighed mere og mere almindeligt. Mange brancher er på udkig efter mere miljøvenlige metoder til at drive forretning. Det gælder også bæredygtige måder at emballere på. Med den stigende globale bevidsthed om bæredygtig praksis er det ingen overraskelse, at forbrugernes efterspørgsel efter bæredygtig emballage vokser med en hidtil uset hastighed. Ifølge de seneste statistikker om bæredygtig emballage er 66 % af alle amerikanske forbrugere og 80 % af de voksne under 34 år villige til at betale en præmie for bæredygtige produkter. At deltage i den cirkulære økonomi er ikke bare feel-good greenwashing; det er også en god forretning, som hjælper dig med at udkonkurrere dine konkurrenter. Metoderne har ændret sig meget gennem årene. I denne blog vil vi se på nogle af de bæredygtige emballagetrends, vi kan forvente i 2025.

De bæredygtige emballagetrends

Ud over genbrug er der et par andre bæredygtige emballagetrends, som virksomheder bruger i større skala. Her er ti trends inden for bæredygtig emballage, som er på vej i 2025:

1. Carbon labelling: This is an added label to the product, providing the consumer with additional information on the climate impact of what they consume. This helps consumers become more aware of the impact their choices make. Oatly’s carbon labels on oat milk, show the carbon footprint for transparency.
2. Double-sided labels: Another waste reduction strategy is the use of double-sided labels. By printing on the reverse side of a transparent laminate, brands can eliminate the need for a second pressure-sensitive facestock on clear packaging. This approach not only reduces the amount of material used, but also makes packaging more aesthetically pleasing and informative for consumers. Clean beauty brands like REN Skincare adopting double-sided labels to combine elegance and sustainability.
3. Lightweighting and downsizing: Lightweighting involves using thinner containers and labels, reducing the material used compared to conventional methods. For instance, Coca-Cola’s lightweight PET bottles that use less plastic while ensuring durability. Downsizing, on the other hand, involves decreasing the overall size and volume of product packaging. This strategy can help eliminate excess waste in the circular economy, especially for products vulnerable to expiration or environmental degradation. It is important to communicate this strategy effectively to consumers, who might otherwise misunderstand the intent behind smaller packaging sizes.
4. Bioplastics & biodegradable material: These materials are replacing unsustainable plastics and other materials that cannot be reused. This category includes bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable packaging options made from renewable resources such as rice husks, corn, cotton, and wood. Recently, innovative solutions like mushroom-based packaging and seaweed or algae-derived materials have gained traction. These materials not only come from sustainable sources but also return safely to the earth through composting or biodegradation, offering a circular solution to waste. Avani’s cassava-based plastic bags, Evocative’s mushroom packaging and Notpla’s seaweed-based sachets, which were used for condiments and drinks at the London Marathon. In this blog, you will discover 10 types of biodegradable materials for packaging.
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5. ‍Flexible packaging: Flexible packaging is an efficient and cost-effective option made from materials like plastic, paper and foil. It accommodates various products and offers easy customization, making it a popular choice in sustainable packaging. KIND Bars’ recyclable flexible packaging, designed for both aesthetics and sustainability.

6. Refillable/reusable packaging: This pertains to packaging that can be reused by companies after the empty packaging is returned by the customer. This trend of designing for reusability harks back to an era when milkmen delivered fresh milk in reusable jars. This practice is making a comeback, especially in specialty beauty, personal care, and beverage markets. For instance, Loop’s reusable packaging program with brands like Häagen-Dazs for ice cream tubs. Reusable packaging not only looks good, but also appeals to eco-conscious consumers, who are willing to pay a premium for products that help alleviate the guilt of packaging waste that shopping often entails. By being able to reuse the packaging multiple times, the environmental impact can be reduced greatly.

7. Labels for reusable packaging: when it comes to reusable packaging, the labels need to be as durable as the containers themselves. Brands, like Hydroflask and S’well for instance, are now designing pressure-sensitive labels built to last far longer than labels on single-use plastics. These labels, which withstand repeated use, are not only good for the environment, but also provide consumers with the necessary product information over an extended period of time.
8. Smarter waste reduction techniques: Companies are adopting innovative solutions to reduce packaging waste, such as linerless labels and advanced laminate technologies. Linerless labels, used by brands like Unilever in food packaging, help minimize adhesive waste and reduce material usage. While they may not suit every brand or product, particularly those with faster production lines, they offer a practical waste-reduction option for slower line speeds without compromising packaging effectiveness.
9. Circular packaging platforms: Brands are also exploring circular packaging platforms like Loop and Olive. These programs enable packaging exchanges between brands and their customers, promoting a zero-waste ideal. By reusing or recycling packaging materials, these platforms help to reduce waste and extend the lifespan of packaging materials, contributing to a more sustainable economy.
10. Designing for end-of-life: brands are increasingly focusing on ensuring their packaging materials are compatible with recycling practices. For instance, combining paper packaging with plastic containers might seem like a good idea, but it can hinder recycling efforts. By considering the end-of-life of packaging materials, brands can ensure they are contributing to a truly circular economy.

Hvorfor opstår der nye bæredygtige emballagetrends?

Bæredygtige emballagetrends er drevet af det presserende behov for at beskytte miljøet. Klimaforandringer er blevet en global krise, og bæredygtighed er nu en prioritet for både virksomheder og forbrugere. Da forbrugervirksomheder bidrager med 25 % af de globale udledninger, er en forbedring af emballagens bæredygtighed et afgørende skridt i retning af at reducere miljøpåvirkningen.

Vigtige tendenser inden for bæredygtig emballage

Genbrug har længe været en hjørnesten i bæredygtig emballage, men det er ikke længere nok i sig selv. Nye tendenser omfatter udskiftning af plast med papir, anvendelse af genanvendelige materialer og indarbejdelse af vedvarende og biologisk nedbrydelige alternativer. De 7R'er for bæredygtig emballage giver en omfattende ramme for at forbedre bæredygtigheden:

-Refuse: Avoid unsustainable packaging.

-Reduce: Use fewer materials or opt for eco-friendly options.

-Reuse: Repurpose materials whenever possible.

-Renew: Use renewable resources in packaging.

-Recycle: Ensure materials can re-enter the supply chain.

-Replace: Swap out harmful materials for sustainable alternatives.

-Rethink: Redesign packaging to minimize environmental impact.

Bæredygtige emballagetrends er værd at investere i

Hvis din virksomhed har brug for bæredygtig emballage, er det vigtigt at investere med omtanke og samarbejde med eksperter, der har specialiseret sig i miljøvenlige løsninger. Uanset om det drejer sig om cold seal emballage eller kartonemballage, afhænger det rigtige valg af dit produkt og dine mål. På trods af fremskridt inden for grøn emballage er genanvendelige materialer stadig en hjørnesten i bæredygtighed. Med stigende genbrugsrater er produkter fremstillet af post-consumer waste (PCW) eller post-consumer recycled (PCR) materialer mere tilgængelige end nogensinde. Mange brands bruger nu genbrugsplast på grund af de miljømæssige fordele og den stærke forbrugerappel. Emballageindustrien gennemgår en transformation, hvor bæredygtighed driver innovation og forbrugernes forventninger. Smarte teknikker til affaldsreduktion, genanvendelige designs, biobaserede materialer og forbedret genanvendelighed er med til at forme en grønnere fremtid. Ved at tage disse tendenser til sig kan virksomheder tilpasse sig forbrugernes værdier og bidrage til en sundere planet.