10 trendov trajnostne embalaže

Trajnostni razvoj je danes vse bolj razširjen. Številne panoge iščejo okolju prijaznejše načine poslovanja. To velja tudi za trajnostne načine pakiranja. Zaradi vse večje svetovne zavesti o trajnostnih praksah ni presenetljivo, da povpraševanje potrošnikov po trajnostni embalaži narašča z neznansko hitrostjo. Po najnovejših statističnih podatkih o trajnostni embalaži je 66 % vseh ameriških potrošnikov in 80 % odraslih, mlajših od 34 let, pripravljenih plačati višjo ceno za trajnostne izdelke. Sodelovanje v krožnem gospodarstvu ni le zeleno pranje, ampak tudi dobro poslovanje, ki vam pomaga pri pridobivanju prednosti pred konkurenco. Metode so se v zadnjih letih zelo spremenile. V tem blogu si bomo ogledali nekaj trendov na področju trajnostne embalaže, ki jih lahko pričakujemo leta 2025.

Trendi trajnostne embalaže

Poleg recikliranja podjetja v večjem obsegu uporabljajo še nekaj trajnostnih trendov na področju embalaže. To je deset trendov za trajnostno embalažo, ki se bodo pojavili leta 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.

Zakaj se pojavljajo trendi trajnostne embalaže?

Trendi trajnostne embalaže izhajajo iz nujne potrebe po varovanju okolja. Podnebne spremembe so postale svetovna kriza, trajnost pa je zdaj prednostna naloga tako za podjetja kot za potrošnike. Ker potrošniška podjetja prispevajo 25 % svetovnih emisij, je izboljšanje trajnosti embalaže ključni korak pri zmanjševanju vpliva na okolje.

Ključni trendi na področju trajnostne embalaže

Recikliranje je že dolgo temelj trajnostne embalaže, vendar samo po sebi ni več dovolj. Novi trendi vključujejo zamenjavo plastike s papirjem, uporabo materialov za večkratno uporabo ter uporabo obnovljivih in biorazgradljivih možnosti. 7R trajnostne embalaže zagotavlja celovit okvir za izboljšanje trajnosti:

-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.

V trende trajnostnega pakiranja je vredno vlagati

Če vaše podjetje potrebuje trajnostno embalažo, je treba vlagati premišljeno in sodelovati s strokovnjaki, ki so specializirani za okolju prijazne rešitve. Ne glede na to, ali gre za cold seal ali kartonsko embalažo, je prava izbira odvisna od vašega izdelka in ciljev. Kljub napredku na področju zelene embalaže ostajajo materiali, ki jih je mogoče reciklirati, temeljni kamen trajnosti. Z naraščajočimi stopnjami recikliranja so izdelki, izdelani iz odpadnih materialov po porabi (PCW) ali recikliranih materialov po porabi (PCR), dostopnejši kot kdaj koli prej. Številne blagovne znamke zdaj sprejemajo reciklirano plastiko zaradi njenih okoljskih koristi in močne privlačnosti za potrošnike. Industrija embalaže doživlja preobrazbo, saj trajnost spodbuja inovacije in pričakovanja potrošnikov. Pametnejše tehnike zmanjševanja odpadkov, zasnove za večkratno uporabo, materiali na biološki osnovi in izboljšana možnost recikliranja oblikujejo bolj zeleno prihodnost. S sprejetjem teh trendov se lahko podjetja uskladijo z vrednotami potrošnikov in prispevajo k bolj zdravemu planetu.