The future of sustainable packaging

Environmentally conscious consumers expect sustainable packaging

The way that people shop and connect with brands has changed a great deal in recent years. However, it is not only the way that businesses and consumers are connecting that is changing, but so are customer expectations of brands. As individuals have increased access to the internet, they are becoming more enlightened and more conscious about their impact on the planet. This has led to an increase in consumer expectations and the prioritization of sustainability. As consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable and environmentally friendly businesses, where does this leave the future of packaging?

Consumers are Pushing for Change

The climate emergency is a big topic on the global stage, and it is becoming a hugely powerful motivator behind consumer choices. This is particularly noticeable for younger generations, as one report from Forbes found that 62% of Generation Z would choose to buy from a sustainable brand. Generation Z is by no means unique in showing these preferences; in fact, people of all ages and walks of life are actively seeking out sustainable companies.

Not only is there a move to prioritize companies that are using sustainable practices, but consumers are taking it upon themselves to actively avoid or even damage the reputation of companies that do the opposite. As companies are being condemned for ‘greenwashing’, and unsustainable practices are being avoided by consumers and struggling to rebuild their reputations.

Governments are Incentivizing Change

It is not only consumers that are pushing for change, but governments all over the world are aiming to reduce waste and cut back on carbon emissions. As President Biden has pledged to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gasses by 2030, there is increasing pressure on companies from both governments and consumers to become more sustainable.

What will the Future of Sustainable Packaging Look Like?

There is already some move towards making packaging more sustainable as companies work to reduce the number of unnecessary plastics they are using. However, the future of sustainable packaging will involve a lot more than cutting back on unnecessary plastic use. It will involve the use of wholly sustainable materials and practices.

Some companies are already embracing the use of sustainable practices in the creation of packaging. For example, Kathy Bennett, CEO, and founder of Bennett Packaging, is using 3D printing to make more sustainable packaging. The use of 3D printing technologies allows for a reduction in waste by 24.9%, helping companies reduce waste and save resources.

The future of sustainable packaging will not only see the use of more sustainable techniques and practices but also the use of greener materials. Already brands are looking to use more biodegradable, recyclable, reusable, and non-toxic materials in their packaging. There are also many studies going on all over the world that are discovering new and innovative ways of creating sustainable packaging. From corn-starch to seaweed, the future of sustainable packaging will be diverse and much greener.

While many companies are already embracing and creating sustainable packaging, there is still much progress to be made. As the pressure from consumers and governments is only set to increase in the coming years, the future will see a rise in the use of sustainable packaging solutions.