The most notable developments in the packaging industry revolve around the circular economy. With many countries closing their doors to waste and environmental groups raising awareness to stop plastic pollution, more governments are passing environmental regulations faster than before. That includes regulations for industries to boost recycling rates and eliminate single-use plastics. By 2025, many companies have pledged to produce zero waste by adopting sustainable packaging.

The covid 19 pandemic has also contributed to a surge in environmental awareness and sustainability as people realize the impact of greenhouse emissions and other pollutions on the environment. The race is against the clock in the packaging industry, and the goal is to manufacture completely sustainable packaging. Here is an overview of the developments in eco-friendly packaging.

Designs for recycling

Recycling is a great development because the more packaging can be recycled, the fewer landfill sites we have. Many packaging companies such as TopPop packaging aim to design more recyclable packaging to reduce the impact of one-time-use packaging on the environment. Creating for recycling is undoubtedly paramount to future proof your business, the economy, and the environment. for recycling to be achieved, post-consumer packaging must fulfill all the requirements, including cleanliness, labeling, and separability.

Reuse models are increasing.

Another significant development in eco-friendly packaging is the rise of reuse packaging models in many industries. Plenty of packaging initiatives are coming up, such as those that encourage consumers to return glass packaging to the point of sale for reuse. Thankfully, reusable packaging is not only for those who can pay extra for their goods as it is becoming more accessible and available. Although reuse is more challenging to implement in a society where everyone is used to tearing and throwing, we hope that the gradual developments will continue.

Replacing plastics with bioplastics

Another notable development in eco-friendly packaging is the adoption of bioplastics to replace plastics that end up in landfills. While bioplastics are not the ultimate solution, using them instead of traditional plastics reduces the carbon footprint on the environment. It is gradually alleviating the plastic problem, although we need a better solution in the future.

Replacing plastics with paper

Many stakeholders in the sustainable packaging industry have suggested replacing plastics with paper rather than bioplastics, for instance, manufacturing paper cups and packaging bags. The only underlying problem is that manufacturers would have to consume more trees to replace plastics with paper and meet the packaging need in the market. But the good news is that paper and cardboard facilities are already running to take in more recyclable wastes, including paper, to counter the negative environmental impact.

They use compostable packaging in food industries.

Compostable packaging has found a niche within the food industry as an alternative to disposable packaging. Bio-based packaging materials, including PLA, a natural polymer manufactured from sugar cane and cornstarch, are biodegradable, providing sustainable packaging alternatives for food industries. Although it might not be as consumers want it to be, people are still experimenting, and it takes gradual developments to bring a positive change in the environment.

final thoughts

The rising need to eliminate toxins from food-related packaging is accelerating the adoption of entirely sustainable packaging.