Eco Friendly Packaging – how important is it?

Packaging… doesn’t sound like the most interesting subject, does it? Well, it is after you’ve read this article! There are so many new technologies being created at the moment that make Eco Friendly Packaging possible. It really makes us excited, because we’ve had enough of the single-use plastic wasted on packaging products. Packaging is going to a whole new level and we’re ready for it.

Importance of Eco Friendly Packaging

Packaging – something that is necessary and keeps our precious goods safe and sound on their journey to us. However, at the same time it seems to contribute to the downfall of our planet. 

Let’s start with some positives, we’re no longer in the dark ages of packaging. Compostable, recyclable and even biodegradable are on the market now and there are plenty of innovations happening to make more sustainable alternatives.

Okay, over to the negatives, unfortunately there are many shocking facts that are still happening (yes, even if it’s 2023). 

Did you know:

• Packaging waste accounts for a significant portion of the world’s total waste. In Europe alone, plastic packaging is still used for around 37% of all food. (source)
  
• Single-use plastic packaging is a major contributor to the world’s plastic waste problem. About 91% of this plastic isn’t recycled. (source)
  
• Packaging waste still has a significant impact on marine life. Every year, millions of tons of plastic packaging end up in our oceans, harming marine ecosystems and threatening the health of marine animals.
  
• Packaging waste has a negative impact on human health. The chemicals used in packaging materials can leach into food and drinks.

These facts underscore the urgent need to reduce packaging waste and shift to more sustainable and circular packaging systems. 

It’s easier than you might think, by making conscious choices and supporting companies that prioritize sustainable packaging, we can help reduce the impact of packaging waste on our planet and health.

Eco Friendly Packaging Brands

Innovative start-ups are popping up around the world to solve our plastic-waste problems and help the earth to breathe again. Fortunately, there are many businesses focusing on sustainability at the moment. New ones, and ones that already existed but are changing their ways of working. We’ve highlighted a few below.

Releaf Paper

Take Releaf Paper, a Ukrainian start-up using the raw material of fallen leaves for their products.

Releaf technology is a revolutionary way of producing paper from renewable raw materials without the use of harmful chemicals. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also reduces CO2 emissions by a whopping 78%!

SUPA

And speaking of paper solutions, have you checked out SUPA’s paper bottles? They’re made from 100% naturally derived plant-based ingredients.

Serious Tissues

Wait, there’s more! We’d love to highlight Serious Tissues in this article. They have found a way to create a 100% recycled kitchen towels and loo roll in the UK. A recycled kitchen roll and loo roll that actually work. Not bad, right?

Recycled Plastic versus Biodegradable packaging 

Don’t get us wrong, we are happy with all the new Eco Friendly Packaging options that are popping up. However, if you would have a choice between recycled plastic versus biodegradable packaging, we would go for biodegradable packaging.

While recycled packaging is definitely a good choice, there are some reasons why we think biodegradable packaging is the way to go.

Sure, recycled packaging is great because it reduces waste and uses existing materials, but biodegradable packaging takes it a step further.

Biodegradable materials break down naturally over time and go back to the earth, meaning they won’t sit in landfills for years (and years). Plus, biodegradable packaging can be composted, which is great for the environment and can even be used to grow more cool things like plants and veggies.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, only 14% of plastic packaging is collected for recycling globally. And even when it is recycled, it can still end up in our oceans and harm marine life. So recycling is definitely a good option, but it (unfortunately) won’t solve the plastic crisis we are facing right now.

In short: Eco Friendly Packaging

There’s a whole lot of buzz around eco friendly packaging and it’s about time! Let’s face it, we’ve had enough of the single-use plastic that’s literally choking our planet.

Now, packaging has finally gotten a glow-up: compostable, recyclable, and even biodegradable packaging options are hitting the market left and right. 

(Plastic) packaging waste is impacting the planet, the animals and even humans through consumption.

But wait, there’s hope! Innovative start-ups are popping up that offer sustainable solutions for the plastic crisis. We can now reduce packaging waste and shift to more Sustainable and Eco Friendly packaging options. Finally.
Are you interested in Eco Friendly shopping and products sent in plastic free packaging? Take a look at our platform.