The Future Of Sustainable Packaging

Published on Monday, Jul 14 2014

The environment now plays an integral part within our lives, with many industries having to adapt in order to cater for changing consumer habits and regulations that are now in place.
 
It can be argued that none have been impacted more than the packaging industry where the key to success is about being adaptive to market changes whilst also encouraging customers to change their behaviour. 

Surge in consumer awareness

The pressure is on for brands to create packaging that not only entices users to buy their product but also dispose of it in a responsible way. Whilst some users still need to be educated on the importance of recycling their waste, the sustainable movement is on the rise with more consumers expecting companies to produce this as standard.
 
A recent study undertaken by IPSOS found that out of the respondents they surveyed, 55% would pay more for eco-packaging, proving that consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of sustainable packaging. 

Brands leading the way

Consumer awareness is not the only thing on the rise; brands are also incorporating more of a ‘green’ approach to their packaging initiatives. Whilst this has already been started with the standardised ‘brown’ packets, brands are aiming to become more inventive in terms of design in order to produce intelligent packaging and materials.
 
Researchers at Ford and Heinz are currently exploring the prospect of using tomato fibres within car production. This discovery will add to Ford’s already prosperous catalogue of bio-based products including coconut based composite materials and soy foam! This may not be packaging per se, but it is an example of innovative practice and a brand understanding the importance of the footprint it is leaving.
 
Another brand considering using plant based materials within their packaging is the drink giant Coca Cola. The brand has promised to reduce the footprint of each can they produce by up to 25% by incorporating renewable resources such as fruit skins and plant stems within their products packets. 

Going a step further

Key trends in the industry to make packaging more sustainable are not only focused upon where waste can be reduced but how technology can be utilised to aid the process as well as the wider environment.
 
Chill Can have been instigating research into self-cooling technology to keep drinks cool no matter where you store them. Whilst it sounds convenient, from first impressions you may question how this innovation may improve sustainability. Well, if rolled out successfully this innovative technology could have a knock on effect upon reducing our use and reliance upon refrigerators – win, win!
 
Whilst these trends will continue to increase in dominance, as with any innovative sector new ones will constantly be introduced causing the market to remain on its toes and adapt.
 
And, this is key for both brands and the future of sustainable packaging.

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