The packaging industry has grown tremendously over the years,
particularly in recent times and mostly since the introduction of custom
packaging that allows the user to develop the boxes according to given
specifications. The packaging industry is estimated to be worth nearly $900
billion with further growth and serving nearly every sector that has diverse
needs. The custom packaging is the best solution for small and medium sized business
companies along with startup organizations who are looking for packaging that
can serve not only to keep the products save but increase their brand identity.
The custom packaging is widely used for variety of retail
products, cosmetics, food, beverages, and other consumer goods that need to be shipped,
transported, and displayed in the store. There are many elements of packaging
from designing, developing, packaging material, to printing. The design of the
boxes is the first stage, and then it is preceded with a selection of packaging
material which is based on the type of product that has to be packed. The
traditional packaging materials were not deemed safe for the environment as,
after usage, the boxes ended up in land waste and increased the carbon
footprint as the packaging material is not biodegradable.
What is Sustainable Packaging Design?
One of the aspects that have become a key in custom packaging
apart from structural design and digital printing is environmental
responsibility and development of packaging practices that fulfil sustainable
requirements. For example, in the food industry, the packaging material is
critical and regulating authorities verify if a particular material is safe and
can be used for the intended shelf life period for the product or not.
One of the key challenges for numerous packaging companies is to
develop product packaging design that
integrates sustainability and environmental responsibility in the design. Packaging
has a significant impact on the environment, and packaging companies are
identifying every process from materials to processes. According to research,
packaged boxes are thrown away after usage and makeup to almost 24% of landfill
every year, and it does not include the boxes that are thrown in rivers,
roadways, and oceans. The complete life cycle of a packaged box is studied as a
benchmark on which other design and development of other custom boxes are based
on. The life cycle assessment includes
·
The packaging material whether it is cardboard,
fiberboard, corrugated, or Kraft
·
The packaging process
·
The contents to be packed
·
The logistics and delivery system; and
·
Waste management
Why the need for Sustainable Design
The packaging companies know the relevant regulations for
packaging when it comes to manufacturing, sale, and use of the products that
are to be packed. The traditional R’s that are considered for sustainable
design include ‘Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce’. The most vital function of the
packaged boxes is for the safety and security of the contents. In contrast, the
digital printing is used for applying a formal theme, company logo, color,
artwork, and other necessary details on the packaging. If a superior quality of
the material is not used, then the contents could be degraded and even lost,
which can lead to customer dissatisfaction.
The modern packaging companies are aware of the growing concern of
climate change which is resulting in extreme weather patterns across the globe.
The current global scenario calls for positive input along every stage of the
packaging value chain which includes
·
Sourcing from responsible and credible sources
·
Converting the material into a form that is
suitable for custom packaging
·
The packaging design that represents the
specifications of the proposed custom boxes
·
The innovative digital and offset printing
·
End of life options such as reusability that
allows consumers to make use of the packaged box for other purpose such as
storing household things.
Apart from packaging providers, the consumers also should play a
part and carry out their social responsibility. Consumers can reduce their
packaging footprint by choosing a custom design that utilizes the packaging
material that is eco-friendly, recyclable, and does not add to land waste.
Experts say for a model to be sustainable, four aspects should be considered
which are
Ø
Effective: Ensures protection of package
contents and adds value
Ø
Cyclic: The materials used for packaging should
be cycled multiple times to minimize degradation
Ø
Efficient: The machines and systems should utilize
the packaging materials efficiently and provide a robust, durable, and flexible
quality
Ø
Safe: The complete packaged box should not
pose any risk to human health
The implementation of lean technology is best to streamlining the
packaging process and minimizing any waste and highlights processes that
require fewer materials. The sustainable design improves the shelf life and
enhances the longevity of the products.
How Packaging Companies implement
Eco-friendly Options
Sustainable design is easily achieved by using modern practices,
using efficient resource designs, and use of recycled and renewable packaging
materials. These days it is easy for packaging companies to source renewable
materials and incorporate them in custom designs. The recent trend is to buy
packaging design and then using flexible packaging that
reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improving the value of the custom boxes and
reduce overall cost, which is why many packaging companies offer wholesale
rates on bulk orders.
The conventional packaging systems use up to 80% of the energy and
result in an increased amount of carbon emissions that is not good for the
environment. The alternative and sustainable design can extend shelf life,
prevent any damage or leakage of the intended content or product, and allow
consumers to save money.
The sustainable design is not an option but a necessity. The
pillars of the eco-friendly environment always revolved around ‘reduce,
recycle, and reuse’ and all the multinational companies and big corporations
are taking steps to reflect sustainable values through their products and
services. The advancement in technology has played an essential role in giving
breakthrough in eco-friendly designs and even experimenting with sophisticated
and new styles that allow business companies to achieve diversification and
competitive edge.
Eco-friendly design is such where the packaging material reduces
its carbon footprint over time, and it can be achieved by considering three
factors that are
1.
Materials: Making sure to use packaging
material that is 100% renewable and natural
2.
Process: Implementing lean methods throughout
the value chain
3.
Reusability: Allowing consumers the option to
use the custom boxes for other purposes
Why the Future of Custom Packaging
involves Sustainable Design
Sustainable packaging design is a
process of custom packaging with the emphasis of putting in as little negative
impact on the environment as possible. The durable material such as Kraft ticks
all the right boxes as it is sturdy, flexible, long-lasting, and recyclable.
The flexibility in design allows companies and entrepreneurs to bring a smart
and innovative design that can enhance the brand appeal and entice customers to
make a buying decision.
The reusability options increase brand loyalty as consumers want
to associate with brands that are following social responsibilities and
reflecting it through their products and services. The smaller and medium
consumer brands are focusing on sustainable options as they already have a limited
budget and want to achieve a competitive edge.
The cardboard material is known as the evergreen packaging
material as it is organic, robust, and biodegradable. The corrugated material
is another popular material which is known for its strength and stability and
used for storing and shipping heavy objects. A simple cardboard box is said to
be over 80% recyclable, and the main ingredient of cardboard comes from paper
pulp and raw materials extracts comes from the trees. Apart from the natural
raw materials, there are also bio-based plastics or more commonly called corn
plastic that are made from organic compound and now used as packaging material.
The simple steps that a brand can take to move towards a sustainable design are
ü
If for example, your cosmetic brand has a long
list of products such as lipstick, mascara, foundation, eye-liner, nail polish,
cream, and perfume, then it is better first to test the sustainable design on
one product. If the results are fantastic, then revamp your branding and
packaging for every other product.
ü
It is better to ask for packaging samples
which can give your fair idea on the design, and you can also add modifications
ü
You need to evaluate the total number of
custom boxes you require and the total cost. Many businesses think custom
packaging is expensive, but on the contrary, it is made economical due to
recyclable material and wholesale rates.
ü
An eco-friendly design sits well among your target
audience as it reflects your brand responsive social awareness
ü
A marketing campaign can also be run simply
based on sustainable design
The climate change is very much real, and every individual and
business company must play its part in saving and caring for the environment
and leaving it in a better shape for our future generations. The sustainability
in custom packaging is just beginning, but it will soon become a standard in
the overall design of custom boxes.