People worldwide handle packaging daily, yet much of what we use is produced through processes and materials that harm the environment. For instance, plastic bottles can take thousands of years to decompose in landfills, often releasing toxic chemicals into groundwater during their long degradation process.
The concept of sustainable packaging has emerged as a practical approach to reducing the environmental impact of the packaging industry. Sustainable packaging ideally involves materials and processes that are environmentally responsible throughout their lifecycle. While current efforts often fall short of this ideal, the overarching goal is to minimize environmental harm.
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Characteristics of Sustainable Packaging
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition outlines several key characteristics of sustainable packaging:
- Supports healthy individuals and communities throughout its lifecycle
- Is sourced, produced, shipped, and recycled using renewable energy
- Utilizes renewable or recycled materials
- Employs clean production technologies
- Optimizes material and energy use
- Can be recovered and reused in closed-loop biological or industrial cycles
Although most sustainable packaging does not meet all these criteria, various organizations can still certify it as sustainable. For example, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies materials sourced sustainably from forests based on 10 principles and 57 criteria. Similarly, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), a European-based organization, also provides certifications for sustainably sourced materials.
Types of Sustainable Packaging Materials
Sustainable packaging generally falls into three categories: reusable, recyclable, and compostable.
Reusable
Reusable packaging is designed for multiple uses with minimal maintenance. Examples include glass milk bottles, plastic totes, gas cylinders, and kegs.
While reusable packaging is primarily used in wholesale and shipping, its feasibility at the retail level depends on consumers’ willingness to return items after use. For true sustainability, reusable packaging should eventually be recycled, repurposed, or disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
Recyclable
Recyclable packaging, such as cardboard boxes made from recycled paper or aluminum cans, is now commonplace. In 2022, the American Forest & Paper Association reported that over 93% of cardboard boxes were recycled. Coca-Cola also announced a recyclability rate of 90% for its packaging in 2023.
Compostable
Compostable packaging is designed to biodegrade and enrich the soil. While cardboard is often associated with compostable materials, its large-scale composting remains challenging. Commercially viable examples include bioplastics and plant-based packing materials.
Environmental Impact of Sustainable Packaging
Though sustainable packaging is still scaling, its benefits are already evident in several key areas.
Reducing solid waste
One of the most significant advantages is the reduction of solid waste. According to the EPA, packaging constituted more than 28% of all solid waste in the US in 2018. Increased recycling and reuse of packaging can significantly decrease this figure.
Conserving natural resources
Sustainable packaging also eases pressure on natural resources, particularly forests, by reducing demand for paper products. If powered by renewable energy, it further reduces fossil fuel use.
Energy efficiency
While recycled packaging has clear benefits, recycling consumes significant energy and can produce carbon emissions. Reusable packaging, by contrast, is more energy-efficient.
According to the Reusable Packaging Association, reusable packaging uses 64% less energy and up to 80% less water over its lifecycle than single-use packaging.
How does sustainable packaging help the environment?
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Current Applications and Examples of Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging materials have been used in forms like aluminum cans and corrugated cardboard for decades. While imperfect, these materials are far more environmentally friendly than single-use, non-sustainable alternatives.
Emerging materials also show great promise. For example:
- Starch-based adhesives: Made by mixing corn or potato starch with water, this adhesive can bind corrugated cardboard and other materials without releasing toxins as it degrades.
- Mushroom-based packaging: When baked, mushrooms' root systems create a material capable of replacing polystyrene. Companies like IKEA and Dell have adopted mushroom-based packaging as a sustainable alternative.
Conclusion
Expanding the use of sustainable packaging is a necessary goal for society, as reusable, recyclable, and compostable materials are critical in reducing waste and conserving resources.
While no material is entirely without flaws, ongoing innovation and shifting consumer attitudes hold the potential to significantly advance sustainable packaging efforts.
Continue Reading: The Future of Sustainable Packaging: Innovations and Trends
References and Further Reading
Oliver Inc. (n.d.). What Sustainable Packaging Certifications Should You Know About? [Blog post].https://www.oliverinc.com/blog/what-sustainable-packaging-certifications-should-you-know-about
Sustainable Packaging Coalition. (2019, June). Definition of Sustainable Packaging [PDF}. https://sustainablepackaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Definition-of-Sustainable-Packaging.pdf
The Coca-Cola Company. (2023). 2023 Environmental Update [PDF]. https://www.coca-colacompany.com/content/dam/company/us/en/reports/2023-environmental-update/2023-environmental-update.pdf
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