Make an impact with sustainable packaging

More and more, large organizations are adopting environmentally conscious practices into their overall business objectives. Waste in landfills, trash piling up in our oceans, and a genuine concern for the environment are some of the top reasons that consumers are creating a demand for more sustainable packaging.

What is sustainable packaging? In broad terms, sustainable packaging is sustainable or better for the environment. According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, the leading voice on the topic, sustainable packaging:

• Is beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle
• Meets market criteria for performance and cost
• Is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy
• Optimizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials
• Is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices
• Is made from materials healthy throughout the life cycle
• Is physically designed to optimize materials and energy
• Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial closed loop cycles

Sustainable packaging is here to stay, and more companies are recognizing its importance in terms of their business practices. However, implementation of such programs may seem overwhelming if you are unsure of where and how to start. In this article we will discuss first steps and priorities as ways to move forward.

Define what sustainability means to you. To get the ball rolling in the right direction, it’s always good to discuss and outline your organization’s specific reasons for considering sustainable packaging. Because there is no “one size fits all” scenario in terms of sustainable practices, you should first determine what sustainable means to your company. Defining sustainable in your own words, and in a way that supports your overall business objectives, will provide you with a road map for success.

Define your goals and set priorities. Once you land on a suitable definition, set your sustainability goals. Do you want to better the environment, reduce landfill waste, ensure a higher probability of end-users recycling your packaging? Whatever your reasons, these will help drive the decisions you make in terms of packaging design. If you find yourself with a long list of items important to you and to your organization, lay them out in priority order so that you can focus on what’s most important. These goals will allow you to create priorities on which to focus as you begin to incorporate sustainability into your packaging.

With a strong definition of what sustainable means to your organization, coupled with your goals and priorities, you’re well on your way to creating a roadmap to incorporating more sustainable design into your business practices.  

If the idea of tackling the topic seems a bit overwhelming, don’t let that keep you from starting the discussions in your organization. Chances are you’re not alone in your desire to make a difference. You may quickly find yourself surrounded by supportive colleagues and organizational leaders also wanting to make a positive impact on the environment.

Looking for assistance with your next steps? EPI Marketing Services is here to help answer your questions and work with your organization on more ways to incorporate sustainability into your packaging. From the initial design of your package, to packing materials, efficient shipping methods, and more, our team of packaging design engineers will work with you to help maximize product protection and visual impact while minimizing production and distribution costs. We will happily work with your organization to help you meet your sustainable packaging goals. Contact us at: 800.562.9733.