Flexible packaging, known for its lightweight and versatile nature, is a significant contributor to plastic waste if not responsibly sourced.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to source eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with both sustainability goals and packaging performance needs.
Here’s how you can source sustainable flexible packaging solutions for your business.
1. Understand Your Packaging Requirements
Every business has unique packaging requirements based on the product’s nature, shelf life, and consumer expectations. Before diving into eco-friendly options, assess:
- Barrier Properties: Ensure the material can protect your product from moisture, oxygen, or UV light as needed.
- Durability and Flexibility: Determine the mechanical properties your packaging must meet to ensure functionality.
- End-of-Life Goals: Will the packaging be recyclable, compostable, or reusable?
Knowing these parameters will help you narrow down material options that balance sustainability with practical needs.
2. Explore Sustainable Material Options
The key to eco-friendly flexible packaging lies in the choice of materials. Here are some sustainable alternatives to consider:
- Recycled Content: Look for films and materials made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic or post-industrial recycled (PIR) materials. These reduce reliance on virgin plastic while maintaining packaging functionality.
- Biodegradable Films: Materials like polylactic acid (PLA) and cellulose-based films, which are derived from renewable sources such as corn starch or wood pulp, offer good flexibility and barrier properties while breaking down more easily in natural environments.
- Compostable Materials: Certified compostable materials, such as paper composites or bio-based polymers, can be a great solution for reducing plastic waste. Ensure your chosen material is either industrial or home compostable, depending on your customers’ disposal options.
3. Partner with Sustainable Packaging Suppliers
Working with the right packaging suppliers is crucial. When sourcing eco-friendly packaging, look for suppliers that:
- Are Committed to Sustainability: Choose suppliers with strong environmental policies, certifications (e.g., FSC for paper, BPI for compostables), and transparent manufacturing practices.
- Offer Customization: Depending on your packaging needs, you may require custom solutions, such as printed packaging or specific barrier properties. Work with suppliers that provide flexibility while maintaining eco-friendly standards.
- Provide Lifecycle Assessments (LCA): Responsible suppliers should offer insights into the environmental impact of their packaging materials, allowing you to make data-driven decisions about their sustainability.
4. Prioritize Certifications and Standards
Ensure that any eco-friendly packaging material you select meets relevant certifications and standards, such as:
- FSC Certification: For sustainably sourced paper or cardboard packaging.
- Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) Certification: For compostable materials.
- Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certification: For materials that meet high standards in safety, circularity, and sustainability.
These certifications help verify the authenticity of sustainability claims, ensuring you’re truly using eco-friendly packaging.
5. Embrace Recyclable and Reusable Solutions
- Monomaterial Packaging: Many flexible packaging solutions are made from multilayer plastics, which are difficult to recycle. Monomaterial solutions (e.g., 100% polyethylene or polypropylene) improve recyclability and are becoming more common.
- Reusable Packaging: For certain products, reusable packaging solutions, such as refillable pouches, can help reduce single-use plastic waste. Brands adopting such models benefit from both sustainability and enhanced customer loyalty.
6. Consider Circular Economy Approaches
A circular economy approach to packaging prioritizes designs that allow packaging to be reused, repaired, or recycled rather than discarded. Sourcing packaging that can be reintegrated into the production cycle helps minimize waste and conserves resources.
- Closed-loop Recycling: Seek packaging suppliers that offer closed-loop recycling programs, where used packaging is collected and processed to create new packaging materials.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Embrace systems where your company takes part in the post-consumer recovery of packaging materials, supporting recycling initiatives and minimizing environmental impact.
7. Stay Informed of Innovations
The eco-friendly packaging industry is rapidly evolving. Stay up-to-date with new technologies and materials that improve the sustainability of flexible packaging. Innovations such as:
- Water-soluble Films: Which dissolve in water and leave no residue.
- Edible Packaging: That eliminates the need for disposal.
- Biodegradable Plastic Alternatives: Derived from algae, mycelium, or other renewable sources.
These innovations may soon become viable options for a wide range of packaging needs.
Conclusion
Sourcing eco-friendly packaging solutions for flexible packaging is not just about finding alternatives to plastic but about rethinking the entire lifecycle of your packaging. By focusing on recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable materials, partnering with responsible suppliers, and staying informed about new innovations, your business can contribute to a more sustainable future while meeting consumer demands.
Eco-friendly packaging is not only good for the planet but also a smart business move as sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers and stakeholders alike. Make the shift today and position your brand as a leader in environmental responsibility.
If your brand wants to invest in quality packaging, we will guide you through the entire print process. In addition, we are providing recommendations along the way to improve efficiency, reduce costs and add untold value to the end product.
Contact us on +44 (0) 161 440 7302 or follow this link to complete our contact form – or, we’ll see you there!
