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We are going to show you some of the most relevant trends this year that are used in ecological packaging.
Eco-friendly packaging is increasingly making headway among e-commerce businesses, especially now, after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because, during quarantine, the beneficial effects that lockdown had on nature were observed, as the emission of harmful gases was reduced.
The essentials
Eco-friendly packaging is increasingly adopted by e-commerce businesses, driven by increased environmental awareness after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brands are opting for ecological packaging to mitigate environmental damage caused by waste.
Key trends include recycled paper/cardboard, compostable packaging, sustainable wooden boxes, reusable tin packaging, and cotton/jute drawstring backpacks.
However, the environment has also been damaged due to the enormous quantity of plastic gloves, bags, and masks that have been found discarded on the ground. Hence the general concern among brands to opt for eco-friendly packaging so as not to contribute to the horrific environmental situation.
Eco-friendly packaging trends for businesses
Growing Concern
The observed beneficial environmental effects during lockdown, contrasted with the damage from discarded PPE, underscore the urgency for brands to adopt eco-friendly packaging.
We are going to show you some of the most relevant trends this year that are used in eco-friendly packaging.
Bags and boxes made of recycled paper or cardboard
This recycled packaging is perhaps the best known among eco-friendly packaging. They consist of boxes, bags, or packages made of 100% recycled cardboard or paper, which have official Environmental Management seals and use inks and glues that are not harmful or toxic to the environment.
Eco-friendly packaging – 2023 trends
Packaging that can be used as compost
There are paper bags and labels that can then be used as natural fertiliser, i.e., for making compost. This is a very good option for eco-friendly packaging, as they are made from vegetable waste and without any added chemical elements. If you want to put your logo on them, it is advisable to do so with water-based inks, which are less harmful.
When using compostable paper bags and labels, opt for water-based inks for your logo to ensure they remain environmentally friendly and less harmful.
Custom wooden boxes
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These are boxes made from wood that comes from quality raw materials, with sustainable growth certifications and that do not contain materials that can contaminate more, such as glues, adhesives, staples, or nails. Furthermore, they can be given a second use once they reach the customer, for transporting or storing things.
Recycled Paper/Cardboard Made from 100% recycled materials with environmental seals and non-toxic inks.
Compostable Packaging Paper bags and labels made from vegetable waste, usable as natural fertilizer.
Sustainable Wooden Boxes Made from certified sustainable wood, free of contaminants like glues or staples, and reusable.
Tin Packaging Reusable and often made with recycled materials, promoting a second life for stylish containers.
Reusable Drawstring Backpacks Cotton or jute bags that offer sustainability, reusability, and brand visibility.
Tin packaging
Tin boxes or containers of any shape are also an eco-friendly packaging option designed for reuse. Thus, the buyer, upon receiving their package, can keep the packaging and give it a second life, for storing things, for example. In these cases, they usually have attractive designs to make them more appealing. Although not as eco-friendly as the other options, some manufacturers use recycled materials in their production.
While not always as eco-friendly as other options, tin packaging excels in reusability and can contribute to sustainability when produced from recycled materials.
Eco-friendly packaging – 2023 trends
Reusable drawstring backpacks
Eco-friendly drawstring backpacks made of cotton or jute are another commonly used type of eco-friendly packaging, as they are an item that, in addition to being sustainable, can be reused and gives visibility to your brand when someone carries it.
Choosing eco-friendly packaging for your products is a great option that will help your company's Corporate Social Responsibility.
In short, brands that use eco-friendly packaging make their potential customers understand that they care about the environment and take action to fight against climate change. Therefore, right now, choosing eco-friendly packaging for your products is a great option that will help your company's Corporate Social Responsibility.
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