Sustainability is a way to take care of the earth that takes care of us. Times are changing regarding how people treat the planet, and the packaging industry is changing with those times. There has been a lot of progression in the green movement, but there are still plenty of opportunities and simple changes that can be made to keep up that progression. Packaging made with recyclable material is an important part of sustainability, but there is much more to it.

The Three R’s of Sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce:

Reducing the amount of materials and energy being used to create your brands packaging supports sustainability. There are a few simple ways your company can reduce the amount of waste being used on your packaging. In earlier times, luxury packaging meant going all out with boxes inside of bigger boxes, inside of bags, with plenty of wrapping paper and a ribbon on top. But current times are different. The idea of less is more can certainly apply to luxury packaging. By keeping it elegant, yet simple, you can still wow your customers and reduce waste at the same time.  Another way your company can provide outstanding packaging while still hitting the goal to reduce, is combining your box and your bag into one package. If you’re asking yourself ‘How can that be possible?’ or ‘What does that even mean?’ take a look at the bag below. By using a more box-like structure and attaching a handle to the top, we were able to eliminate the need for a separate box and a bag. Eliminating the need for both leads to a reduction in the use of resources.

Choosing the wrong finishes can render your eco-friendly design un-recyclable. So how does your package composed of recyclable materials magically become nonrecyclable? Those finishing touches and add ons being used may very well be the culprit. If any part, no matter how small, of your package is not recyclable, the whole package will end up in a landfill.

Some examples of nonrecyclable packaging components include:

·       Laminations

·       Foils

·       Poly ribbons

Once any of these materials has been added, it doesn’t matter that the main components are eco-friendly, it is still deemed nonrecyclable as a whole. If you want your brand’s packaging to be truly sustainable opt for environmentally friendly inks, finishes and adornments.

Some examples of eco-friendly inks and finishes include:

·       Soy-based inks

·       Water-based varnishes

·       Vegetable based inks

There is a lot to consider when thinking about your sustainable packaging program. VBX Solutions can help you explore your options, and work with you to find the best solution for your brand. To learn about these options email us at info@vivaboxsolutions.com.