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The Future of Sustainable Packaging: 5 Predictions for the Next Decade.
Many plastics are designed so that they can be used once and then discarded, which has led to around 5 billion tonnes of plastic ending up in landfills and the natural environment during the last 70 years. To reduce such impact, many customers today are becoming more eco-conscious and value businesses that follow sustainable practices. That’s why the packaging sector is now focusing more on sustainability. As a business owner, you should know the packaging trends and changes while staying with the current market predictions. This blog discovers the future of sustainable packaging and the 5 predictions for the packaging industry in the next decade.
The Future of Sustainable Packaging: Embracing Environmentally Friendly Solutions
Sustainable packaging is becoming a vital solution for protecting resources and reducing waste. Consumers are now going for sustainable packaging, which limits waste and reduces carbon emissions. Businesses can minimize landfill build-up and the amount of waste they generate by opting for compostable and recyclable packaging. Not only this, but by following sustainable practices, business can show their commitment to the environment.
5 Predictions of Sustainable Packaging for the Next Decade
1. 2023 Predictions Likewise
All things predicted in 2023 will be the same for 2024. If you look at the latest Amazon packaging, it states that they use less material. This means businesses can reduce huge product weight, fuel use, transportation costs, and greenhouse gas generation when shipping sustainable corrugated boxes.
2. California has more Eco-Clout than Federal Agencies.
California is making the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) peripheral. Notably, on October 7, 2023, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 253, which compels corporations operating in California and generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue to declare both direct and indirect emissions. On the same day, he signed SB 261, which requires corporations with yearly revenues of at least $500 million to report statistics on their climate risk management.
3. Reducing Single-Use Plastics
The New Zealand government’s phase-out of single-use plastics is already underway, with all produce bags and labels set to be gone. If you want to be ready for the change, look for alternatives and stock up beforehand. Customers expect you to act appropriately by packaging your purchases in sustainable materials; therefore, if you want to keep your valued customers, you must be proactive.
4. Decisions Prioritize Cost over Science
As the necessity for cost management increases, the desire for science-based, sustainable packaging decisions decreases. This reorganization indicates that the marketing department’s intention to cater to typically uneducated consumer demands and perceptions would reduce or eliminate science-based decision-making.
5. Focusing on Packaging Adhesives and Barriers
Adhesives and barriers are taking a more strategic role in the sustainable packaging market. The main goal is to alter non-recyclable and fossil fuel-based materials that contaminate or reduce the packaging recovery stream. This practice allows companies to promote plant-based, compostable, and recyclable materials.
Sustainable Packaging Material Innovations
- Mushroom Packaging: In the future, we can replace fossil-fuel-derived packaging and Styrofoam with mycelium, a mushroom root structure that can be developed within just a few days.
- Plant-based Plastics: These plastics are developed from renewable sources like potatoes, sugarcane, and corn. One of them is PLA (polylactic acid), which has the benefit of being biodegradable while creating notably decreased greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional plastics.
- Recycled Paper or Cardboard: Reusing recycled paper or cardboard for packaging liberates resources and decreases carbon emissions and energy consumption related to producing virgin material.
- Edible Packaging: Avoid single-use plastics and instead use packaging made of seaweed, casein (milk protein), or other edible components. Market Research Future predicts that in 2030, the edible packaging market will be worth USD 2.14 billion, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.79% between 2022 and 2030.
Final Thoughts
The future of sustainable packaging includes reusable solutions, biodegradable materials, intelligent packaging technology, a minimal design approach, and eco-friendly inks. The approaching transition to a circular economy reflects a shared commitment to reduce environmental damage. As innovation advances, collaboration between businesses and consumers becomes crucial for a greener, more responsible packaging future.
