As consumers become more aware of the importance of sustainability, they are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. One way businesses can do this is by using biodegradable packaging. This type of packaging is made of materials that can break down naturally and are not harmful to the environment. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of biodegradable packaging and how your business can start using it today!
1. What is biodegradable packaging and why is it important?
Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae can break down biodegradable packaging. Paper or cardboard and biodegradable plastics are the most commonly used forms of biodegradable packaging. There are many plants that can be used to make bioplastics, such as cornstarch, mushrooms, seaweed, and others.
1) The most popular biodegradable packaging – Paper custom packaging
If the paper is sourced and processed sustainably, it is one of the most environmentally friendly products made from renewable resources. In addition to being biodegradable and recyclable, it can often be converted into renewable energy as well. When considering indirect costs such as handling and storage, employee safety (hazardous foam chemicals), and machine downtime, paper outperforms many boxed alternatives. Compared with plastic packaging, paper packaging has significant long-term cost advantages. Here are some things to buy.
We are one of the largest and most trusted suppliers of eco-friendly packaging and boxes, which offer shipping boxes in various shapes, sizes, and configurations, whether you need a custom or basic box for your unique product. In addition, printing with eco-friendly inks provides a truly green shipping experience. Eco-friendly options are available for bags, void filling, and wrapping paper.
2. How is biodegradable packaging made?
There are many types of biodegradable packaging. Most are made from plant material. Paper and cardboard from wood are common biodegradable packaging materials. It involves cutting down trees, but unlike oil, trees can be replanted, so they are a renewable resource.
Bioplastics are another form of biodegradable packaging. These polymers are made from renewable raw materials such as starch, cellulose, soy, lactic acid, and other plant matter. When depleted, they can be returned to nature in the form of carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. Put green waste in compost bins and food bins for easy disposal.
3. Benefits of using eco-friendly packaging solutions
Biodegradable packaging has no better element than plastic. The use of sustainable packaging can reduce the healthcare costs caused by microplastics, thereby making humans healthier. By keeping plastic stuck in their stomachs and noses, or watching their habitat flooded with bottle caps, it could save thousands of animals every year.
It produces a smaller carbon footprint, a shorter life cycle, and is more environmentally friendly. In contrast, plastic takes more than 1000 years to degrade.
Using naturally biodegradable packaging is good for businesses and the environment. When your business cares about the environment, it becomes more popular and more trustworthy, and it attracts more people. By selecting the green campaign, you can expand your customer base, making you a more popular choice than less environmentally friendly companies.
Pordit will increase as a result. In addition, it can influence employees’ willingness to work for your company, resulting in more skilled and happy employees. Profits and productivity will also increase as a result.
4. Cost of biodegradable packaging
Using biodegradable packaging is not expensive. While it may be more expensive than single-use plastic packaging, it is not considered an expensive item. If you’re concerned about the cost of biodegradable products, there are a few things to consider.
Using biodegradable packaging shows that your business cares more than just about profits. In addition to building trust among existing customers, this can attract new customers who are equally concerned about the environment. As a result of increased trade, profits may increase, completely exceeding the slight increase in fees.
You should also consider the long-term impact of environmental degradation on your business. Food prices are expected to rise by 30%. Our ability to grow food is reduced due to environmental degradation. The food industry should be worried about this issue. The hidden side effects of plastic use, such as this case, can have a greater impact on your business in the long run than paying a little more for friendly packaging.
5. How to choose the right biodegradable packaging for your business?
You should consider the type of product you are packaging as well as the environment in which the packaging will be used when choosing biodegradable packaging for your business.
For example, liquid cosmetics need to be stored in glass or paper. If you’re packaging food, you may want to consider using materials like cardboard or bioplastic. Choosing the right material for your product and environment is important to ensure it biodegrades properly.
6. 10 sustainable packaging alternatives your business should consider
Here are 10 sustainable packaging alternatives that your business should consider.
1) Biodegradable packaging of peanuts
Takeaway boxes and bulk packaging contain polyester, which is lightweight and breathable. Unfortunately, this material has never been friendly to aquatic life since it is neither biodegradable nor economically recyclable.
For companies looking for the closest alternative to this classic packaging, there are now biodegradable air peanuts. These products work in the same way as the previously used polygon option, but they don’t languish in environmental pollution forever requiring less cost.
2) Air pillows made from recycled materials
Another great alternative to bubble wrap and Styrofoam is inflatable air cushions. They are available in a variety of sizes and are ideal for filling voids in boxes or providing cushioning around packaged goods.
Air pillows are small bags that can be inflated and are mainly composed of air. This reduces the amount of plastic used during production and transportation compared to other cushioning materials. In addition, they are reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable. Make sure the air cushion you buy is made from 100% recyclable materials and is biodegradable.
3) Recyclable packaging cardboard and paper
These filler materials must be contained in some way, and the industry standard is cardboard boxes. Although cardboard and paper are organic materials, they can harm the environment if their source is not sustainable.
However, these materials can often be recycled. Use recycled paper and cardboard from post-consumer or post-industrial sources to ensure your packaging is as environmentally friendly as possible. In addition, materials labeled as FSC-certified will come from sustainably managed forests. Cardboard and paper can be recycled up to seven times.
4) Mushroom packaging
In addition to mushrooms, another inexpensive eco-friendly packaging alternative that can be used to package smaller items can be made from cardboard. In this process, cleaned and ground agricultural waste is bonded together by a mycelium matrix, also known as mushroom root.
Agricultural waste is waste that cannot be used as food for humans or animals. Therefore, cornstarch packaging avoids any potential controversy. The raw material can then be molded into any shape desired. After drying, it is used as packaging. In addition to being oil-free, it degrades quickly and naturally. Composting mushroom packaging at home produces non-toxic organic matter.
5) Cornstarch packaging
Cornstarch has become a key ingredient in eco-friendly packaging. The plastic properties of cornstarch make it an alternative to plastics in a wide range of applications, including bottles, molded forms, and loose packaging.
6) Corrugated bubble packaging
Bubble wrap is widely known as a children’s favorite and can help protect fragile items during shipping. However, since it is made of plastic, it is not an eco-friendly material.
7) Organic fabrics
Plastic bags significantly affect our environment, with the average American using 365 plastic bags per person per year (compared to 4 plastic bags per person per year in Danes).
Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives, such as organic fabrics for reusable bags. There are a variety of organic fabrics in the market, such as hemp, organic or recycled cotton, tapioca flour, palm leaves, etc. The material in these bags is biodegradable and takes 100 days to decompose, while plastic bags take 10,000 years to decompose. In addition to bags, these fabrics can also be used for clothing.
8) Seaweed packaging
Green packaging can be made by using the gelatinous substance agar – found in a variety of seaweeds and algae – found in corn, mushrooms and seaweed. As a thickener or vegetarian alternative to gelatin, seaweed can also be used in the food industry.
9) Edible film
You may see food wrapped in edible skin at your local grocery store. You can eat packaged fruit, chocolate bars, or ice cream directly on the shelf, including packaging. Well, now you can, thanks to the edible film.
More suitable for the food industry, edible films offer a sustainable way to package food. This packaging has the potential to make food storage and preparation easier while reducing food and packaging waste and reducing chemical leaching in plastic coats.
If you work in the food industry, switch to edible film to protect and package your food instead of using plastics that are harmful to the environment.
10) Eco-friendly plastics and recycled plastics
This is unavoidable – certain transportation needs require materials that are robust reliable and able to withstand heavy loads. Although many organic alternatives make excellent containers, mats, and fillers, sometimes plastic is still the best choice.
However, you don’t have to sacrifice your eco-certificate because you have a 100% recycled plastic option. Whether you need drums, overflow pallets, or overflow control pallets, you can choose eco-friendly shipping materials to meet your transportation needs. For example, I have a friend. He’s a stand up pouch supplier. His stand up pouches are made of recyclable and biodegradable plastic, making them more environmentally friendly while meeting transportation needs.
However, it is important to note that plastic can only be recycled once, so it is best to avoid this material altogether.
7. FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions about biodegradable packaging.
1) What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable packaging materials?
Packaged products often have eco-friendly properties, such as “biodegradable” and “compostable” materials. How do these terms differ and what do they mean?
2) What does biodegradable mean?
Biodegradable products can be broken down and returned to the environment. To be considered biodegradable, packaged products must break down into natural elements within a short period after processing – usually within a year.
3) What does compostable mean?
Like biodegradable materials, compostable materials are intended to be returned to Earth. When compostable materials are completely decomposed, they provide nutrients to the planet. Materials are added to the compost pile located in locations with specific conditions such as wind, sunlight, and drainage.
4) What are 3 eco-friendly packaging options?
Biodegradable materials: Biodegradable packaging materials made from organic materials degrade in moderate time when exposed to the environment.
Recyclable Materials: Materials that can be recycled. Recycling facilities can use these materials to produce new raw materials. Recyclable materials include cardboard, paper, and certain plastics.
Reusable materials: The most environmentally friendly products that can be used everywhere because there is no waste and plastic pollution. After cleaning, the glass container can be used again.
5) Are there business cases for successfully switching to biodegradable packaging
Yes, there are many examples of businesses successfully switching to biodegradable packaging. One example is the grocery chain, which made a shift in 2006. Initially, biodegradable packaging was more expensive, but in the long run, it saved money because it lasted longer and did not require store attention.
6) Why is sustainable packaging important?
Sustainability is important for several reasons. In addition to environmental issues, sustainability has become a major concern for consumers. As consumers align with eco-friendly behavior, brands, and companies must do the same. According to the survey:
U.S. consumers prioritize sustainability when making purchasing decisions. In 30% of cases, consumers are willing to pay extra for products that meet sustainability claims.
Millennials, in particular, want to see brands take social and environmental responsibility, part of which is reducing packaging waste and choosing environmentally friendly sustainable packaging material options.
8. Conclusion
There are competitively priced eco-friendly alternatives on the market, and they are helping more businesses recognize the opportunity to improve sustainability. As eco-friendliness is becoming mainstream, business owners across the country are making eco-friendly changes to ensure they stay ahead of the industrial competition.