Understanding The Environmental Impacts Of Packaging Materials

Packaging materials are an integral part of everyday life. From the food consumed to the products purchased, packaging plays a pivotal role in preserving, protecting, and presenting goods. However, the environmental footprint of these materials is a growing concern that demands attention.

Understanding the environmental impacts of packaging materials is crucial. It’s not just about the waste generated after use but also about the resources consumed during production and the emissions released throughout the lifecycle. This knowledge can guide more sustainable choices and practices, contributing to a healthier planet.

Environmental Impacts Of Packaging Materials

The Role Of Packaging In Modern Society

Packaging serves multiple purposes. It protects products from damage, contamination, and tampering. It also provides essential information about the product, such as its ingredients, usage instructions, and expiration date. Moreover, packaging plays a significant role in marketing, helping to attract consumers and influence their purchasing decisions.

Packaging is ubiquitous across various industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, it ensures the safe transport of medicines. In the food industry, it helps maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. The importance of packaging in these contexts cannot be overstated.

Even in inspection systems and packaging solutions, companies like TDI Packsys play a crucial role. They provide performance packaging and automation solutions, highlighting the significance of packaging in maintaining product safety and optimizing processes.

Environmental Impact Of Packaging Materials

The environmental impact is significant, from the resources consumed in its production to the waste it generates at the end of its life. Here’s a brief analysis of how each type of packaging material affects the environment:

1. Plastic

Plastic packaging, while lightweight and versatile, has significant environmental drawbacks. It is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels and is often non-biodegradable, leading to persistent ocean and landscape pollution. For example, if not properly disposed of, single-use plastic bags and bottles can end up in waterways, posing a threat to marine life.

2. Cardboard

While cardboard is biodegradable and often made from recycled material, its production still requires significant energy and results in deforestation. For instance, the e-commerce boom has led to an increase in cardboard packaging, which in turn has increased the demand for timber, contributing to deforestation.

3. Glass

Glass packaging is highly recyclable and does not degrade over multiple recycling processes. However, its production is energy-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the production of glass bottles for beverages requires high temperatures, leading to substantial energy use and CO2 emissions.

4. Metal

On the one hand, metal packaging is recyclable and can be reused indefinitely, which makes it a relatively sustainable option. On the other hand, the extraction and processing of metals are energy-intensive and can have a negative impact on the environment.

For example, mining bauxite, the raw material used to make aluminum, can lead to deforestation and pollution. Bauxite mining requires clearing large areas of forest, which can destroy habitat for plants and animals. The mining process can also pollute waterways with heavy metals and other toxins.

The Importance Of Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging refers to the design and use of packaging materials that have a minimal impact on the environment. Here are some key characteristics:

  • Resource Efficiency: Sustainable packaging uses fewer materials in design and production. It aims to minimize waste while maintaining product protection.
  • Recyclability: It is made from materials that can be easily recycled or composted, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
  • Use Of Recycled Content: Sustainable packaging often incorporates recycled or reused materials, reducing the need for new raw materials.
  • Biodegradability: Unlike traditional plastic, sustainable packaging materials are often biodegradable, meaning they can break down naturally without causing long-term pollution.

Sustainable packaging offers a host of benefits:

  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Using less material, producing less waste, and being easier to recycle or compost, sustainable packaging reduces pollution and conserves natural resources.
  • Cost Savings: Over time, using less material and reducing packaging waste in your business can lead to significant savings.
  • Improved Brand Image: Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues. Companies that use sustainable packaging can enhance their brand image and appeal to these environmentally-conscious
  • Regulatory Compliance: As environmental regulations become stricter, using sustainable packaging can help businesses stay compliant and avoid potential fines or penalties.

By embracing sustainable packaging practices, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint and reap significant benefits.

packaging waste

Packaging that adorns your product can have serious environmental impact.

Current Innovations And Trends In Sustainable Packaging

The field of sustainable packaging is constantly evolving, with new innovations and trends emerging regularly. Here are some noteworthy developments:

  • Plant-Based Packaging: Companies are increasingly exploring the use of plant-based materials for packaging. For example, some are using mushroom roots or cornstarch to create biodegradable packaging that can decompose naturally.
  • Edible Packaging: This innovative approach involves creating packaging that can be eaten along with the product. It’s being used in sectors like food and beverage to reduce waste.
  • Eco-Friendly Inks: Traditional inks can contain harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly inks, made from soy or other natural materials, are a more sustainable alternative for printing on packaging.
  • Zero-Waste Packaging: This trend involves designing packaging that can be fully reused, recycled, or composted, leaving no waste behind.
  • Minimalist Packaging: Companies are reducing the amount of packaging they use, opting for simpler designs and fewer materials. This not only reduces waste but can also lead to cost savings.
  • Smart Packaging: This involves incorporating technology into packaging to improve its sustainability. For example, some companies are using QR codes to provide information about recycling, reducing the need for printed materials.

The innovations and trends in sustainable packaging highlight the industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impact. As these practices become more widespread, they hold the potential to significantly transform packaging’s role in global sustainability efforts.

How Consumers And Businesses Can Make A Difference

Consumers and businesses play a pivotal role in driving the shift toward more sustainable packaging. Their choices and practices can significantly impact the demand for and use of sustainable packaging materials.

Tips for consumers to reduce packaging waste:

  • Buy In Bulk: Purchasing items in bulk can reduce the amount of packaging waste generated.
  • Choose Products With Less Packaging: Opt for products that use minimal or no packaging whenever possible.
  • Reuse Packaging: Instead of discarding packaging immediately, evaluate its potential for reuse. For instance, glass jars make excellent storage containers.
  • Recycle Properly: Ensure that packaging materials are properly sorted and recycled.
  • Support Brands That Use Sustainable Packaging: By choosing to buy from companies that prioritize sustainable packaging, consumers can encourage more businesses to do the same.

Suggestions for businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging practices:

  • Evaluate Packaging Needs: Assess whether the current amount and type of packaging is necessary or if it can be reduced.
  • Choose Sustainable Materials: Opt for packaging materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or made from recycled content.
  • Educate Consumers: Provide information on packaging about how to properly dispose of it or explain the company’s efforts toward sustainable packaging.
  • Partner With Sustainable Suppliers: Work with suppliers who prioritize sustainability in their materials and processes.

By taking these steps, consumers and businesses can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of packaging, promoting a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

The environmental impacts of packaging materials are significant, but understanding these impacts is the first step toward mitigating them. Sustainable packaging presents a viable solution, offering benefits not only for the environment but also for businesses and consumers.

With ongoing innovations and a collective commitment to making a difference, it’s possible to transform the packaging industry into a more sustainable one. The journey toward sustainable packaging is a continuous one, but every step taken is a stride toward a healthier planet.

6 Plastic-Free Bathroom Swaps You Should Start Making

Plastic pollution is a global concern that’s significantly affecting the state of the environment. It can threaten the wildlife present in various areas and affect the health and safety of the human population. However, it’s also undeniable that some industries continue to produce and use plastic for their products.

If you wish to minimize your plastic waste and help preserve the environment, you can make some sustainable swaps in your daily lifestyle. To start, you can try going for these choices to make your bathroom plastic-free:

1. Use Natural Soap Made With Sustainable Ingredients

Nowadays, some hygiene products like soap or shampoo often come in plastic packaging that aren’t biodegradable. If you aren’t mindful of the types of items you buy, you may not notice how much waste you accumulate whenever you get self-care products from your local store. So if you wish to modify certain aspects of your hygiene routine in order to help the environment, use natural soap made with sustainable ingredients and packaging.

There are earth-friendly brands promoting various goods that produce little to no waste and are contain all-natural ingredients. Using their products may benefit not just the planet but also your body.

soap made with natural ingredients

For example, Earthbits have a great range of natural soap made with gentle components. They offer options that don’t have any chemicals and are just as effective as those sold by commercial soap brands. Sustainable soaps can clean your body well without exposing your skin to too many chemical ingredients. You can try to find the scent and formulation you want so you can transition to a new product more comfortably.

“Cedarwood and Lemongrass Natural Soap from EarthBits”

2. Try Bar Shampoo

Besides your soap, you can also get your hair care products in a solid form. Usually, shampoo products sold in shops are packaged in plastic bottles and come in a liquid formula. It can be challenging to find ways to repurpose those containers that accumulate in your home, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. Hence, finding an eco-friendlier alternative that’s compact and more practical may be a good choice for your bathroom needs.

Some bar shampoos look like regular soap but are formulated specifically for your hair. You can use them to wash your crowning glory in the same way you use liquid shampoo. But thanks to their solid and compact appearance, you can save space in your bathroom and also lessen the amount of product you use during each shower you take. Check out natural shampoo Australia for some good shampoo bar choices.

3. Switch To A Bamboo Toothbrush

One effective method you can do to reduce your plastic waste production is to switch from regular plastic toothbrushes to bamboo ones. Although there are recyclable plastic items out there, traditional toothbrushes aren’t one of them. The bristles and handle of the brush are made with different materials, so they can’t be recycled. In fact, about one billion toothbrushes used in the United States end up in the trash each year.

plastic-free bathroom

Hence, a simple switch from a plastic item to a bamboo-made one can significantly reduce the amount of waste you have to get rid of. Some sustainable products are made with charcoal-infused bristles that are biodegradable and detachable. Once the bristles are old and worn out, you can simply throw them into homemade compost.

There are places where you can buy bamboo toothbrushes in bundles to save some money. They’re also easy to find, so you won’t need to worry about where you should get your supply by the time you need to replace the one you’re using.

4. Opt For Recycled Toilet Paper

For some households, it’s almost impossible not to have a supply of toilet paper in the bathroom. It serves multiple purposes like cleaning surfaces or drying wet places. Although the materials used to make tissue are recyclable, it isn’t easy to find recycling centers that accept them. The fiber composition of used tissue paper can’t be used to create good-quality paper, so that item is usually rejected. They also often come in plastic packaging, which you simply throw away once you need to use the toilet paper.

sustainable bathroom swaps

Living without tissue may be difficult, so if you wish for a more sustainable solution, you can start using recycled toilet paper instead. Given the materials used to make it, using it may lessen the carbon footprint you leave on the environment. Using recycled toilet paper helps conserve water and trees as well since it’s made with repurposed materials. In some cases, the packaging used for it is also recycled, so you won’t need to worry about contributing to the plastic waste piling up in landfills.

5. Make Your Own Toothpaste

More often than not, toothpaste is packaged in plastic tubes to make it easier for anyone to control how much they use. Once the product has been consumed, the only destination for the tube is the trash bin. So if you want to avoid throwing away more plastic and save money on your oral hygiene products, try making toothpaste instead.

You can create your own oral cleaning product with common ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and peppermint. If you refrain from purchasing your toothpaste from the grocery store, you can effectively lessen the number of empty plastic tubes you have to get rid of several times a year.

6. Avoid Small Packaging

Some hygiene or skincare products come in small plastic packaging. For instance, sample sizes of serums or facial creams are placed in pocket-sized containers made of plastic. Those can accumulate over time and exacerbate the problem with plastic waste. Hence, you should either purchase your personal care items in large quantities or simply avoid using products in small plastic containers.

For example, if you’ve been using the same face moisturizer for a long time, purchase the biggest available size instead of getting the smaller ones every time. Also, it would help to be conscious about how you get rid of empty containers. Some brands encourage customers to return empty packaging so they can recycle it. If you’re conscious about the condition of the environment, patronize brands that also care for nature as much as you can.

sustainable bathroom

Final Thoughts

It can be challenging to eliminate or lessen your consumption of plastic products. Like your food supply and personal hygiene items, most of the goods you buy in stores are packed in plastic. So if you want to help Mother Nature, try to make sustainable swaps in your household, including your bathroom. You can purchase your soap and shampoo from eco-friendly brands that don’t use plastic packaging. Such simple changes may help preserve the environment, so don’t hesitate to give them a go.

Plastic Waste Reduction Leads to Growth in Plastic Recycling Market

Wide-spread environmental concerns about plastic waste are leading to increased demand for the plastic recycling market that has various uses for plastic waste. At the same time, and in line with this growing need, an increased number of industries that produce plastic products have committed to reducing their use of virgin plastic and ensuring that the plastic they do produce is recyclable, reusable, or compostable.

Growth of the Plastic Recycling Market

Valued at around $43.73 billion in 2018, research indicates that the plastic recycling market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% in revenue and 8.8% in volume by 2027. Findings are that rising environmental concerns will be the primary driving force along with the concerted global effort towards effective waste management and sustainability. Another is the growing awareness of the need for recycling plastic and the anticipated market growth of the PR market.

A new report released by Research and Markets in February 2020 gives a market snapshot in its executive summary and discusses the plastic recycling market by material type, source, application, and geography. Titled Global Plastic Recycling Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2019 to 2027, it explores the roles of the many global and regional participants in the plastic recycling market and analyses anticipated acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. These, the report states, are likely to be the major strategies market players will follow in an endeavor to expand their geographic presence and market share.

An older report published mid-2018 gave a slightly lower CAGR for the period 2018 to 2023 of 4.3%. This report, Global Plastic Waste Management Market 2018 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 stated that it would grow from an estimated $27,1000 in 2017 to $34,900 in 2023.

Global Focus

When research for the new report was carried out during 2018, the Asia-Pacific region including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, had the highest market share in plastic recycling. This was attributed to the fact that the region has the largest share in the generation of plastic waste and is also the biggest plastic waste importer.

However, Europe was pinpointed as a region poised to become the fastest-growing in the plastic recycling market due to increasing government initiatives and the improvement of recycling facilities in this part of the world.

While the report covers at least 16 companies involved in plastic recycling globally, the Hungarian MOL Group has been highlighted as a result of its acquisition of Aurora, a German recycled plastic compounder company. MOL is a well-established supplier of virgin polymers and was motivated by its Enter Tomorrow 2030 strategy that aims to move its business from a traditional fuel-based model to a higher value-added petrochemical product portfolio. More specifically, MOL intends to strengthen its position as a supplier in the sustainable plastic compounding segment of the automotive industry.

The older report focused on plastic waste management not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Use of Recycled Plastic

In terms of plastic materials, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) had the biggest market share in 2018. The reason given for this was a rapid surge in demand for PET and HDPE for the manufacturing of packaging. Hopefully, this won’t increase the production of PET and HDPE, but will rather help to get rid of waste.

As the CEO of Unilever, Alan Jope, said in a press statement late 2019: “Plastic has its place, but that place is not in the environment.” He was announcing Unilever’s commitment to halve its use of virgin plastic, reduce its use of plastic packaging, and dramatically step up its use of recycled plastic by 2025. They would also help to collect and process more plastic packaging than it sells – which will amount to about 600,000 tonnes per year, he said.

plastic-wastes

 

Additionally, technological advances in the plastic recycling industry have led to other less expected uses including the manufacture of denim clothing.

Realizing the environmental impact production of denim clothing has, Levi Strauss & Co. has taken bold steps to reduce its use of water and chemicals in cotton and cotton-clothing production, and about a decade ago, the company launched its much more sustainable Water<Less range of jeans. In 2013, Levi’s used dumped plastic bottles and food trays to make 300,000 jeans and trucker jackets for its spring collection. Of course, not the entire product was made from plastic, but it was guaranteed that at least 20% came from recycled plastic content.

Many other items are also made from recycled plastic, some with more plastic content than others. They include bags, rugs and mats, blankets, bottles, planters, dog collars, shoes, decking, fencing, and outdoor furniture.

The Future of Plastic

While many people talk about plastic as a material that should be eradicated, it does have remarkable uses as Alan Jope implies. But there is a dire need to change our thinking. The irony is that when recycled plastic was invented it was used to try and solve environmental problems like reducing the hunting of elephants for ivory and to provide protective sheaths for electrical wiring.

There is undoubtedly too much virgin plastic being produced worldwide and during the process, there are too many other natural resources being depleted. Added to this, too many consumers have no knowledge or concern about the use and disposal of plastic products. They simply don’t care!

We, as a global nation, need to focus more on the reuse, recycling, and remanufacture of plastic, which is exactly what plastic recycling companies can do so successfully.

Ultimately, we need to eradicate plastic waste by making it useful, and there is no doubt that the mechanical engineering sector is well positioned to find solutions.

Recommended Reading: How to Recycle Plastics

6 Best Alternatives for Plastic Wrapping and Packaging

There’s no denying that plastic wrap has been a convenient product in most households for many years. However, as most waste disposal companies will tell you, its convenience is only for you – not the environment. It stops your sandwiches from going stale, but it also takes centuries to break down. Your one sandwich wrapper could be responsible for killing a myriad of animals while it sits there waiting to lose its structural integrity. Fortunately, there is a better way.

Read on to discover many eco-friendly wrapping and packaging materials that could end up being better for the environment. Thanks to modern delivery services like healthy food delivery in Miami Dade we’re able to get meals wrapped in sustainable packages.

1. Glass Containers

One of the many reasons why people want to make the switch from plastic is because it can take centuries to break down. However, so does glass, so why use it? Unlike plastic which tends to lean toward being a single-use product, glass is something you can have forever. It’s one of the longest-lasting materials and will prove to offer no end of convenience.

In most cases, you can use glass containers in your fridge, freezer, microwave, and even oven. You couldn’t do that with most plastic products. Glass containers are also an excellent alternative for plastic in almost every way. You can put your unwrapped sandwiches in them and seal the lid shut. You can also put leftover dinner into them for reheating later.

Glass containers are even something you can take to the grocery store. Instead of a supermarket filling a plastic container with their deli items or bulk groceries, you can fill your glass jars. One product can end up having many uses, saving thousands of plastic wrap rolls and containers from requiring waste disposal.

2. Mason Jars

Mason jars have been around since the 1850s, but it’s only in recent years there has been a resurgence in their use. As consumers come to realize that plastic is not environmentally-friendly, they are starting to use sealable mason jars that serve a whole variety of purposes. Cafes are using them for beverages, and you can even use them for serving at home. What’s more, there’s nothing wrong with using them for produce, soup, grains, and more. Move aside plastic; there’s a new player in town.

3. Parchment Paper

If you are trying to minimize how much rubbish you send away to catering bins, then consider swapping your cling film for parchment paper. Wax or parchment paper is an excellent alternative, while also breaking down far quicker than plastic wrap. It will still keep your sandwiches fresh, but with a much less detrimental impact on the environment.

4. Bees Wrap

Bees wrap is a relatively new product to hit the market, but it’s already making waves. It consists of cotton muslin cloth dipped in beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil. When you heat them with your hands, you’re able to seal food within. Both the jojoba oil and beeswax are also antibacterial which can offer exceptional benefits with preservation.

When you have eaten your sandwich, you don’t need to worry about impacting waste disposal. You can clean the wraps and reuse them.

5. Cardboard

Many countries around the world have banned single-use plastic bags, with New Zealand the latest nation to join the movement. It will only be a matter of time before waste disposal businesses notice the dramatic impact in plastic waste. That’s a good thing – but how will people package their goods, or carry their groceries? Cardboard is about to become far more popular than it is now.

Instead of packaging your items in plastic, you can store them neatly in cardboard boxes. They break down into the environment, are effortless to stack, and you can use them more than once.

6. Go Nude

For the sake of waste disposal, why not consider going nude? We don’t mean take all your clothes off, but why not avoid packaging altogether? Grocery stores are not making this process easy with the number of plastic-wrapped items they have, but you can be more conscientious about the purchasing decisions you make.

Put your vegetables and fruit in cloth bags and your loose bulk bin items into glass jars. Instead of buying pasta, rice, and other ingredients in plastic packets, buy them from bulk stores that encourage you to bring containers to put them in. If you can’t seem to avoid plastic, then draw up a meal plan that differs from what you usually do. You can then make an effort to eat food that will not arrive in packaging.

Conclusion

People used to cope without plastic for packaging and wrapping, and they can do so again. Think of the effects of waste disposal and how you can stop your contribution to the growing problem. Use glass jars and containers, buy ingredients in bulk, and stop using plastic wrap for your sandwiches. These might seem like small changes, but when 7.7 billion people follow suit, we can make a significant difference.

5 Benefits of Biodegradable Packaging for Businesses

Consumers want companies to reflect their values. They’re far more likely to purchase from a business with an identity, whether it manifests in charitable efforts or eco-friendly practices. As a greater number of people show interest in green living, biodegradable packaging presents an opportunity for growth.

That said, the virtues of eco-friendly packaging extend beyond an improved public image. While business owners enjoy the superficial advantages of this transition, they often find it’s only a fraction of what the shift entails. Through switching to biodegradable plastics, they see considerable changes elsewhere.

bioplastics

In this article, we’ll detail five of those changes, exploring the subject to lend business owners a better understanding of biodegradable packaging within their operation. As we touch on the benefits, it’ll become clear that eco-friendly materials aren’t only better for the environment, but better for a company’s bottom line.

1. Free of Toxins & Allergens

Biodegradable packaging options are still somewhat limited, but most of the available materials are non-toxic and allergy-free. This is an essential consideration to consumers who care about the products they’re purchasing and the composition of their packaging. If either is potentially harmful, it hurts a business.

As often as businesses must send packages, forms, and other important information through the mail, packaging with the planet in mind and protecting your items is key. For example, your may need to send you important documents through the mail. Getting your mail in safe, low-waste packaging can protect your health from harmful chemicals, aid the planet, and provide their clients with all they need to know.

An informed consumer will almost invariably choose products packaged with bioplastic over traditional alternatives, aware of the implications of their purchase. Considering the negative health effects of phthalates — a common chemical in plastic packaging — business owners should be aware of the implications as well.

2. Require Fewer Resources

Biodegradable packaging has the potential to reduce water usage, solid waste, electricity and emissions. This is beneficial for the environment, of course, but it also lowers expenses associated with the packaging process. Over time, the accumulated savings prove well worth the cost of the transition.

If a company were to replace their standard packaging materials with bioplastic, they would enjoy weight savings on par with regular plastic. Research shows plastic packaging enables weight savings of over 78 percent compared to alternative materials, a notable statistic for business owners looking to convert.

3. Lower Production Costs

Most biodegradable materials follow the three basic R’s of sustainability.

  1. A business can reduce them, using fewer resources to create thinner and tougher materials which do the same job.
  2. A business can reuse them, taking advantage of materials with special coating which improves their durability.
  3. A business can recycle them, diverting refuse from landfills as they minimize the costs of new materials.

A business owner who invests in biodegradable packaging can cut costs by a significant margin, using fewer resources, reusing their inventory and purchasing inexpensive recycled materials. In doing so, they’ll see reduced packaging expenses over time, and more freely allocate their money elsewhere.

biodegradeable-packaging

Reusing packaging is proving to be not only environmentally friendly, but an excellent marketing advantage. From Pinterest to Instagram, users are finding a way to re-purpose packaging. Business owners who are vocal in encouraging their customers to prioritize environmentally friendly choices can earn more goodwill and local business as a result. ToolTally is a good example of a blog that focuses on helping DIYers reuse products, and is growing an organic following as a result.

4. Reduced Footprint

A business owner has financial goals they have to meet, but they have environmental goals as well. Every professional in an upper-management position has a responsibility to ensure their company meets high standards of environmental compliance, and biodegradable packaging can help — outside a legal context.

To reinforce an earlier point, 70 percent of consumers between the ages of 15 and 20 want to buy goods from companies committed to sustainability, and biodegradable plastics affect the appeal of businesses which would otherwise see less attention. To reduce emissions and increase interest, change is necessary.

5. Convenient Disposal

Recyclable, compostable and biodegradable packaging simplifies disposal for the consumer. It affords them more options in discarding these materials, and companies should always seek to make their products convenient, from start to finish. Biodegradable materials exemplify this mindset.

For example, consumers who prefer to compost their refuse won’t have to make exceptions for packaging. They can add biodegradable packaging to their compost in much the same way they would with any other compost-friendly material, contributing to the product’s value beyond its primary utility.

Looking Toward the Future

When reviewing the benefits listed above, business owners should feel confident in their decision to adopt biodegradable packaging. More than superficial benefits, they’ll enjoy reduced costs and carbon emissions while increasing consumer convenience and reducing plastic pollution. The advantages are clear.

Looking toward the future, it’s safe to speculate more companies will transition toward eco-friendly practices. With this in mind, taking action now is the best option, and though biodegradable packaging is a small step, it’s an important one.

Infographic created by Chicago Tag & Label, a custom label printing company