Learn all about eco-friendly packaging in 2022.
Upgrading reusable packaging
Add another "R" to the three R's
The rise of bioplastics
food packaging
Antibacterial packaging
Whether we are always aware of it or not, product packaging plays an important role in our consumption decisions.
Logos, colors, locations, and a host of other characteristics all influence our choices.
But what about their impact on the environment?
This also starts to guide our consumer preferences.
Excessive packaging and the use of inorganic materials are critically cited by many consumers as key contributors to our global waste problem.
However, in recent years, the private sector has come up with a range of eco-friendly packaging ideas to ensure its carbon footprint is as low as possible.
From edible packaging to repurposed packaging, there are many concepts being tested in real time.
Here are seven top eco-friendly packaging concepts for 2022:
Upgrading reusable packaging
You heard it over and over in the 1980s and 1990s: recycle, reduce, reuse—and start the cycle.
This jingle may still be ringing in your head whenever someone mentions the 3Rs of conscious waste management.
It's fair to say that over the years, both consumers and manufacturers have made incredible progress in recycling, moving to packaging that can be collected and reshaped into new packaging.
Think kraft packaging, moulded pulp, foam and recycled plastic.
An increasing number of consumers are also making a conscious choice to buy in bulk and use reusable packaging and utensils wherever possible, which helps reduce the amount of waste generated.
Some companies have made a serious commitment to 3Rs by introducing reusable packaging schemes.
These trailblazers are using a reuse and refill business model where customers can return their original packaging for refill at a discounted price.
Add another "R" to the three R's
This has led to another R that is gaining prominence in the consumer goods space: returnability.
Many companies go to great lengths to encourage customers to return items that can be recycled (or upcycled).
Some entities will encourage the return of some products in exchange for others.
A returnable item that will grab attention in 2022? Black plastic.
Black plastic has a notorious reputation as a challenging product to recycle.
Since municipal recycling facilities use optical scanners to identify all types of plastic, these facilities cannot scan black plastics because they cannot reflect light.
This can harm your recycling efforts.
Recognizing this, companies and local supermarkets are encouraging consumers to return their black plastic, offering compliance incentives.
Skincare company Lush, for example, encourages customers to return their iconic black pot for recycling.
Five returned pots will win you a free fresh mask!
A big win-win.
This allows these forms of plastic to be properly recycled or upcycled, rather than filling landfills.
The rise of bioplastics
Bioplastics sound futuristic, but they are already the future of retail packaging.
Bioplastics are plastic materials made from newer biomass sources, such as cornstarch, sawdust, recycled food waste, and vegetable fats and oils.
Bioplastics do feel like plastic, but they are repurposed to reduce biological waste.
This innovation may be more expensive for businesses now, but it is great for the planet.
written in vegetable ink
Did you know you have access to plant-based inks?
really! Since its creation, the ink has traditionally been made from petroleum, which ensures a negative carbon footprint.
In recent years, companies and consumers have turned to soy-based inks and the like for packaging because they are biodegradable and do not produce harmful emissions.
Also, vegetable-based inks are much more efficient on certain materials in terms of cost and waste.
food packaging
Imagine polishing your favorite local restaurant takeout by chewing on a container.
Before you wrinkle your nose in disgust, you should know that edible packaging is on the rise and is one of the most environmentally friendly retail packaging solutions available today.
Edible straws, wrappers, films and other packaging supplies have entered the market and are expected to be the new normal.
For example, some brands are selling sandwich wrappers made from seaweed.
So now you can eat the cake and you can eat the wrapping paper too!
Just because you probably don't want to eat your packaging, doesn't mean someone else (or something) won't!
Mexican company E6PR makes six-pack beer rings that are actually made from wheat and barley residue from the beer brewing process.
Not only do these rings break down, they can also be a delicacy for animals.
资料来源：E6PR
Antibacterial packaging
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we may have created a generation petrified by bacteria.
It's not easily reversible, so maybe society can take advantage of it by combining eco-friendly with antimicrobial packaging.
Many brands are adopting technology that prevents bacterial growth in the lining of reusable bags to encourage eco-friendly packaging while keeping the food inside safe.
It's a smart move for packaging manufacturers and could well be the start of a huge industry.
The antimicrobial packaging industry is expected to grow to $11.88 billion by 2024.
The forecast was issued before the COVID-19 public health crisis, so it's safe to assume that number is now likely to be at least $3 billion higher.
The study found that two-thirds of shoppers found paper and cardboard-based packaging to make products more attractive than other materials.
This is good news because paper and cardboard can be recycled (even creatively).
As the 2022 packaging trends show, companies are ready to push the boundaries, using materials and processes that could one day change the way all of our goods and products are sold and purchased.
At a time when society is trying to reduce waste, conscious consumers discourage overpackaging or the use of unsustainable packaging materials.
Changing our packaging habits is a step in the right direction towards being kinder to our already stressed mother nature.
