You’re looking to make your product packaging more sustainable. What’s the best way to get started?

Can your packaging be easily reused, over and over? With more and more people using Vinted and other online marketplaces, the need for robust, reusable packaging has increased. Think about reuse when designing openings, so packages can be opened without destroying the packaging and therefore the packaging reused.

It is a step-by-step approach. 1) Start by conducting a thorough assessment of your current packaging materials, identifying areas for improvement. 2) Research and opt for eco-friendly alternatives such as recycled or biodegradable materials that align with your product and brand values. 3) Collaborate with suppliers committed to sustainable practices to ensure a consistent supply chain. 4) Communicate the changes transparently with your customers, emphasizing the shared commitment to environmental responsibility. 5) Consider implementing a phased transition to minimize disruptions, and actively seek feedback from stakeholders throughout the process.

Remember that sustainable packaging is not only and - above all - not mainly a conversation about carbon emissions. Our packaging problem is primarily a waste problem. So not only do you need to look at carbon emissions linked to production, but you must focus on end-of-life very early in your journey. You must also include metrics such as toxicity, resource intensity, water consumption, etc., but do not stick to CO2 only. We must move on from our carbon tunnel vision, especially on this topic.

Obvious first consideration;is my packaging necessary but then do your homework and be mindful to prevent packaging alternatives that have a higher carbon footprint, provide less product protection and are harder to recycle

Initiating a thorough assessment of your current packaging is crucial. Gauge the volume and materials utilized, scrutinize the impact on product integrity, safety, and longevity, and analyze how well your packaging reflects your brand ethos. Furthermore, evaluate the recyclability and reusability from the consumer's perspective. This comprehensive evaluation will illuminate your packaging's current efficacy and pave the way for targeted, sustainable enhancements. What are your thoughts? -N

Defining precise sustainability goals for your packaging is pivotal. Reflecting on my journey, prioritizing waste reduction and incorporating biodegradable materials significantly resonated with our clientele. Set tangible targets to minimize carbon footprint, enhance material recyclability, and uphold ethical practices. Very important. Ensure these objectives are specific, quantifiable, feasible, pertinent, and time-constrained, harmonizing with your overarching business ethos and trajectory. Hope this helps -N

To set sustainability goals for packaging: 1) Define specific, measurable objectives like reducing carbon footprint, waste, and resource use. 2) Align goals with sustainability frameworks and set realistic targets (e.g., increased recycled content, reduced packaging weight). 3) Establish a timeline with short, mid, and long-term milestones. 4) Engage stakeholders for support and regularly review goals to adapt to new technologies and market trends, ensuring ongoing relevance and effectiveness in promoting environmental sustainability.

Setting goals is quite important as determining your packaging is not a “one time switch.” There are multiple steps and stakeholders involved in this process. So, assess your growth trajectory and determine the degree of sustainability you want to bring to the table considering user acceptance of the material you are using and feasibility in terms of transportation. Then, draw a plan of action according to the goals you have set up for yourself. For example, if you want to achieve carbon negativity in the next 5 years, analyse your progress in the last 5 years and make a plan to improve your efforts so you can achieve your goal.

Define clear goals for your packaging. This might include reducing plastic use, cutting down on carbon footprint, switching to recyclable or biodegradable materials, or minimizing overall packaging. Setting specific targets will guide your efforts towards more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

Bei Nachhaltigkeitsfragen gibt es selten eine Richtig- oder Falsch-Antwort. Beim Blick Packaging liegt h?ufig der Fokus auf dem ?kologischen Impact und der wird sowohl durch die energetische Aufwendung bei der Herstellung als auch durch die sp?tere Nutzung beeinflusst. Bei der Zielsetzung lohnt sich eine Entscheidung nach dem gr??ten Beitrag, den das Produkt w?hrend beider Kreisl?ufe bieten kann. Bei der Produktion k?nnten bspw. regenerative Quellen und bei der Nutzung R-Prinzipien berücksichtigt werden, um auf ein h?heres Ziel einzuzahlen. Dieses sollte nachweisbar messbar, erreichbar, relevant, spezifisch definiert und erkennbarer Teil der Gesamtstrategie sein.

Often the tendency with packaging is to do "less bad" and make marginal improvements. While all small steps help, it is important to really challenge yourself to rethink the model. Can the product be delivered in a radical different way? Can you change the product in a service that perhaps can be used/consumed without requiring packaging at all? It is also interesting to look at nature. Fruit for instance has a very clever way to organise its own packaging. Good luck!

Acknowledging circularity as a guiding principle, we systematically design out waste. From a stock management perspective, If we can't remove it, we start by reducing everything to the most efficient option, then reusing materials as much as possible and/or refurbishing, never forgetting repairing packaging if we're getting into the reusable packaging. Recycling is then the last option. On another hand, if thinking from a renewables flow management perspective, we can always think of compostable packaging that can actually be easily composted allowing regenerative flows afterwards. These guiding principles should be the baseline for exploring future options so to minimize systematic leakage and negative externalities.

While exploring, learn to spot greenwashing. Just writing biodegradable or compostable doesn't make it green. Consider the waste stream in your country. Is there enough Industrial compost facilities available for the supposedly compostable products? Is there segregation available? How will it be composted? How will it reach the said facility? Ask questions. To your supplier. To yourself.

One thing I have found useful is when a product is designed keeping the circularity principles in mind, they have a higher chance of being successful. Even for products that in retrospect have to be redesigned, the first step is to begin with a thorough assessment of materials and identifying which can be recycled or reused. For those, a take-back program would be beneficial. Then look at operations wherein energy usage can be optimized and the remaining can be replaced with renewable energy. It is also essential to look into the supply chain process and work with suppliers on the same process. All in all, it has to make business sense to drive this conversation within and outside the organisation.

It is crucial not to make assumptions as typically there will always be some compromise whenever moving towards a more sustainable options, be this price, shelf life, print or security. Ensure you know what you are going into and what you are ready to compromise on.

Prototype Development Performance Testing Environmental Impact Assessment Consumer Feedback Cost Analysis Regulatory Compliance Check Scalability Assessment Iterative Improvement

Thoroughly test and critically assess your packaging solutions. Employ prototyping, market trials, and comprehensive environmental impact analyses to ensure optimal functionality, market receptivity, and sustainability. This decisive strategy guarantees the selection of the most effective and eco-conscious packaging options. -N

Ensuring circularity is one of the first steps that should be considered when introducing sustainable packaging. Implement a take-back program where customers return packaging for reuse or recycling. Design packaging for disassembly, using materials that facilitate easy separation for recycling or repurposing. Explore partnerships with local businesses for a circular supply chain, sourcing recycled materials or collaborating on closed-loop initiatives. Introduce smart packaging with QR codes linking to circularity information, educating consumers on responsible disposal and incentivizing circular behaviors. Engage in industry collaborations to standardize circular packaging practices, fostering a collective shift towards sustainability.

Prototype and test your eco-friendly designs. Assess performance, analyze costs, and gather feedback from stakeholders and consumers.

To ensure sustainable packaging solutions meet your expectations, test and evaluate them before implementation. Use methods like prototyping, piloting, or market research to assess feasibility, functionality, and acceptability. Measure environmental and social impacts using life cycle assessment, carbon footprint analysis, or social return on investment. This will enable comparison of options and identification of the best solutions for your product and market.

Engage all stakeholders - customers, investors, employees, suppliers and regulators by communicating what you're doing. Create content around it to reach a wider audience. Convey the changes you have made, their functionality and their impact on your customers. Seek their feedback and let them know that you are moving in the right direction to gain their trust.

I agree with the article. In addition, I would say educate but you can also reward customers if there is in place recycling on your country. Or work with the informal and formal sector for the garbage collection to enable separation and proper recycling.

I've noticed it's really useful when brands have a special section on their websites dedicated to their packaging information. There, you can typically find details on how to recycle the packaging, its sustainability features, and any certificates it has received. Brands could also add a QR code on their packaging that directly links to this webpage, making it easy for consumers to access this information.

Good on-package messaging is a challenge because there’s often limited space to play with, which forces you into making short, punchy statements. From a marketing perspective this is a great opportunity for a clever one-liner, but from a sustainability perspective it massively increases the risk of accidental greenwashing. One increasingly popular solution to this is the use of QR codes, which allow brands to give consumers the full story while keeping on-package messaging short and sweet!

Communicating sustainability efforts is crucial. In the Indian market, brands like Tata Consumer Products have excelled in this domain, promoting eco-friendly packaging initiatives like Tetra Pak. Engaging stakeholders - customers, suppliers, employees, investors, regulators, and the public—is key. Educating them about sustainable packaging benefits fosters trust and loyalty. Clear instructions on recycling and disposal, as seen in initiatives like ITC's "Green Bin Project," enhance awareness and brand reputation. Effective communication not only aligns stakeholders with sustainability goals but also strengthens brand value and consumer perception.

Back when I was interning with Nestle's Climate Change team a few years ago, I was amazed to learn that merely reducing the number of ink colours used in printing a packet of Maggi Noodles (from 8 to 5 - CYMK+1) made a significant impact in reducing emissions from their packaging. The takeaway? There is more than one way to make packaging sustainable. Alternative materials can't necessarily be an immediate solution, especially with FMCG products which need to factor considerations of shelf-life & shelf-space, which is very expensive & crowded in the retail space. In such situations, it is beneficial to first optimise existing packaging while making a longer-term strategic decision on switching to more sustainable materials of packaging.

1. **Audit Current Packaging:** Assess environmental impact. 2. **Set Sustainable Goals:** Define objectives for reduction. 3. **Explore Eco-Friendly Materials:** Adopt recyclable, biodegradable options. 4. **Reduce Packaging Waste:** Minimize excess without compromising safety. 5. **Collaborate with Suppliers:** Partner with sustainable suppliers. 6. **Innovate Design:** Create reusable or multi-functional packaging. 7. **Communicate Sustainability:** Clearly convey eco-friendly aspects to customers. 8. **Engage Stakeholders:** Involve employees, customers, and partners. 9. **Continuous Improvement:** Regularly assess and enhance sustainability efforts.

Keep it out of the landfill No package can be called sustainable if it ends up there. It’s an oxymoron. To be sustainable it has to be sustained. Putting it a landfill is “death packaging”.

Apart from Re-Use, ReDuce,Re-Cycle Corporates are working on Design, Stronger Materials and Alternate delivery systems. Bio Plastics , Minimalist Packaging , Edible Packaging and Compostable Materials are the way forward especially for food and agri industry. As for chemicals and fertilisers bulk delivery and depots at consumers factory makes sense to avoid packaging for transport and delivery. #Dow #Levers #Cocacola #Nestle are few leaders working on sustainability angle through packaging.

Seek sustainable packaging certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for paper products or Cradle to Cradle for overall sustainability. Display these labels prominently. I assisted a cosmetics brand in obtaining Cradle to Cradle certification for their entire product line, which boosted their credibility in the eco-conscious market. Collaborate with research institutions or organizations specializing in sustainable packaging. Join industry associations to stay updated on the latest trends. I facilitated a partnership between a food packaging company and a local university's sustainability research department, leading to innovative eco-friendly packaging solutions.