Busting Sustainable Packaging Myths

I received this lovely email from my friends at EcoEnclose and let them know I just had to share it on this newsletter! Kyle Wente and Saloni Doshi have done an incredible job building a world changing company and if you're not following them and what they're doing, then you're doing yourself a disservice.

Sustainable Packaging Myths, Debunked

Whether you’re a sustainability veteran or new to the space, you may be confused by conflicting guidance. Here we unpack common environmental misconceptions to help inform your packaging strategy.

Understanding – and helping customers learn – the complexity and nuances behind these issues are important in making your packaging strategies more sustainable.

Myth #1: All plastic packaging is equally bad. Some plastics, like PET and PE, are readily recyclable with strong domestic markets for recycled content. Other plastics, like polystyrene and PVC, are more likely toxic and extremely difficult (if not impossible) to recycle. Understanding the differences between plastics can help you avoid the terrible ones and understand when the better ones should be considered.?Read More.

Myth #2 Reusable packaging is always better than single-use.?If “reusable” options are only used a handful of times before disposal, this strategy can lead to more waste and carbon emissions. Reusable packaging is best pursued when it makes sense for the brand, and the expected number of reuses is high.?Read More.

Myth #3 Eliminating plastic is always net positive for the planet. In some cases, alternative materials may have a more negative environmental impact than the plastic they replaced. In pursuing plastic-free strategies, brands should consider the entire life cycle and impact on resource consumption, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity, and carbon emissions before moving forward.?Read More.

Myth #4 Customers already know how to recycle their packaging.?Recycling in the US is highly localized, with each city setting guidelines based on its MRF's capabilities. Additionally, the standard approach to end-of-life labeling has historically been vague. Clear, accurate instructions help customers dispose of packaging properly.?Read More .

Myth #5 Plastic packaging doesn’t get recycled. Most MRFs accept PET (#1) and HDPE (#2), and PP (#5) is accepted by more and more each year. Thin film PE (#4) is widely accepted at store dropoff bins. Most recycling facilities can successfully sell 90% of what they receive. The 10% that doesn’t cut is generally contaminated with non-recyclable items like food waste, electronics, and other materials the facility doesn’t accept. While we all need to make strides in the thoughtful reduction of plastic use, we should also avoid messaging that discourages consumers from recycling the packaging they end up with.?Read More.

Myth #6 Sustainable packaging is a cost burden, not an investment in growth.?During uncertain economic times, sustainability investments can feel difficult to maintain. But research from previous recessions suggests that this type of short-term thinking is not strategic.?Customers, especially online shoppers, continue to seek sustainability - allowing conscious brands to weather downturns more successfully.?Read More.

Myth #7 Glass and aluminum are always the best packaging materials.?100% recycled aluminum is a circularity superstar. Still, aluminum with high PCR isn’t common. Glass is technically infinitely recyclable, but because it is heavy and fragile, it is logistically challenging for many recyclers. Deeper analysis, including LCAs, can help brands better compare plastic, aluminum, and glass to make the best decisions for their brand, operations, and sustainability values.?Read More.

Myth #8 Biodegradable and compostable plastics are generally better for the environment. Additives that cause plastic to break down when oxygen exposure increases microplastic pollution. Additives that encourage landfill biodegradability lead to methane emissions. Other biodegradable bio-based plastics, whether certified as compostable or not, can lead to contamination and degraded quality of outputs in industrial composting facilities. Exciting bioplastic options are slowly emerging, but brands should thoroughly research source inputs, shelf life, and end-of-life impact before considering these materials.?Read More.

Myth #9 Paper is the best packaging material.?Virgin tree paper can have harmful ripple effects, including deforestation and biodiversity loss. Additionally, when the carbon emissions are properly accounted for, virgin tree paper can have a significantly higher footprint than the plastic it replaces. Finally, in some cases, paper isn't suitable for a brand's operations and supply chain, leading to?increased damage rates. Brands focused on paper should (1) opt for 100% recycled fibers whenever possible, (2) ensure virgin tree fibers do not come from primary forests, and (3) run ample tests to measure and minimize damage rates.?Read More .

Myth #10 A great unboxing experience requires excessive materials.?The word "unboxing" conjures layers of tissue paper, personalized cards, stickers, product liners, and more. And, if that is the customer experience you are going for,?our eco-friendly accessories? can help you get these right! But other steps - like custom printing your packaging, opting for custom packaging tape, or including notes and designs on your packaging slip, are material-efficient ways to wow your customers.?Read More.

Packaging Innovations to Consider

Another myth we hear is that new material and packaging innovations can?only?be developed and brought to market by large corporations with deep pockets.

We’ve found that the reality is the opposite.

The early adopters of emerging packaging innovations tend to be small to mid-sized brands whose commitment to their values runs deep.

Their willingness to take risks on solutions that are not yet mainstream?paves the way?for the broader industry to make changes.