PACKAGING Packaging is an important concern for
consumers, particularly those who are interested in converting to environmentally-friendly buying behaviors.
Packaging materials should be:ReusableRecyclable
Characteristics of sustainable packaging:
Minimizing the amount of packaging used (weight and volume)
Minimizing the energy used for production and transportation of goods
Using recycled and recyclable materials Using biodegradable materials
Recycled packaging materials: Corrugated cartons Glass Steel Paper board Bubble wrap Corn starch Some recyclable plastics
Natural packaging materials:Coconut huskBamboo
BIOPLASTICS Commonly used in plastic.
Also as envelopes used for bulk
mailing.
This type of plastic starts to
decompose when it is exposed to daylight
Recycled Paper Recycled paper products contribute to the
diversion of material from landfill Results in less land being given over to
commercial forestry which can have a negative impact on biodiversity.
Reusable, recyclable and biodegradable Packaging manufacturing companies
offer an environmentally friendly option which has been created using a high proportion of recycled paper.
Forest Wood Wooden products are made from
renewable plant resource. It can be formed into a variety of
packaging and products.
Palm Leaf Natural, compostable and biodegradable. They are very stylish, tough and heat
resistant. Products have no pulp, no starch, just a
washed and pressed leaf.
Corn starch Items made from corn starch are
biodegradable. Corn starch packaging biodegrades and
has a limited negative impact on the environment.
Green wrap
Eco friendly biodegradable paper protective packaging material made from recycled material.
It looks great and cost effective
Bamboo-Natural Bamboo packaging helps reduce
environmental impacts and promote a healthier planet.
Advantages:LocalGrows quicklyStrong and durableFriend of the environment
Paper Light weight Easy to print Can be recycled multiple times by using
relatively little energy. Chemicals used to bleach paper may not
be environmentally friendly Unbleached, post consumer waste paper
is the best.
Glass Uses the least energy per pound to
recycle. Chemically inert Can be recycled almost infinitely without
degrading. Disadvantage-heavy and breakable.
Aluminum Is easy to recycle Can be molded to almost any shape. On the flip side mining for aluminum ore
and aluminum manufacture are highly energy intensive processes.
5 ways of making packaging greener: Reduce packaging Recycled material is better than
recyclable products Use Biodegradable materials Do not mix products that are
incompatible for recycling Design packages with other functional
attributes