Did you know that plastic bags were outlawed in the USA? Some retailers have considered it necessary to move towards a sustainable packaging approach. Starbucks immediately responded by announcing the elimination of single-use plastic straws in 28,000 stores.
A few major brands, including Nestle, Pepsico, and Unilever, introduced reusable packaging models. Walmart also announced a reduction in packaging waste after the ban on plastic bags. It said it will achieve 100% recyclable packaging for its private brands by 2025.
The plastic ban is pushing retailers to consider biodegradable Custom boxes. As an entrepreneur, you must show your commitment to the environment. An effective place to start is with your packaging!
Let’s discuss some interesting facts about how the plastic ban has shaken the retail packaging industry!
Consumers Do Care About the Environment
“Recycling is not the solution — the solution is reducing your waste. That’s it.”
– Brian Bushell
The main reason behind the plastic ban is people’s growing awareness of the environment. There is no mistaking that the environment is of growing importance to consumers. How a retailer packages its products says a lot about its environmental commitment.
According to the DotCom Distribution study:
“57% of respondents said green packaging is important to them.”
Sustainable retail packaging boxes have urged brands to stop using plastic packaging. Instead, brands focus on green packaging to make our planet healthier.
Industries Impacted by the Plastic Ban
Plastic bans affect food, restaurants, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. Most of these industries will see positive changes. Packaging solutions that are more eco-friendly gain popularity. Reusable or recyclable packaging is likely to receive positive feedback from customers.
The packaging industry is also affected. Consumers are already beginning to demonstrate a preference for sustainable packaging. What can companies do? They can go with eco-friendly custom boxes and packaging.
Retailers are using biodegradable peanuts inside their retail boxes. They are also opting for Geami paper to manufacture their boxes, which are one hundred percent recyclable. Using cardboard and Kraft paper is also a great approach to eco-friendly packaging.
Myths About Sustainable Packaging
After the ban on plastic bags, retailers still need clarification about adopting eco-friendly packaging. Here are some myths that need to be cleared about sustainable packaging:
Myth 1: It Is an Added Cost to the Business
It’s a common belief that product improvements come with a high price tag. However, the cost of sustainable packaging may seem to be increased. Socially responsible businesses incorporate the extra cost of sustainable packaging. As a result, eco-friendly cardboard shipping boxes can be profitable for a company in the long run.
Adopting green packaging enables marketers to connect with their eco-conscious buyers. This will give a high profit margin to a business. According to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP):
“Eco-friendly material adoption by organizations is predicted to result in an 18% return on investment.”
Myth 2: Limited Sustainable Packaging Choices
Customers expect businesses to employ environmentally friendly packaging. As a result, coffee cup and cutlery manufacturers have developed ecologically friendly materials, including polylactic acid (PLA), bagasse, and recycled paper.
For instance, a biomaterials company in New York called Evocative created a polymer based on mushrooms. Similarly, Biopac, a UK-based bioplastics manufacturer, makes compostable food packaging using polylactic acid (PLA).
Myth 3: Sustainable Packaging Adds to the Waste
The final product’s environmental friendliness is only one aspect of sustainable packaging. Instead, it means that the packaging material is created from biodegradable materials and is produced using energy-efficient methods under safe conditions for the workers.
Custom retail packaging boxes aid businesses in streamlining the design of their packaging. This is done by removing extraneous materials from the production processes and reducing waste associated with packaging.
Eco-friendly packaging is created using materials like biodegradable plastics and plant-based polymers. These materials allow producers to limit the amount of garbage in landfills.
Myth 4: Sustainable Packaging Looks Uninteresting
The most typical image that comes to mind when considering sustainable packaging is a drab brown or cream paper. However, companies can now create packaging that combines strong aesthetics with environmental friendliness.
Brands like Nike use only eco-friendly materials to create appealing packaging. Sustainable packaging aids businesses in avoiding wasteful practices, protecting natural resources, and reducing environmental problems. Corrugated packaging boxes are your go-to solution for contributing to a sustainable future.
What Are Future Plans To Reduce Plastic Waste?
By 2032, the U.S. Interior Department wants to phase out the sale of single-use plastic bags. This can be done in national parks and other public areas. By doing this, a significant source of plastic pollution might be managed. The rule would minimize more than 14 million tonnes of plastic waste. Additionally, it reduces the waste that enters the ocean yearly and applies to 480 million acres of public areas.
Gen Z and Millennial consumers are considering sustainability. If you’re running a CBD business, consider sustainable custom CBD boxes. By using completely recycled packaging by 2025, McDonald’s has begun to set the bar higher.
“When you put the whole picture together, recycling is the right thing to do.”
– Pam Shoemaker, Author
Concluding Remarks!
The ban on plastic bags has changed the retail packaging industry. Consumer behavior has urged brands to consider sustainable packaging solutions. However, there are a few myths about eco-friendly packaging. These myths are restraining businesses from avoiding the use of plastic packaging. This article provides information on how big corporations are moving to sustainable packaging. This movement has brought a drastic change in the growth of retail packaging.
As an eco-conscious packaging manufacturer, we deliver each box designed with biodegradable material, including cardboard and Kraft, because we know every step matters. For further guidance, contact us now; our material analyst and trained designers will tell you which material and design suit your product and brand personality.