Navigating Sustainable Packaging Trends in 2024

Remember the whole 'going green' thing? Well, it's not just a passing trend – it's now hitting the shelves! Over the past few years, there's been a surge in the global conversation surrounding sustainability. While the concept itself may seem daunting, experts and environmental leaders advocate for its integration across all sectors. Brands, especially in consumer goods and cosmetics, are taking notice because how their products appear and feel to consumers holds significant importance. Consequently, brands find themselves navigating the delicate balance between sustainable practices, often associated with higher costs, and meeting consumer demands. To tackle this challenge, prioritizing flexibility and fostering innovation are essential. Now, brands should think outside the box (or plastic wrap!), pushing boundaries to find creative solutions. Let’s explore the nuances of sustainable packaging.

What is sustainable packaging?

In simple words, it is environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste, uses renewable resources, and minimizes pollution throughout its lifecycle. Sustainable packaging utilizes materials such as PET, HDPE, cardboard, and paper, all of which can be repurposed through recycling. Additionally, eco-friendly alternatives like compostable PLA and cellulose-based materials offer biodegradability suitable for food packaging. These options thus mimic plastic but easily biodegrade in compost. These advantages, coupled with their eco-friendliness, make them ideal for effective sustainable packaging.

Why the hype?

The surge in sustainability isn't merely a passing fad; it’s a movement gaining momentum. Brands are prioritizing efficient resource usage, reducing waste, and meeting ever-evolving consumer expectations. This focus stems from growing environmental concerns and the recognition of packaging's significant contribution to waste and carbon footprint. Additionally, strict regulations are pushing them towards ambitious sustainability goals. McKinsey's 2023 report highlights the global popularity of compostable and plant-based alternatives, except in Japan where recycled plastics dominate. This indicates regional variations in consumer preferences regarding sustainable packaging.

Interestingly, the report also reveals a knowledge gap among consumers. Despite a willingness to pay extra for eco-friendly options, many lack clarity on different sustainable packaging types. This points towards a strong underlying demand for sustainable packaging solutions despite existing knowledge limitations.

Fueled by enthusiasm for sustainability, many brands set ambitious but unrealistic goals. The oversight of practical considerations such as cost, technical feasibility, operational readiness, and available resources has clouded the clarity of sustainable objectives. Moving forward, it's crucial for them to find a balanced approach that prioritizes environmental responsibility with actionable sustainability practices.

Roadmap towards sustainable packaging

The rapidly evolving landscape of packaging sustainability demands a strategic approach. Roland Berger's STEP model equips companies to navigate this shift, focusing on crucial aspects like eco-friendly materials, innovation, consumer preferences, and operational efficiency. By considering these elements, companies can develop a comprehensive roadmap towards sustainable packaging practices.

STEP emphasizes four key areas:

By addressing each aspect of STEP, companies can develop a comprehensive approach. For instance, a company could replace traditional plastic with a new, compostable bio-based material (addressing S&CE and T&I). This would require optimizing production processes (PDO) and clearly communicating the sustainable features to attract environmentally conscious consumers (ECF&P). Integrating these elements demonstrates a strategic approach to achieving sustainable packaging practices.

Conclusion

At ManageArtworks, we highly value the dedication and effort required to establish a brand and develop its products. Our belief in sustainability extends well beyond the final product; it encompasses the entire journey from content creation to product launch. Sustainability, to us, means minimizing resources and waste at every stage.

That's why we offer a comprehensive solution at ManageArtworks. Our platform streamlines your workflow, equips your team with the right technology, and assists you in achieving your productivity goals while significantly reducing reworks and reprints. This means you can spot errors on the artwork before it gets printed, thereby reducing packaging waste and cutting the costs of resources. Click here to get in touch with us, and together, let's work towards achieving sustainability in every aspect of your product packaging operations.