Packaging sostenible

What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging is key in the journey towards reducing the environmental impact in the life cycle of products. It is not only about the choice of eco-friendly materials, but also about the conscious process of deciding how we package our products. Sustainable packaging seeks to improve global sustainability by favoring packaging that is reusable, recyclable, or that reduces and eliminates waste. In this way, we contribute to the reduction of pollution and ecological footprint.

What is the life cycle of packaging?

By understanding the life cycle of packaging, we can make more informed decisions on how to improve its sustainability. This cycle begins with the selection of raw materials such as cardboard or paper, which go through various stages until they become the final product. Throughout this process, the goal is to extend the useful life of the packaging, ideally allowing it to be reusable, recyclable, or to eventually become a raw material again.

Raw materials

• Cardboard and paper: Common in packaging due to their recycling potential.
• Alternative materials: More eco-friendly options to plastic, such as bioplastics or cardboard.

Processes and manufacturing

• Specialty or general packaging manufacturer: Decides on the type and use of material in the final packaging.
• Material optimization: Minimizes the use of unneeded materials, while maximizing reuse potential.

Distribution and consumption

• Retailer and consumer: Play crucial roles in the chain. Consumers are often the ones who can reuse or send packaging for recycling.

End-of-cycle

• Recycling or disposal: Ideally, packaging is recycled back into raw materials; however, in the worst case, it ends up in landfills.

How to encourage the use of eco-friendly packaging?

Adopting eco-friendly packaging is part of an extended responsibility towards the environment. Here are four basic principles that can guide the design and selection of packaging materials.

Disposal

Evaluate the need for the components. For example, a toothpaste usually packaged in an aluminum tube does not need an additional cardboard box. Reducing the amount of packaging used is essential.

Reduction

Take measures to use fewer materials. Campaigns to reduce the use of plastics in bottles are examples of efforts to adopt this principle.

Reuse

Design products with second use in mind. Glass honey containers that can be used to store other products are an excellent example.

Recycling

The adaptation of interchangeable pouches in cosmetic products illustrates how to integrate the recycling cycle directly into the packaging design.

What are some innovative examples of eco-friendly packaging?

Several examples demonstrate how brands can be innovative and environmentally responsible in their packaging.

• In medicine: Cardboard packaging for pills that used to come in plastic.
• Natural cosmetics: Packaging consistent with the brand's ecological philosophy.
• Supermarkets: Use banana leaves instead of plastic to wrap products such as flowers.
• Local: Use of local elements to generate natural and eco-friendly print on products such as rice.

Sustainability in packaging not only benefits the planet, but also improves brand perception among consumers who value ecological principles. It also helps to significantly reduce the footprint on the ozone layer by offering honest and authentic packaging. Continue to explore and innovate in the world of sustainable packaging and contribute to a greener future.