We’re all aware of how vital it’s become for the world to reduce its impact on the environment and one of the most significant changes we can make is with our packaging and the materials used.
Packaging is an unavoidable part of life, with most people coming into contact with some form of it every single day.
Unfortunately, with the immense amount of packaging we go through, also comes the devastating amount of waste that follows. According to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs, ‘The UK generated 221.0 million tonnes of total waste in 2016, with England responsible for 85% of the UK total.’
Packaging isn’t something that we can just eliminate altogether, it carries too many purposes, including protecting, preserving and enhancing many products. The next best thing we can do is switch out all of the harmful materials for recyclable ones.
The production of raw materials such as plastic, paper and cardboard uses mass-energy, but producing new materials from existing ones naturally uses less. In fact, the recycling process uses up to two-thirds less energy than traditional manufacturing!
We know it’s time to make the switch, but what are the benefits of recyclable packaging?
Environmentally Friendly
Undoubtedly, the most appealing thing about recyclable packaging is, it’s a lot less harmful to the planet. A lot of companies are looking to go green, but 2020’s health crisis has put our environmental problems on the backburner. However, it’s now imperative that industries make a change with their packaging.
A certain type of packaging can have a serious impact on the environment, from the moment the material is sourced, manufactured, transported, used and disposed of. Every stage of the process contributes to the problem in some form.
Plastic pollution has rapidly become one of our most pressing environmental issues, but it’s also one of the most commonly used packaging materials. According to National Geographic, ‘plastic bags and food wrappers, have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.’
This is a result of the material often containing additives that make it stronger, more flexible and durable, with an estimated 400 years being the time it takes for plastic to break down after it becomes litter. Plastic pollution is also the cause of millions of animals dying every year, with 700 species being affected, including endangered ones.
It’s very clear that there are many environmental benefits of switching to recyclable packaging, but how else is it beneficial?
Cost-Effective
It’s very easy for businesses to come to the conclusion that sustainable materials aren’t as financially viable. Highly produced materials such as plastic can make other materials look expensive in comparison. However, one of the reasons plastic is so cheap is because there’s so much of it! Going green might require an initial investment, but in the long run, a commitment to sustainability earns high marks with customers, boosting long-term business.
If you also take into consideration the disposal costs, dumping your waste in landfills can be costly! Reducing your waste by using biodegradable alternatives or circling the material back into the system for reuse is definitely cost-effective. Recyclable materials can also decrease labour costs, handling waste on-site costs time, energy, and manpower.
You can also save money with your shipping costs, the lighter the packaging, the less it costs to ship your products. According to a recent study, 73% of people reported that their companies give extra attention and importance to packaging sustainability as lighter packaging reduces the packaging and transportation costs.
Brand Reputation
Most people are concerned about the environmental crisis we are facing and this has had a direct effect on consumers’ buying behaviours. Using recyclable packaging or more sustainable products automatically creates a good impression of your company.
A business with a “green reputation” is far more likely to be preferred over one that solely focuses on raking in money. You might also attract eco-conscious consumers and further develop your customer base, opening up avenues that could previously have been inaccessible to your brand.
According to a recent survey by Accenture, consumers have started to become more environmentally conscious with their purchases in an effort to do their part. Making changes in this area doesn’t just show off your green credentials, it also makes you a much more desirable brand. You can protect your brand’s image and the environment!
We’ve covered only a few of the benefits of switching to recyclable packaging and it’s evident that irreversible damage could be done to our planet if we don’t make a global effort to become more eco-conscious.
At Tyler Packaging we can help you to make the switch, with our sustainable packaging range. It features 100% recyclable, renewable bio-based and compostable pouches which are also plastic-free. These can be designed to suit any company’s needs while providing suitable protection for the products inside, helping companies choose the best packaging for them.
We’re dedicated to constant product improvement, and our focus in recent years has been and continues to be the development of sustainable packaging. Our ultimate aim is to produce a portfolio of products that provide a total solution to plastic waste contamination.
We believe that eco-friendly packaging is the future and together we can make the switch.
To find out more or to enquire about how we can help your business, get in touch, call on 01926 651451 or email us on info@tylerpackaging.co.uk.
