Eco-friendly packaging has become essential in today’s culture. More people than ever have become conscious of and concerned for the deteriorating environment. For many, eco-friendly is not an option but a requirement for a product to even be considered, and this growing demographic should not be ignored. Additionally, there are now many government regulations concerning eco-friendly products and packaging, making it no longer a question of preference.

How Green Are You?

It is important to know your company’s position on eco-friendly packaging. There is a wide spectrum of options with varying degrees of impact to the environment. Once your “green” identity is established, you can reflect this in your packaging choices.

The Benefits of Going Green

The key benefits of choosing eco-friendly packaging will ultimately be customer loyalty and increased sales. It is not enough to “go green” for the sole purpose of staying relevant and retaining business. But if consumers see your commitment to the environment, and if that comes through in your packaging and product presentation, you will earn a degree of loyalty from consumers. If you can become known for truly caring for the environment, your sales will reflect that.

The Problems with Eco Friendly Packaging

There are some issues to consider before making the decision to transition to using eco-friendly packaging. This is particularly the case if you are in the food industry or if your packaging process involves glues, adhesives or other liquids that could contaminate the product or the equipment used to manufacture new packaging. Glues, adhesives, and certain kinds of tape that are often used on some packaging can cause similar issues. Materials and used packaging that is sent to be recycled need to be completely free of any contaminants in order to be successfully reused.

Eco-Friendly Material for Your Packaging

Here’s a guide to eco-friendly packaging materials and their identification codes:

  • PET – One material to consider is recycled plastic. Recycled plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, or PET (also known as RPET), are made from previously recycled plastic bottles. It’s more practical than many other plastics because of its high resin value. Bottled water, juice, and carbonated soft drinks almost exclusively use PET. Its resin identification code of 1 makes it the most recyclable of plastics.
  • HDPE – High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is used on milk jugs, shampoo, and detergent bottles. It doesn’t leach and is widely accepted and easily recycled.
  • LDPE – Low-density polyethylene – This is used in most plastic shopping bags, some cling wraps, some baby bottles, and reusable drink and food containers. It does not leach and is recyclable.
  • PP – Polypropylene – This can be found in some baby bottles, yogurt tubs, deli take-out containers, and a large number of reusable food and drink containers. It hasn’t been found to leach and is recyclable.
  • PS – Polystyrene is used in egg containers and take-out food containers. It has been found to leach styrene, which is a neurotoxin and potential carcinogen, to the point that it has been banned by several major U.S. cities. Some recycling centers still do take it.
  • Any other materials – This can be any combination of plastics. Any of the above plastics mixed with an additive or barrier plastic can enhance the properties of the final container. This category can also include PC, or polycarbonate, which has been found to leach biphenyl A, a known hormone disruptor that mimics estrogen.

Choosing the right eco-friendly packaging for your products can be quite difficult and confusing but is vital to your reputation with your customers. MJS Packaging offers the best customer service for all of your product packaging needs.

To speak to one of our specialists about your eco-friendly packaging options, please contact us at 800.915.2262.