Table of Contents
Having a clearly defined and realistic sustainability plan is no longer simply “nice to have” in today’s climate but rather a necessity for any business to remain competitive and compliant.
The shift to sustainable packaging is helping businesses’ bottom lines more than ever. This is particularly true for companies dealing with millennials, as they have been found to be twice as inclined to spend more on sustainable outputs than older generations, casting new light on the future of brand loyalty.
Let’s take a look at how companies that concentrate on using smarter, more sustainable packaging can meet this demand and the overall value this can have on the bottom lines.
Why Companies Should Use Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging used to mean ragged cardboard boxes or re-used plastic simply, but has since advanced to offer more flexible and adaptable solutions, making it appropriate for almost any product.
It can have a significant impact on your company’s reputation, as consumers and other companies actively seek out more environmentally conscious suppliers. Customers
today are no longer pleased when their goods arrive in excessive or non-recyclable packaging.
Packaging design is important because there are a few methods to strengthen your sustainability credentials. With heightened concern over emissions and environmental impacts like climatic change, sustainability is certainly a trending topic, and it is not expected to lose its appeal anytime soon.
Here’s how investing in sustainable packaging can help bolster your bottom line:
Cost savings
Sustainable packaging can reduce material costs, as many sustainable materials are less expensive than traditional materials. Additionally, companies can save on rubbish removal costs by using recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable materials. By switching to sustainable packaging, you may also lower the cost of transporting your raw materials, ensuring that both the environment and your bottom line are healthy.
Improved efficiency
Sustainable packaging can be designed to be more efficient in terms of storage, transportation, and handling. Eco-friendly packaging does more than merely prolong the life of recyclable materials by keeping them out of landfills. It also takes into account the energy used in producing them. It can lower carbon emissions, especially if you choose a supplier that invests in solar or wind power.
Increased sales
More than 46 percent of consumers who responded to a survey preferred sustainable packaging as an essential consideration. A further survey revealed that 52% of consumers are willing to pay more than 10% more for items using sustainable packaging.
Consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and are willing to pay more for products that are packaged sustainably. Therefore, sustainable packaging companies can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and increase sales.
Positive brand image
Companies that use sustainable packaging can build a positive brand image and demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. This can lead to increased brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
Regulatory compliance
In the UK, sustainable packaging is regulated by several laws and regulations. The UK’s main regulatory framework for sustainable packaging is the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2015. These regulations stipulate that all packaging placed on the UK market must meet certain essential requirements, including being environmentally responsible, suitable for recycling or other forms of recovery, and not containing hazardous substances above certain levels.
In addition, the UK government has set targets for waste reduction and recycling and has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainable packaging practices. The UK Packaging Waste Regulations require businesses that handle packaging to register with a compliance scheme and meet recycling and recovery targets for their packaging waste.
Tax implications when using non-compliant packaging
The UK government has also introduced a tax on plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content, which is designed to encourage the use of recycled materials in packaging. The government has also launched a consultation on introducing a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, which would incentivise consumers to recycle their drinks containers.
In terms of industry standards, the UK has a number of organisations that promote sustainable packaging practices, including the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the British Plastics Federation (BPF). WRAP has developed a number of voluntary agreements with businesses to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainable packaging practices.
Overall, the regulatory compliance of sustainable packaging in the UK is an important consideration for businesses that want to operate sustainably and environmentally responsibly. By complying with regulations and adopting sustainable packaging practices, businesses can reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
Switching to sustainable packaging can benefit businesses in a number of ways, from reducing environmental impact and appealing to consumers to cost savings and building a positive brand image.
Companies need to make a clear and sincere effort to integrate sustainable packaging methods into their entire value proposition by using a sustainable packaging supplier to gain an advantage over the competition and to avoid falling short on environmental regulations.