4 sustainable trends and innovations in packaging
Packaging is often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with a brand and product - the form, function, and branding of the packaging can be very influential on a purchasing decision. However, packaging has a massive sustainability problem that can’t be ignored. Today the world produces 400 million tons of plastic waste annually, 36% of which is from packaging and 85% of which ends up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Rethinking how we package products can improve the sustainability and circularity of these materials, address health concerns like microplastics and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria along the way, and even provide an improved business case. With that in mind, let’s dive into four trends and innovations in sustainable packaging that will define the future of the category. 1. Reducing and recycling plastic packaging 2. Making strides with mono-materials 3. Biodegradable and repurposable packaging 4. Antimicrobial awareness and innovation