The world is getting more and more environmentally conscious and, as a result, controversy around product packaging continues to grow. On the one hand, we need to stop packaging waste from choking our planet to death. On the other hand, we can’t do without packaging. We need to ship and store products for human use, and packaging is essential for keeping these products safe from damage, spoilage, or contamination. We are in a conundrum. Thankfully, we now have tried and tested sustainable packaging solutions that harm the environment significantly less than traditional packaging.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging is mostly similar to traditional packaging in terms of protecting products from damage, spoilage, or contamination during storage and transportation. However, it differs from traditional packaging in that it decomposes fully into beneficial organic compost. Common sustainable options in the market today are PET/HDPE plastic, paper, and cardboard, all of which are recyclable and biodegradable.
The Environmental Impact Of Packaging Choices
Excessive packaging of products over the decades has had massive negative effects on the environment. The manufacturing and disposal of most packaging materials produce deadly greenhouse gas emissions, notably carbon monoxide gas. The increasing plastic waste in our oceans, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies magnifies the ecological impact of packaging on the planet. Plastic waste in rivers and lakes kills aquatic animals and poisons the water humans use.
Three unresolved challenges make packaging harmful to the environment:
