Tag Archives: Sustainable Packaging

Is Edible Packaging a Gimmick, or a Game Changer 

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Some brands are trying to make their packaging edible. What this means is that the packaging can literally be eaten, because it’s made from safe materials for consumption, such as seaweed, starches, rice, and the like. 

Though seen primarily with takeout items, other brands are using this.  is it worth it? What are the benefits of this, and what are the drawbacks? 

Well,. the benefits are for zero waste incentives. For companies looking to make sure their carbon footprint is next to nothing, this is a godsend. But, even though it is great for reducing carbon footprint, it does come with major logistical challenges, which we’ll go over here. 

The Logistical Challenges 

Some of the biggest logistical challenges involve the safety of these items. Though it does encase the item, it might not be enough to preserve it.   shelf life of the items becomes a challenge, especially when you’re trying to prevent it from getting bad or spoiling. 

Another issue is moisture resistance.   In humid atmospheres, it can get into these items, and then degrade the item. The last thing you want is for the item to be soggy when you consume it.

Finally, the FDA regulations are another challenge. Though it is allowed, there are some challenges with how long it can be on the shelf. There are certain instances as well, that the items are not FDA regulated, putting the person at risk for getting sick if the item is spoiled. 

Cases that Use This Type of Packaging 

Though there are some challenges especially when getting people to even consider this type of packaging, there’s also some use cases which are coming forth.

Food subscription services use this type of packaging. For food subscription businesses, having a constant means in which your foods are shipped, and offering a sustainable edge to them, can help with improving your business. 

Some promotional campaigns might benefit from this. offering some limited edition edible packaging is great, because when you use it to promote, people will flock because it is limited in use.  A promotional campaign that also focuses on sustainability might want to use this too. 

There are also, of course, zero-waste products. Products without a single bit of waste left behind are popular. With such products, you will be able to reduce the waste of these products, and also make it useful for them. a company that offers products with no waste is great, and it can be a major game changer. 

Customers Who Enjoy It 

Most of the time, customers do like this type of packaging. It comes with the surprise and delight factors of this. Many customers feel excited when they have an edible piece of food that they can eat, package and all. 

There is also less guilt that comes with this. Most of the time, people don’t want to throw out wrappers. They feel bad, and it can be a challenge. However, if you’re able to reduce waste, you will also in turn, reduce disposal guilt, a huge thing for companies of all kinds. 

Again, it has its perks. 

Will It Replace Styrofoam 

Some may wonder if edible cushioning will replace Styrofoam. 

Though it will not happen right away, it is always possible. Many companies are changing their tune with Styrofoam, and want to get past that. edible packaging may be the evolution that these companies have been waiting for, as a game-changer that will improve and drastically monitor the different nature in which your packaging works, and will in turn, reduce guilt associated with disposal. 

Packaging That Repairs Itself 

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More and more packaging is advancing like never before. Some of it involves what’s called self-healing packaging where it will repair itself to fix minor punctures, cuts, and tears. This type of packaging offers an automatic change to this type of packaging, and really makes it useful for you to put together. 

Here, we’ll go over how this type of packaging works, and why, through this, you’ll be able to build the ideal packaging that will really improve your packaging stats. 

The process 

This type of packaging utilizes advanced polymer coatings that will cover the packaging, and also microcapsules that release repair agents when damaged.   From there, it will fix itself. 

Bio-based regenerative materials also is another use of this, as many times, people will benefit from this type of unique means to repair all that’s there.   With that in mind, it’s important to understand just why this type of polymer material works, and the unique aspects in which your packaging rolls out, building and becoming as best as it can be. 

The applications 

This type of packaging is used when shipping out items that are fragile, especially those that might get easily jarred and damaged, or sensitive items that will need the extra protection for its packaging. 

It also is used with high-value electronics, which need more and more protection from the elements and various packaging. Again, this is ultimately up to the company, and what it can offer. 

Food packaging is another, because with one wrong move, the packaging might break, resulting in major problems in the future, and down the line. 

The benefits of This 

This type of packaging extends the lifespan of such by a lot. In fact, many companies will use this again and again, in order to strengthen the items that are there. 

It also reduces waste. Many times, waste accumulates, and it will cause the packaging to change in shape and scope.   But, when you’re using this self-healing packaging, many can use it again and again for future items. 

Finally, it minimizes the damage from returns, which means that returns are lessened, and companies don’t have to spend extra money on these returns, so you’re saving a lot of money inevitably.   Ti is good for keeping the packaging longevity, and thereby improves the overall results of each type of packaging experience, and makes it possible for companies to have a better control over how their packaging is. 

This type of packaging isn’t for all brands, but if you can afford it, there are many benefits to reap.

The future 

This type of packaging is pretty new, so a lot of companies might not spend the money to make this possible yet. That’s fine, but one of the advancements is actually putting forth the money to make this work. 

However, for those that do use it, AI is the next step in this, as you can get AI-driven self-healing materials that will automatically analyze and adjust the repair speed of these items based on the severity of the damage. So if the damage is pretty bad, then it will adjust accordingly, and if it’s fine, then it won’t. 

While a lot of companies are still skeptical about this type of packaging, it does have a newfound longevity that a lot of packaging providers want to have for their packaging. Being able to use this offers a multitude of benefits, and in turn, it will make it even easier for you to get the right packaging incentives that will get people to not only buy, but to use this again and again as well.  

Glow in the Dark Bioluminescent Packaging 

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Did you know you could use packaging that glows in the dark. There are now ecofriendly glow in the dark packaging options made from materials that are bioluminescent. 

These types of different packaging experiences offer a variety of experiences, and really helps with reducing the eco footprint you’re trying to put out. Here, we’ll go over how this type of packaging can really stand out, and also get rid of the glow in the dark waste that happens. 

How this Works 

Some plants are bioluminescent, which is a fancy word for emitting light. So yes, it offers a glow when embedded in the packaging.

Seaweed is one example, as you can use various coatings and the bioluminescence of some strains to emit light. The same is true for bacteria, which also emits light. 

All of this is done naturally, without the use of electricity. It’s pretty cool, but is kind of a new type of packaging experience, as most of the packaging that’s used does not have the capabilities for such just yet. 

Who Uses this 

Anyone who does deliveries at night benefits from this. If you’re trying to track deliveries at night, you’ll want to use this, because it helps with properly ensuring that the items get to their correct locations. 

The same goes for tracking emergency supplies, especially those that are going to sensitive locations. A lot of times, with this type of tracking, you need something bright, and this bioluminescence can offer such a thing. 

Finally, a lot of brands use this because of the aesthetics of bioluminescence. It looks cool and seems cool, so when you’re able to harness that power of cool, it really stands out. 

While not fitting for all brands, it can prove beneficial for some that are looking to really enhance their brand presence. 

The benefits 

Many times, this type of packaging is used because it reduces the reliance on lighting that’s battery powered. Batteries are not sustainable, and by ensuring that you’re using these less, you’re able to craft a better experience. 

It also enhances the overall product visibility of the item, making it appear better than it would otherwise. 

Finally, it improves the brand experience and makes it truly unique.   Think about how many times you’ve had packaging that literally glows in the dark. Not all that often, right? 

If you’re a brand that uses outdoor gear or anything where you can use bioluminescence in order to stand out, then it’s recommended that you do it. you owe it to yourself to ensure that thee bioluminescence of the item improves product visibility, and makes the brand experience all the better. 

The future of This Product 

With bioluminescence, there’s a lot of growth to be had. Some of this is a new subject, with a lot of different factors that might not be present otherwise. 

However, some companies are tackling bioluminescence with AI enhancements. What that means is that there’s still the bioluminescence that’s there, but also uses AI in order to; make it stand out, adopting the brightness based on what the surroundings have to offer. Again, it’s pretty cool, as it offers a different way of looking at things, and enhances your brand on so many different levels. 

With bioluminescent becoming a popular subject, you’ll be able to, with this, provide the utmost enhancements that you can. consider these, and try to make it so that, no matter what happens, your packaging is seen, and regarded as different from the rest, but also far more sustainable than the alternatives as well. 

How Edible Packaging is Contributing to Going Waste Free 

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Edible packaging is a new type of packaging that’s designed to not only lower the amount of waste but offer an alternative to normal materials.

With edible packaging, it contributes to a food-safe experience, and it does create a unique alternative to biodegradable packaging solutions you might otherwise use. In a world where waste is monitored, having something that’s a great alternative to this might be worth your while.

We’ll explore edible packaging and its contributions here, so you can better understand the unique nature of this experience. 

Materials for edible Packaging 

Materials for edible packaging have to be something that you will, well, eat. Obviously, there’s a lot of edible items, but whether it’s due to taste or texture, you definitely want to be mindful of the types of packaging that you use. Common ones are seaweed of course, as it’s a good all-arounder, but there is also rice paper, common in a lot of Asian candies. Finally, there is gelatin, which creates an outer covering that a lot of people like.

With these materials, you want to make sure that they’re paired in a manner that’s easy for you to realize, and also one that can work well. 

Balancing it All Out 

Now, the real challenge that comes with edible packaging isn’t the disposal, but it’s how it’s all put together.

First, you’ve got taste. Having edible packaging is good, but if it doesn’t mix with the tastes of the food, people are just going to throw it out.   There is also the fact that you can throw this out and it will break down, but at that point it isn’t zero waste necessarily.

Food safety is another.   You want to make sure that the safety of the items that you eat isn’t compromised. Most of the types of packaging materials for edible packaging are safe for long-term consumption, but if you are pairing this with something perishable, make sure that you let customers know about when it might expire.

Functionality and sustainability are the other two. You want to ideally eliminate waste. This can be a bit of a struggle in some cases, especially if customers aren’t open to it. you don’t want to give them something that doesn’t really hold the item, or give them the packaging experience that they want.

Your shelf life definitely impacts the brunt of this but ensuring that this is all balanced is good for you.

The Benefits and Challenges 

There are a lot of challenges and benefits that come with this.

The first, being the environmental impact that this reduces. Single-use plastics can cause a lot of buildup of waste over time. When you use sustainable packaging such as in the form of edible packaging that’s out there, you will be able to eliminate a lot of the extra single-use plastics that are out there.

With less environmental impact, there can be better results in the long haul, and better experiences for many that are involved.

The biggest concerns that come from this, however, are mostly in the form of hygiene. That’s because you want to make sure that the edible packaging is safe to eat, especially given how things can be. you don’t want food poisoning to be a major problem with this.

The other major issue is durability, because it does need to be strong. Sometimes they break down, thereby creating problems.

Finally, there is customer acceptance. You may have some trouble with this, especially when it comes to getting people on board to use these unique and interesting forms of packaging. 

The Benefits of Recycled Packaging 

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When you’re trying to get more customers, your packaging might be what’s holding you back. With over 70% of consumers choosing to be more eco-friendly and sustainable, if you’re a company that isn’t, it’s going to damage you.

Even “recycled” plastics may also not be recycled. They tend to lead more to landfills than to a recycling plant.

That’s why sustainable packaging that’s recyclable might be the answer to look into. 

The Benefits for the environment 

For a lot of people, packaging is crucial for protection, information displaying, and boosting your marketing.

But one conventional approach that packaging offers has also been a problem. The environmental crises have started to happen, due to the onslaught of single-use plastics, along with non-recycled types of materials.  They’ve led to landfills that are overflowing, waters that get polluted, and ecosystems that harm people.

Many consumers do understand that which is why over 80% of them actually think that these retailers will curb this plastic packaging.

What’s your alternative though? Recyclable packaging will boost the image of the brand, and bolster sales too. 

The Best Packaging: corrugated board 

Corrugated board or cardboard is considered one of the best types of packaging, not just for protection, but also on a sustainability level. 

Many corrugated boards have two types of outer layers, known as linerboard.  Then in the middle, is fluting. Fluting offers durability and is good for protecting products when they’re shipped out. 

It’s one of the best and most popular types of packaging and is used to transit items across many distances. 

Corrugated also is much more renewable, so it’s far less harmful to the world around you than plastics and other packaging. 

The Benefits of Corrugated Packaging 

There are a few benefits that come with corrugated packaging.

The first is that it does reduce waste. This is due to it being customizable, so that the material waste is eliminated. its’ formatted so that it fits around products snugly and reduces this material and interior packaging that’s used.  This is good for eliminating packaging peanuts.

Corrugated also doesn’t minimize the upfront waste, but it also reduces the material wasting that happens after you’ve shipped out something.  Corrugated is very recycled, especially compared to plastics.  Many times, a lot of it is disposed of as a residue, especially when you use this.  recycled corrugated material is better, and it reduces the energy within incinerators and waste.

It also is good for resources and energy conservation. Many recycled packaging options don’t just result in less waste transported to landfills, but it also provides a better way to conserve resources and energy. Due to the fact that corrugated is very recyclable, it’s made primarily with materials that are reused, creating more powerful results than if you just used other types of options. 

Because of the low amounts of recyclability, a lot of plastic packaging is virgin. Virgin packaging is not good for the environment, especially since many times virgin packaging is discarded into the oceans and landfills.  You also need to use more energy to build and craft new plastics.  Did you know that plastic is responsible for 3% of the total energy consumption within the US? This is actually double what the aviation industry does, so it’s important for a lot of people to look at this.

Corrugated paperboard does use energy, but it’s usually about a third of this, and a lot of times there’s far less virgin packaging with that regard.

Keep this in mind and choose the right packaging that best fits your needs.