Plastics are a popular packaging option and contribute to economic growth. Yet given their production and pattern of ‘take, make, use, and dispose’, they continue to be a problematic pollutant. Plastics cause harm to wildlife, ecosystems and bodies of water because a majority of it ends up in landfills.
So how can we overcome this issue? We can strive for a circular economy and more sustainable packaging!
What is a Circular Economy?
A circular economy is designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment as it works towards keeping plastic out of the environment and within the economy.
This approach favours activities that preserve value in the form of energy, labour, and materials. This means designing for durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling to keep products, components, and materials circulating in the economy.Â
By doing so, circular systems make effective use of bio-based materials by encouraging many different uses for them.
For example, you can redesign packaging for personal care and cleaning products with refillable containers, eliminating single-use plastic bottles.
Similarly, bio-plastics produced from alternative feedstocks such as sugarcane, bamboo, and cornstarch can also help to make an economy more circular.
In order to achieve this system, countries in the past have also banned single-use plastics, which is why Canada is implementing its own plastic ban as well.
Popular Examples of Sustainable packaging
Now that you know what a circular economy is, let’s take a look at how various brands are working their way towards it!
Consider Monday’s Child, an e-commerce brand that produces children’s clothing.
Their packaging is designed so that it doubles as a dollhouse once the dress has been removed. By creating multiple uses for their box, this company is able to increase the lifespan of their packaging.
Plus, customers actually get more value for their money! As a result, the chances that the box will immediately end up in a landfill also decreases.
Next, take a look at this student project which also uses multi-use, eco-friendly packaging! Bee Bright’s honey jar is made from 100% bee wax, which transforms into a candle.
Simply flip over the jar and it becomes a candle with the wooden lid serving as a base. How cool is that!?
Lastly, you can always employ the ‘less is more’ approach to packaging!
Spell & The Gypsy, is an Australian brand that uses a variety of eco-friendly packaging options such as compostable mailer bags, tissue paper and tags. While doing this, they create awareness for the environment regarding proper disposal practices as seen on their packaging.
next steps
If you want to take a step towards contributing to a circular economy and promoting eco-friendly alternatives, why not reach out to us today?
Here at LeKAC, we specialize in customizable and eco-friendly packaging. With excellent service and quality, our in-house design and product specialists can help you transition effectively to more sustainable packaging options.
Tell us what you currently have – plastic bag, single-item plastic boxes… whatever it is, we can provide you with suitable replacement options based on your company and different product range.Â
Interested in finding out more? Fill out our contact form on our website or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram!
