Have you ever received packaging and wondered what its environmental impact is? Packaging waste can be excessive, especially with the rise in popularity of custom PR and other e-commerce unboxing experiences. Custom packaging can be mindful and eco-friendly while still providing brand recognition.
In this post, we’re talking through the environmental impact of packaging and what you can do to lessen your impact. Read on to learn more!
Packaging’s Environmental Impact
Plastic makes up about 36% of all packaging, and about 40% of all plastic is single-use. A large portion of all plastic packaging waste is improperly disposed, leading a large amount of plastic waste. Once they enter the environment, plastic never truly disappears–it simply breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces over time called microplastics.
Though plastic waste makes up a large portion of all packaging waste, paper packaging can also be just as wasteful! Though paper packaging is highly recyclable, we often mismanage it in the disposal process. In Canada in 2019, only 6% of packaging waste was recycled.
In 2018, Canada alongside France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union adopted the Ocean Plastics Charter to “move toward a more sustainable approach to producing, using and managing plastics.” Two years later, Canada’s plastic ban came into effect. The ban includes six single-use plastic items, and aims to have businesses shifting towards more sustainable options. However, this is only be effective with proper disposal.
Some countries have recycling and proper waste management systems integrated as a way of life. For example, in Sweden, the pant recycling system is incorporated in every household. Swedes dedicate themselves to proper waste disposal and recycling, recycling 61% of all packaging material in 2020.
What Can I Do?
In day-to-day life, the easiest way to help reduce the environmental impact of packaging is to dispose of all excess packaging properly. We cover some of our tips for recycling packaging in a previous post, such as checking for the plastic type, and removing any non-recyclable materials such as fabric and adhesives. If you’re ever unsure about what is and isn’t recyclable, check with your local waste management facility! Many cities also offer searchable guides on what items go where, as seen in the city of Toronto’s Waste Wizard.
For businesses looking to reduce the amount of waste they produce for their products, we recommend going custom! We know that the image of custom packaging that comes to mind for businesses is elaborate, but it doesn’t have to be! Going custom gives you the freedom to create your perfect fit, eliminating unnecessary bulk and plastic by replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives. Custom packaging can be eco-friendly, so long as it’s designed mindfully.
Interested in learning more about eco-friendly custom packaging solutions? Contact us today to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Business Development Consultants!
