Sustainability is the top concern across the packaging value chain, with more boxes, plastic and foam being delivered to doorsteps than ever before. Excess packaging has become a frustration for consumers, who inherit the responsibility of proper disposal, and retailers, who must take on costs and public culpability for adding to waste streams. Packaging sustainably has therefore become both an important means of addressing customer satisfaction and values, while also remaining a means of showcasing innovative solutions that cast retailers as responsible and forward-looking.

But in shifting from ambition to execution, many companies face hurdles in translating their green efforts to consumers. Brands from all sectors and price-points vie for the best eco-credentials, and while consumers have been a significant and a central character in the development of green marketing, there is still an obvious learning curve for consumers to understand and identify the different sustainability measurements that companies work so hard to tout.

Moreover, it appears that customers aren’t always able to determine if a product or brand is truly eco-friendly and sustainable, which means marketers need to do more in order to differentiate and educate.

Packaging has the power to influence consumer behavior and brand image at the very beginning of their product experience. How consumer goods are presented not only tells customers about the product itself, but it also tells them about the value and care companies commit to their goods and those who receive them.

The Evolution of Packaging Design 

Packaging design has seen significant changes over the years, with advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences driving the development of new and innovative packaging solutions. While simple materials such as wood, paper, and glass have been used to protect and transport goods for hundreds of years, we began to see early packaging solutions in the 1800s, when the first commercial cardboard box was introduced in 1817 and Water-activated tape being invented in 1912.

As the need for more sophisticated packaging solutions grew and with the rise in industrial manufacturing in a post-war world, new materials such as plastic and metal came to replace re-usable materials. These materials offered greater durability and flexibility, allowing for the creation of more complex and imaginative packaging designs. The advent of the printing press also allowed for the production of high-quality labels and graphics, further enhancing the visual appeal of packaging.

With the growth of the consumer market and the rise of global trade, packaging design has become an increasingly important part of the product development process. Today, packaging design plays a crucial role in branding and marketing, with companies using packaging to differentiate their products and create a unique identity in the marketplace.

In recent years, the focus of packaging design has shifted towards sustainability and eco-friendliness. Consumers are looking for packaging that is made from recycled materials and can be easily recycled after use. As a result, many companies are incorporating sustainable practices into their packaging design, using materials that are less harmful to the environment and reducing waste in the packaging process.

Overall, the evolution of packaging design has been shaped by a combination of technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. As packaging continues to evolve, it will play an even more important role in branding and marketing, and in protecting and transporting goods around the world

Sustainable Packaging Alternatives

There are many alternatives to traditional packaging materials, and each comes with a unique set of attributes. The best packaging is no packaging at all. However, this is an unrealistic standard to meet, especially with current consumer spending and the need to safely transport items from retailer to consumer. The most sustainable packaging is that which makes the most efficient, and effective, use of resources and is easy to reuse, compost, or recycle.

Examples of Sustainable Packaging

Using recycled materials can help conserve natural resources while reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It is an opportunity to give a second life to materials already in circulation. At IPG, our ongoing sustainability efforts are a top priority. Our brand is committed to developing sustainable packaging alternatives that meet the changing needs of the market, as well as customers who consider the environment in their decision making.

How to Find Sustainable Packaging Manufacturer

Over the past few years, consumer demand for sustainable packaging has increased, forcing companies to re-evaluate their packaging materials and opt for more eco-friendly solutions. There are many factors to consider when choosing a manufacture, such as innovation in design, production processes, and how packaging can be repurposed.

Effective sustainable packaging should meet the functional needs, while also staying in line with the brand. When choosing a packaging manufacturer, consider if the supplier provides the right packaging based on size, weight, design, reusability, durability, protection, safety, and cost. Not only should eco-friendly packaging solutions help meet a brand’s sustainability goals, it should also functionally work with its products as well.

It is also important to keep transparency and accountability in mind when looking at different manufactures. IPG, for example, tracks company progress and commitments made towards sustainable action in its annual sustainability report, and remains accountable in material sourcing through the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program. Looking for responsibly sourced materials and a sustainable manufacturing process is key in choosing a sustainable packaging manufacture.

Why is sustainable packaging urgently needed?