Is foam the answer to sustainable packaging?
Be under no illusions, consumers are taking sustainability and environmentalism very seriously.
If you’re part of the “old school” that thinks going green has a niche appeal or isn’t something to take seriously, then you can expect your business to be in trouble in a few years.
As the world moves towards a cleaner, greener environment, the road to sustainability is inevitable.
If you want to survive, then good advice would be – switch to sustainable packaging, and soon.
Why sustainable packaging is important
A big part of the battle towards sustainability comes in the form of packaging.
Currently, single-use packaging is one of the biggest polluters of the planet, resulting in approximately 300 million tons of waste each year.
Most of this plastic is non-biodegradable, and usually gets dumped in a landfill or burnt. The problem is, while it doesn’t biodegrade, it does degrade, meaning it breaks down into smaller and smaller parts.
We’ve talked before about microplastics and how they are destroying the oceans, ending up in the food chain and generally poisoning the planet.
Sustainable packaging is a move away from these plastics, and it can’t happen soon enough.
The new kid on the block
If you’ve ever bought jewellery, a watch or a new phone, you’ll have noticed the packaging it comes in – foam.
The item will be perfectly nestled inside, with the foam cut to its exact specifications, and although it’s been around for a while, modern versions are starting to catch the eye of environmental groups.
Why is foam such a good option for sustainable packaging?
There are several reasons why foam packaging is a great alternative to single-use plastics.
Tough, strong and waterproof
Foam has a unique molecular structure, allowing it to behave in various ways.
In fact, breaking down anything into small enough pieces results in a foam-like structure, making it nature’s building block.
This structure is also mostly empty cells, making foam incredibly light.
Foam is just as tough as plastic, but without the pollution that comes along with it, and because of its fascinating cell structure, it’s also waterproof.
Tough, light and waterproof are a winning combination for any packaging product.
Little waste – before, during and after use
Because most foam packaging is cut to the exact specifications required for the product, there is little waste in the manufacturing process. There are no off-cuts or waste left behind, reducing the amount used significantly.
After a product is opened, foam, unlike plastic, can be recycled 100%.
Reusing foam is now a big business, with new products like gym mats being made from older reconstituted foam items.
Cost-effective for businesses
Plastic is cheap, no doubt about it, but that’s only half the story.
As mentioned, foam is cut specifically for the product you’re selling, so you only buy as much as you need, an efficient way to save packaging costs.
If your business is transporting fragile items, then foam is a much safer option, cutting down on breakage, damage and return costs.
Foam can be used for any product
The versatility of foam cannot be overstated.
It can be used for pretty much anything you need to package, from clothing to electronics to food.
Customised to suit your exact packaging requirements, it’s a personal touch on your brand that a box simply cannot offer, no matter how nice the design is.
There’s something special about finding a new phone nestled perfectly within its own little bed of foam.
We can help with all your sustainable packaging needs
Sustainable packaging needs to be three things:
- Minimal
- Recyclable
- Cost-effective
Foam packaging ticks all three of these boxes, but it’s not the only option out there.
It’s a complex area, and one in which we are highly knowledgeable.
With decades of experience with business all over the world, both big and small, we’ve seen it all, and companies making the switch to sustainable packaging is now a popular trend.
Today’s consumers are actively looking for brands that take sustainability seriously and are willing to pay extra for it.
Those who choose to ignore which way the wind blows will soon become obsolete, so let us help you stay ahead of the curve.
Contact us today if you would like to know more about how we can help your business become more environmentally sustainable with your packaging.