Page 24 - FMT Dec Web

Packaging

Latest Trends in Eco-packaging

By Rhea Mazumdar Singhal *

ne of the first interactions
a customer has with any
Oproduct is through packaging.
The global shift toward reducing
carbon footprint and sustainability
has resulted in a widespread change
in the manner we think and design
products. It is the well-known
brands that are paving the way. We
are living in a world where there
are social media backlashes, digital
transformation, and mass climate
change. People are focusing more
on shifting ideologies, innovating
tech-savvy products, and global
transformation. Consumers are more
aware of their social responsibility,
and companies have to be conscious
of how this impacts on the market.
A consumer or a brand wanting to
create a difference in this world will
look to their sphere of influence to
decide what they can do to save this • Reduces Carbon Footprint- Eco- as the packaging materials are
planet. At present, more and more friendly packaging is better for biodegradable.
companies and brands are looking the environment as it is made of
forward to sustainability, not merely recycled waste material which • Versatile and Flexible- Eco-friendly
because it’s the preference of their reduces the consumption of packaging is pretty versatile and
customers, but because they are resources. can be re-used and re-purposed
beginning to understand their role in most major industries that
in making the planet a better place. • Easy Disposable- The use of involve packaging. Whatever
Plastic features highly across media sustainable packaging may you are looking to package right
outlets with images of sea life sharing vary but it is always either from meats to electronic devices,
their habitats with plastic bags, compostable or recyclable. If the there will be an eco-friendly type
micro plastics, etc. Governments packaging is clearly labelled as of packaging that will meet their
have certainly played their part too, recyclable packaging then it can needs and reduce costs.
by banning plastic straws in certain be thrown into your recycling bin
markets for example. for re-use. • No Harmful Plastic- Traditional
packaging methods and
Why eco-friendly packaging is so • Biodegradable- Green packaging materials contribute to
important for us? There are many not only reduces your carbon global warming and other
answers to this question. Below footprint and environmental environmental issues. Using eco-
are some most obvious answers impact but is also beneficial friendly packaging allows you to
on why we should switch towards after it has served its purpose reduce the amount of plastic that
sustainable packaging. you use. Petrochemical products

Food Marketing & Technology 24 December 2020