The packaging industry has undergone drastic changes over the past decades due to changing consumer preferences, rising environmental concerns, and expansion of newer markets. The consumption of goods and items, in general, has significantly increased as there has been a sudden rise in the global population, people’s lifestyles and daily routines have drastically changed and so has the trend of online shopping. 

Packaging plays a key role in protecting the items from physical damage, moisture, contamination, or infestation during the shipping process or warehousing. Packaging not only provides protection to the product but also enhances safety, usability, and attractiveness. Various types of packaging solutions with optimal and visually appealing designs, at times adhering to specific customer requirements are widely used across industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical, electronics, beauty & cosmetics, and e-commerce.

However, most of the packaging is made from plastic or other non-degradable materials that end up in landfills, causing air, water, and land pollution. Eco-conscious consumers and companies are readily looking for greener alternatives to cater to this problem. Packaging manufacturers and leading companies are focused on making sustainable packaging products to minimize wastage and comply with the trends.

Importance of Green Packaging Solutions in Modern Packaging:

Green packaging, also called sustainable or eco-friendly packaging is rapidly gaining traction as the world is heading towards sustainability. The primary goal of green packaging is to reduce overall environmental impact caused due to packaging materials and processes.

Green packaging ensures little or no damage to the environment by reducing the carbon footprint and emphasizes using 100% recycled packaging materials and reusing them wherever possible. This packaging is made from materials such as seaweeds, mushrooms, cornstarch, paper, rice husk, biodegradable and recycled plastics, bamboo, glass, metal, cotton, and jute instead of plastic or Styrofoam. Other materials like corrugated bubble wraps, organic fabrics, biodegradable packaging peanuts, recycled cardboard and paper, and refurbished products are also used in green packaging.

Current Trends in Green Packaging:

Consumers are constantly making decisions based on eco-conscious values, which has encouraged key players to develop packaging solutions appealing to consumers' lifestyles and choices. They are focusing on designing packaging solutions for reusability and recyclability and investing in bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable packaging materials.

Here are the top 5 green packaging ideas currently trending in modern-day product packaging:

Refillable Parent Packaging-

Refillable parent packaging is one of the most ideal solutions that allow customers to recharge/refill a product in its original packaging. These packaging solutions are super handy and minimize the energy required for developing new products. Many FMCG and pharmaceutical companies have started mobile refill stations to help consumers go zero-waste. These refill stations provide refilling of homecare products like detergents, shampoos, and other liquids in reusable containers. In addition, several key players are investing in R&D activities to launch reuse and refill packaging.

Returnable Packaging-

Returnable packaging products and solutions are made from various materials such as steel, plywood, bioplastic, plastic, or wood and can be used for around 5 to 7 years depending on the shipping method and environment. This approach helps in reducing packaging costs, packaging wastage, and transportation costs. Moreover, it helps to improve brand image and customer loyalty. Companies and brands across various verticals are steadily relying on returnable packaging solutions to reduce overall environmental impact.

Cleaner Labeling-

Newer generations and many millennials are concerned about the quality and nutrient value of the food they consume. Cleaner labeling allows consumers to understand what they are eating. It provides clear and transparent information on food product labels.

Convenience Features-

Many manufacturing companies are focusing on the positive features of a ziplock bag/pouch and several brands are selling cereals, coffee, tea, nuts, candy, and even health drinks in these metalized zip pouches. These pouches are not only reusable but also retain the product’s freshness for a very long time. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies are providing user-friendly bottles that can be easily opened by children, physically challenged as well as aged populace.

Unconventional Designs-

Unconventional designs are one of the latest approaches to modern packaging that aims to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainability. These designs allow the product to stand out in the crowd. For instance, some companies use edible materials such as seaweed, potato starch, or rice paper to wrap their products while some brands have introduced packaging embedded with seeds that can be planted after use.

Green Packaging Market Scenario:

The global green packaging market size was USD 52.43 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 121.94 billion in 2032 and register a steady CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. This growth is significantly driven by factors such as rising penetration of online shopping, growing consumer inclination towards eco-friendly products and packaging, rising awareness about environmental issues, plastic pollution, and packaging wastage, and high adoption of green packaging across various sectors.

Moreover, material and packaging manufacturers and associated companies are focused on invention budgets and funds to develop recyclable, lightweight, and sustainable packaging solutions. In March 2023, Electrolux Group announced the launch of recycled and paper-based packaging solutions with 70% less ink as a primary step towards sustainable packaging. Another instance where Cascades launched a novel eco-friendly packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables in January 2023. This packaging is made from recycled corrugated cardboard.

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