Green packaging continues to be important for consumers that are concerned about the environment and their own health and well-being. Furthermore, green packaging is also a vital necessity for the same reasons that consumers reach for brands that share their interest in environmental and other important causes. This is because when products are contained in green packaging, they are less likely to end up in the country’s landfills and waterways.
The 2016 West Rock Consumer Insights Study found that packaging was extremely important to 26% of the participants’ overall satisfaction. In fact, 66% of the participants purchased a new product because the packaging caught their eye, and 45% purchased a product because they realized that the packaging was environmentally-friendly. The study also found that just 14% of the participants felt that brands were doing enough to improve their packaging to address these and other important consumer needs.
Another survey showed that more than half, or 52%, of people throughout the world do consider making a purchase based on the packaging. This isn’t their only reason for doing so, however. When a brand does make a positive social and environmental impact by engaging in sustainable practices such as green packaging, it’s highly likely that more and more consumers will purchase their product rather than a competitor’s.
In 2013, 78 million metric tons of plastic packaging was produced throughout the world. After the enclosed product was used, the plastic packaging that wasn’t reused or recycled found its way to these locations:
- Dumped in landfills: 40%
- Leaked into the environment: 32%
When reusable packaging is used,to contain products, the world’s pollution may be significantly reduced as a result. It’s important to note that the damage caused by the world’s plastic waste amounts to a minimum of $13 billion every year. Furthermore, it is estimated that there are currently 150 million metric tons of plastic contained in the world’s oceans. According to a 2016 Ellen MacArthur Foundation report, by 2050, it is predicted that pieces of plastic will outnumber the fish. It is obviously vital that action be taken in order to prevent this dire circumstance from occurring.
Currently, there are many solutions and options to address green packaging needs. Customized and patented packaging for retail and other purposes is available. This includes reusable clamshell packaging for a variety of products. Box labels are also an excellent way to inform consumers that a brand engages in sustainable practices.