Packaging trends 2021

This controversial year, which will be remembered mainly for the ongoing pandemic, is coming to an end. There were many difficulties that all productive sectors, as well as final consumers, had to face between localized lockdowns, a slowdown in GDP and mortality well above the organic average.

However, there have also been positive aspects that the unpredictable world health situation has brought with it, in terms of digitization of the business, innovation sustained by the effort to overcome the contraction of markets and simplification, even in the packaging world.

News for the packaging:

- E-commerce: the first undeniable cornerstone of this new decade of the 2000s is undoubtedly e-commerce. Never as this year, in fact, with the closure of shopping centers, shops to the public during the months of the spring confinement, the small and medium-sized Italian companies have resorted to bring their business online. Packaging in this fruitful and varied sector plays a key role for customer loyalty.

-Sustainability: Another fundamental argument we have already discussed, which saw Greta Thunberg as her most lively protagonist, in contrast to the outgoing President of the United States, Trump, is sustainability. In all sectors, no one excluded, consumer choices are based on eco-friendly materials and treatments with reduced environmental impact and ease of recycling.

Source: Botta Packaging

- Packaging interactivity: Always on the subject of progress, the phenomenon of interactive packaging is framed. the packaging is therefore no longer just a dress to be worn to the reference product, but a marketing tool able to engage the buyer, involving him in a multichannel experience much more immersive and therefore loyal than in the past.

Reference

https://blog.pack.ly/it/tendenze-del-packaging-2021-le-previsioni-di-packly/

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

settembre 18, 2023environment; sustainability

In recent times, environmental protection has become a very hot topic, which has attracted the attention of all. The subject, already extensively covered in some previous articles, is now a trending topic in many areas, especially in the packaging. Now more than ever, in fact, the packaging industry is called to respond to the demands of consumers who are clamoring for the use of sustainable packaging.

Companies need to adapt to this green vision for both ethical and commercial reasons. Making sustainable packaging is, in fact, a concrete response to the needs and concerns of its consumers. Investing in packaging solutions that are easier to recycle or reuse can be crucial for the sale of your products.

Several major brands have already taken action to contribute to the protection of the environment.

Attention to the choice of materials, aspects related to their disposal/ recycling and production techniques, optimization of size and printing yield, and reduction of overpackaging are only a part of the useful measures to reduce consumption and waste. However, there are no general rules to follow, only good practices to keep in mind when needed.

Of course, encouraging the use of ecological materials, such as paper, to polluting materials, such as plastic, is already a first big step in reducing the environmental impact of packaging.

Source: Sustainable packaging

Another useful solution is to create sustainable packaging tailored to each product.

This opportunity makes it possible to reduce widely the waste resulting from the use of standard packaging. In fact, the latter generally involve the use of fillers to make up for the dimensional difference between the product and its packaging.

https://blog.pack.ly/it/packaging-sostenibili-futuro-green/

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BIOPLASTICS

settembre 11, 2023bioplastics, green; packaging

In the world of green economy and recycle, bioplastics are conquering the attention of companies. However, they are not well known.

Contrary to what people think, they are not typical plastics but a large quantity of different materials. They are considered the future in the manufacturing and plastic industry because we need a drastic reduction in plastic trash. Bioplastics use biomass and they are biobased and biodegradable.

As marketing increases and tries to inform the final consumer, the result is a particular attention to the packaging of a product. In fact, clients do not know the difference between traditional plastic and bioplastics but then they are willing to spend more money if they judge that a packaging is not sustainable.

However, bioplastics are not the solutions because there are issues related to their production and effective recycle.

In fact, biodegradable plastic means that they are biodegradable only in a controlled environment with particular temperature conditions. Furthermore, they often finish in landfill sites in which plastic is still burned.

Another problem is the statement “100% recyclable” because it is not true that all the plastic produced will be recycled. In fact, the problem is the quantity used in order to create perfect packaging. But their life is short and parts of different packaging cannot have another life because they are a perfect fit for a specific product.

Source: Eco-paper inner packaging

In any case, the purpose is to substitute mainstream tools such as disposable crockery with bioplastic material. An obstacle could be the cost of production which is higher than traditional plastic. However, the law is becoming more restricted, so companies need to consider this solution because plastic’s days are numbered.

Sources:

https://www.european-bioplastics.org/bioplastics/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/are-bioplastics-made-from-plants-better-for-environment-ocean-plastic

https://www.greenpeace.org/italy/storia/6225/bioplastiche-packaging-sostenibile-carta-tutte-le-false-alternative-alla-plastica/

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FAST FASHION INDUSTRY – THE LATEST THREAT FOR OUR PLANET

settembre 04, 2023environment; sustainability, fashion

Yesterday, we bought from Inditex and Primark without thinking about sustainability, today the fast fashion industry is the enemy of sustainable development.

Fast fashion’s concept relies on lower prices and a wide range of clothes that you can change frequently. In a nutshell, it is affordable and always trendy, so why is it a threat for the environment?

First of all, the mass of water involved in the production chain: 20% of wastewater is produce by textile dyeing. Furthermore, fabrics are often toxic and dangerous for our health; our skin absorbs all the chemical substances contained in our clothes.

This due to the fact that poor quality means polyester textiles which are strictly linked to the microplastic released in the waterways when you wash clothes. Producing plastic fibres requires a large amount of energy and petroleum provided by non-renewable sources.

Fast fashion giants always push clients to renew the wardrobe; thus, your clothes’ lifetime is reduced, and they are not recycled or donate to people in poor countries.

In order to live a more sustainable and responsible life, we can make a difference thanks to small actions. For instance:

Buy less and reduces our consumerism.
Choose a sustainable brand.
Try to repair our clothes, donate or recycle them.
Consider vintage clothes.
Exchange clothes with our peers.

Today, the challenge for companies is to find the right balance between high profits and sustainability. The market is changing, and the consumer is conscious. This means that companies need to invest in Corporate social responsibility and innovation.