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

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

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

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. 

Source: Recyclable packaging

Sources 

https://www.sustainyourstyle.org/en/toxic-clothing 

https://healthyhumanlife.com/blogs/news/what-is-fast-fashion 

https://impakter.com/fast-fashion-effect-on-the-environment/ 

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OVERPACKAGING - A NEW CHALLENGE

In the world of sustainable packaging, we often hear about plastic, recycle, paper and pollution. However, the attention to design and material of packaging is not sufficient, we need to consider overpackaging. 

Overpackaging is when a product is contained in a box that is bigger than the object. The result is a big waste of materials. 

This phenomenon occurs especially in the food industry where a large quantity of plastic and paper is used to pack each product such as fruits or vegetables. 

That’s why the fight against pollution should start from the project of the perfect design. Companies should not consider the number of products but their dimensions and characteristics; this because perishable goods need to be packaged in specific boxes to increase their shelf life. 

Furthermore, it has been studied that recycling is not the solution: even if you use sustainable products, you are always producing more than the products require. 

Another problem is related to marketing strategies because in supermarkets packaging must attract consumers and new potential buyers. Colors and design play an extremely important role in the sale process. This because our mind wants something that grabs their attention and stimulates desirability. 

To reduce the waste of packaging, BOTTA Packaging provides the right combination between design and sustainability. 

For instance, Eco-Paper Fruit Tray is eco-friendly, circular by nature, and recyclable. It is the perfect solution for fruit protection in retail stores. It is composed of molded pulp. It saves space, warehousing, and transportation costs. The most interesting advantage is that it is flexible and the design allows the stackability of trays. 

If you want to discover our range of eco-products, visit our website. 

Reference

https://ilsalvagente.it/2019/12/15/imballaggi-di-troppo-il-riciclo-serve-a-poco-senza-combattere-loverpackaging/ 

https://www.renewablematter.eu/articoli/article/quando-e-troppo-over-packaging-nel-sistema-cibo 

https://www.ecoefficientdesign.com/ecoblog/overpackaging-how-to-abuse-from-packaging-materials 

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PACKAGING, MARKETING, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Contain and protect the product - ten years ago the function of packaging was not essential to attract consumers and sell products. 

However, things have changed and today we cannot consider packaging as a separate part of the product. They must be projected and seen as a single entity. 

The packaging is the first element that determines the choice of a product because our attention is becoming poorer and poorer. That why companies are trying to find the right combination between design and sustainability for packaging. The focus is shifting from what we find inside the box to the characteristics of a box. 

For instance, if a consumer thinks that packaging is not sustainable and attractive, she or he would not purchase this. 

Furthermore, today companies must communicate their values and this part starts from the packaging. 

In order to reach this purpose, companies need to invest in a graphic team specialized in marketing and design because both skills are required.

As for sustainability, it has been studied that consumers are willing to spend more money on packaging that they found sustainable. On the contrary, they reject it.

In BOTTA Packaging you can find a wide range of eco-products in which the attention to design is considered as well as sustainability. In fact, BOTTA Packaging uses recyclable materials that are circular by nature.

One of the latest products is Eco-Self Seal Cardboard: the perfect solution that provides protection and gives a pleasant aesthetic appearance to packaged products.

You can find information and detailed descriptions on our website. 

Reference

https://tivitti.com/importanza-packaging-tra-design-e-marketing/ 

https://www.insidemarketing.it/importanza-packaging-strategie-marketing/ 

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WATER WASTE – A GLOBAL CHALLENGE

Today, thousands of people are still dying due to the lack of water or its contamination. This happens especially in developing countries while in the modern world the water is also used as a source of energy; furthermore, a large quantity is wasted doing everyday actions. This diversity is not acceptable, but the inadequate distribution or resources is not a new issue. 

It is important to distinguish wastewater made by people in their houses and wastewater related to big industries. 

As for companies, the water used in the production chain by industries becomes polluted and even toxic for our health. So, when corporate social responsibility and the attention for circular or green economy are not the main objectives, the result is a huge wastewater and serious consequences for the environment.  

First, it is necessary to consider the impact on sea wildlife: the coral reef is disappearing, and experts have found microplastics inside the body of various fishes that we eat and this means that we pollute the environment and then the effects are toxic.

Polluted waters have a separate treatment in the process of recycle of in a circular economy vision. However, this implies a high cost that companies are not willing to pay because it is easier to throw them into the rivers. That is why metals, viruses, bacteria and other substances are contained in our water. 

Source:  Life cycle assessment from Botta Packaging

As for people, even when we have a daily shower, we never consider the ingredients of our shampoo and scrub for instance. Microplastics are contained in these products and they enter in the water.

In conclusion, organizations are trying to fight against water waste. For instance, UNESCO has established the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP). Its aim is to provide concrete solutions and knowledge in order to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Sources: 

https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/recycling-reusing-wastewater-can-solve-global-water-crisis-un-5679/ 

https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/reclaimed-wastewater?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects 

https://en.unesco.org/wwap/about-us 

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