intengine.com: Sustainable Packaging Whitepaper 2023
Download PDF VersionBusiness Case for Sustainable Packaging
In 2018, containers and packaging waste generation constituted 28.1% or 82.2 million tons of the total municipal solid waste. 2 With more and more waste being diverted to the landfills and the ensuing greenhouse emissions, consumers are expecting firms to use sustainable packaging and eco-friendly elements in their products. They look up to and are loyal to ethical and green businesses. Millennials are pushing brands to be more socially and environmentally responsible.3
Containers & Packaging Waste:
28.1% of total municipal solid waste
From the business point of view, being ethically clean and green is what sustains businesses in the long run. Unsustainable packaging can damage the reputation of the firm, causing customers to switch to other brands that employ environment-friendly material and processes.
Sustainable Packaging:
- Improves brand and consumer perception (potential for increased sales). 70% of all consumers are likely to be influenced by environmentally friendly packaging4
- Opportunity for unique brand positioning in specific markets
- Increases sales amongst certain demographics
- Enhances customer satisfaction through easier disposal / recycling of packaging
- Results in cost reductions through minimised material usage and increased lifespan / longevity (e.g. returnable containers in supply chain)
- Reduces an organisation’s carbon footprint
- Potentially reduces in-transit costs through minimised materials / volume and saves storage and warehouse requirement (dependent on materials used)