Is Eco Friendly Packaging More Expensive

There is still a big difference between regular plastic and sustainable packaging. Still, it isn’t so high that consumers aren’t thinking about going more sustainable. The shift is happening because more and more individuals are now interested in environmentally friendly packaging and products.

Still, the question remains: is eco-friendly packaging more expensive? We discuss different aspects of why it can be so. So, let’s start the discussion and put this question to rest.

What is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainability in packaging requires materials that aren’t made from petroleum. Secondly, they must be easy to reuse and recycle or easily degradable. Furthermore, any of these features must not harm the environment because some degradation can actually harm it. So, even if different plastics can be recycled and used in new manufacturing while not harming the environment, they can be termed sustainable.

These packages not only help mitigate environmental damage, but they also reduce waste being produced.

What are Some Types of Sustainable Packaging?

The following are different sustainable packaging material types:

• Paper
• Metal and Glass
• Cornstarch
• Packaging Substrates
• PE/PE mono PE

Paper and cornstarch-derived or sourced materials are made naturally and easily recyclable. Most paper and its products can easily be recycled and composted. The same can be said for cornstarch, as you derive it directly from corn plants.

While not natural per se, glass and metal products can easily be recycled into new products. The good thing here is that they don’t lose their quality that easily. They are also a big part of packaging substrates and thus can be recycled easily.

What are the Major Factors Influencing Increased Costs?

Sometimes, the manufacturing or buying costs aren’t the most important factors when you want to go sustainable. You must look at the bigger picture and consider investing in long-term benefits. So here are some of these influences.

The Change in Market and Regulations

Sometimes, implementing and enforcing sustainability laws is the driving force of change. Companies that are at the forefront of packaging must abide by these laws, giving them incentives and thus bringing change in trends.

Governments can also implement more taxes on plastic manufacturing to entice companies to start including sustainable practices. Bigger and global bodies are chartering policies and vision goals to guide countries to follow the trend. These regulations and incentives help reduce waste worldwide and improve the weather and carbon emission output.

Cost Comparison to Regular Packaging

The first aspect of cost comparison, again, comes from regulatory requirements. When companies have to pay taxes on plastic manufacturing, the long-term effects can be felt. So, for example, while sustainable to regular, the price difference may be no more than half a pound. However, the major impact is on the carbon footprint, which is reduced up to 12-15% per item.

In the short term, though eco-friendly may seem costlier, it will save you more in the long term. It also saves the planet in the long term.

Investment and Innovation Costs

When you want to bring sustainable manufacturing up to par with regular methods, you need to invest in the infrastructure. The primary purpose here is to make sustainable packaging more affordable. This approach also means that you need to improve and advance technology, which again costs money for research and development. A lot of consumers are willing to bear the additional cost to be part of the change. Still, it falls on companies and institutions as well to spearhead a better future.

The Pros and Cons of Eco-Friendly Packaging

While there are some great benefits to sustainable packaging, it also has some drawbacks. Let’s discuss both of them.

The Pros of Sustainable Packaging

Let’s discuss these pros and how they can affect the decision-making of sellers and consumers.

Biodegradation

Whether you use plant-based packaging or even plant-based plastics, both can be degraded. Even plant-based plastics can be degraded with the help of special ingredients. Keep in mind that communities prefer most biodegradation, but it can only be done in specialized areas.

Lower Carbon Footprint

This packaging will require less energy to make as it doesn’t need as much as you do in chemical processes common with petroleum treatment. It also requires less energy to process in the after-life cycle. Thus, lower emissions mean a lower carbon footprint.

Mitigating Ocean Pollution

The ocean and seas aren’t directly affected, but when most channels and rivers are riddled with waste, it eventually ends up in the sea. Wastes from households, industries, and other sources all eventually end up there. This waste transfer is one of the biggest causes of ocean pollution, devastating sea life. More sustainable products mean a reduction in this pollution.

The Cons of Sustainable Packaging

As we said, there is a price to eco-friendly packaging in the world of full-blown plastic manufacturing and usage. Some of these are as follows.

Pricier

Sustainable packaging is still more expensive as the manufacturing processes aren’t as widespread or streamlined as with plastic manufacturing. Bigger companies and conglomerates can, though, take charge of this as they can afford it with a marginal change in cost.

Durability

Sustainable packaging doesn’t have the chemical structure and strength of plastic products. They can burst, tear, or puncture much more easily and can make it difficult to achieve the same power as with traditional packaging. So, consumers always need to balance sustainability with the longevity of the products they use.

Recyclability

The biggest bane to recyclability is contamination. If paper is wet and has been contaminated with any material, such as food waste, oil, mold, etc., it is very hard to recycle it properly. A lot of plastic, even though biodegradable, leaves tons of toxins. Plus, microplastics aren’t as easy to recycle as most might think.

FAQs

How To Make Eco-Friendly Packaging?

The best way to do it is to start using sustainable materials or sources from sustainable sources. Furthermore, even if you use plastics, use the ones that can make recycling them easier.

How Many Companies Use Eco-Friendly Packaging?

Right now, there are a lot, but more are joining in. Firstly, because of institutional regulations, and secondly, because consumers want it more. So, to avoid taxes and keep their customers loyal, more companies are getting involved.

Does Amazon Use Eco-Friendly Packaging?

Yes, they are also becoming a big part of the sustainable drive, thus improving their packaging vision. Though it may take time, they are stepping up their game to become part of this initiative.

Final Words

In this article, we discuss and provide a detailed answer to whether friendly packaging is more expensive. While the answer is definitely yes, it is preferable for the long run, and it can also balance the cost of the initial investment. Furthermore, a little difficulty in investing now for more sustainability can help us achieve a more prosperous future.