The demand for more efficient and eco-friendly packaging is increasing, whether it’s a company or a consumer everyone demands sustainable packaging. In the wake of the pandemic, we all come to know the importance of our planet, the environment in which we are living, and how we are living? The initiative was taken by the Indian government to act as the host for the “Global Environment Day” on 5th June 2018. “Beat Plastic Pollution” contributed to increasing awareness among all citizens of India.
Packaging serves as the interface between users and logistic companies. Efficient and sustainable packaging is the key to environmentally sustainable logistics. The Packaging deserves greater attention from improving the overall logistical efficiency perspective. In a consultation meeting organized by the logistics division of the ministry of commerce and industry on 9th February 2021, Shri Pawan Agarwal, special Secretary (logistics) has made a sustainable packaging observation.
This consultation was organized to define the scope and the national packaging initiative as part of national logistics policy that is currently being finalized which indicates that E-com companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, etc. were urged to invest in sustainable packaging as they are one of the biggest users of packaging material. It was also highlighted that dangerous and chemical verticals would also need special attention from the packaging perspective.
Globally, several brands are working actively to create sustainable packaging solutions by replacing or recycling plastic in their supply chain. Let’s take a look at some of the great initiatives taken:
A slew of the brand has understood the need to thrive in the next decade and has to put sustainability first in terms of packaging. Beginning in 2023, Bacardi has pledged to use 80 million plastic bottles manufactured entirely of biodegradable, PHA biopolymer. Also, worldwide many big FMCG companies have stated that they will make all packaging recyclable by 2025. Unilever plans to make all of its plastic packaging fully reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
If we want to accelerate the sustainable transformation of our industry, collaborating with other manufacturers and experts’ suppliers is essential to find out disruptive solutions and deploying them on a large scale. The paper bottle is a great opportunity for developing a more sustainable packaging solution. On 5th May, Europe SIG has announced a launch of tethered caps for its beverage cartons in the second half of 2021, ahead of July 2024; the deadline set by EU regulation.
“Our new tethered cap solutions build on SIG’s strong track record on sustainable innovation as we go ‘Way Beyond Good’ for people and the planet,” said Ali Kaylan, SVP innovation and VP Global Marketing at SIG.
In 2008 Amazon has introduced Frustration Free Packaging (FFP). This FFP galvanize manufacturer to package their products in easy-to-open packing that is 100% recyclable and ready to ship customers without additional Amazon boxes. By June 2021, Amazon reduced its outbound packaging by over 36% and eliminated more than 1 million tons of packaging material since 2015.
The majority of the brands are moving towards sustainable growth by adopting the sustainable policy, this change is not only building the reputation but will lead the way towards cost-effectiveness.
In a recent survey for understanding consumer behavior towards sustainable packaging is conducted by a consultancy McKinsey & company which shows consumers in emerging Asian countries are more concerned towards the environment and their willingness to pay for eco-friendly packaging. The survey was conducted on ten countries India, China, Indonesia, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, US, and Brazil. India, China, Indonesia show 90% willingness to pay for green packaging whereas other countries show around 35% -75%.
Consumer sentiment has been sparked around the world by emotional visuals of the impact of ocean and sea plastic waste, which is driving changes in the manufacturing process. Thus, it is not only the responsibility of the government, industries, companies, manufacturers but it’s the responsibility of each and every individual to protect our beloved planet earth. Let’s take a step together and be responsible.