Innovative ideas for sustainable packaging

In today’s world, when ecological awareness is growing, packaging is becoming a link between functionality and social responsibility. Packaging, once perceived mainly through the prism of functionality, is now increasingly assessed from the perspective of its impact on the environment. This transformation is not accidental. It is a response to the growing challenges related to environmental protection and the changing expectations of consumers who are looking for products that are both practical and responsible. So let’s take a closer look at what innovative solutions for sustainable packaging are.

Spis treści:

1. Modern solutions for packaging
2. Disposable packaging
3. Edible packaging
4. Biodegradable packaging
5. Many areas still require development
6. Let’s support sustainable solutions

Modern solutions for packaging

Companies, recognizing the growing need for social responsibility and environmental protection, are starting to invest in modern technologies and materials that minimize the impact on the planet. Thanks to this, we are observing the emergence of a wide range of modern solutions that redefine the concept of packaging, moving from traditional, disposable to reusable, biodegradable and even edible.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these innovations that are setting new standards in sustainable packaging. In this article, I will present the most interesting examples of how companies help reduce this impact by using modern packaging.

Disposable packaging

Pizza is the most popular takeaway dish in the world. Many of us prefer to order it with home delivery, in special cardboard packaging. But how can we reduce their consumption? PIZZycle boxes are a great example of how innovative thinking can significantly reduce the waste of raw materials. The boxes made of high-quality polypropylene can not only be used many times, but are fully recyclable after the end of their lifespan.

Taking on the challenge of reducing single-use packaging, PIZZycle proves that responsible business and environmental protection can go hand in hand – PIZZycle claims that their solution has already replaced over 3 million cardboard boxes!

Sometimes a simple idea to change the packaging can bring a tangible effect. Let’s take the pizza mentioned earlier – we often order more than one home. What if we could cover one pizza with a box from the other? The solution of eliminating the top of the box when ordering more than one pizza is an example of how a simple idea can bring significant ecological benefits. Let’s assume that one classic pizza box with a diameter of 32 cm with the upper part weighs 175 g and without the top 100 g. By ordering 2 pizzas every day during the year, where one of the packages will not have a top, we can save over 27 kg of cardboard!

This illustrates not only the specific dimension of material savings, but also how an innovative approach to packaging design can reduce waste.

Edible packaging

Another interesting trend is packaging that we can eat ourselves instead of throwing away. Startup Notpla, which we mentioned in our Start-up of the Month by Innovatika series, meets the challenges related to the overproduction of plastic packaging. It offers innovative Ooho capsules made from seaweed. These edible packaging not only provide an alternative to traditional plastic bottles and glass containers, but also open up new possibilities in terms of minimizing waste. Edible packaging is a step towards a future in which every element of the product can be used and nothing will be wasted.

Biodegradable packaging

We cannot forget about biodegradable packaging. Biodegradability means that the packaging can decompose under natural conditions. More and more companies are starting to offer products made of this type of materials. It is worth mentioning the Paper Water Bottle company, which offers 98% biodegradable bottles. Made of paper, reinforced with a mixture of bamboo and sugar cane, they ensure durability and high quality. The previously mentioned Notpla company also offers packaging made of seaweed, which is fully biodegradable.

Also the startup Grown Bio, which we mentioned in our article Start-up of the Month by Innovatika: SMCG, offers packaging made of MycoComposite™. It is a material made on the basis of mycelium and local agricultural waste, which is light, water-resistant and 100% compostable, additionally neutral in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. These companies are excellent examples of how advanced technologies can support the production of environmentally friendly packaging. Care for the environment is the future that more and more packaging manufacturers will take into account.

Many areas still require development

However, despite many positive examples, there are still areas where packaging practices fall short of the ecological ideal. Packaging individual vegetables, for example pickles, in aluminum cans or plastic bags is an example of how irresponsible decisions can lead to an unnecessary increase in waste production. Assuming that one such can weighs 50 g, if we eat individually packaged pickles every day, we will use over 18 kg of aluminum in a year! Of course, vegetables packaged this way have an extended shelf life, and many of them are purchased by consumers who live in areas without easy access to fresh vegetables and fruits. The choice of such packaging is not only a matter of increased carbon footprint, but also a reflection on our everyday consumer choices.

In the context of the global pursuit of sustainable development, the role of the conscious consumer becomes crucial. Our everyday purchasing decisions have a direct impact on the direction in which the packaging industry is developing.

Wspierajmy zrównoważone rozwiązania

Nowadays, when global environmental awareness is growing, more and more companies are choosing sustainable packaging as part of their business strategy. By supporting companies that engage in the production of ecological packaging, we contribute to promoting sustainable development and protecting our planet. Therefore, it is worth being an aware customer, ready to support companies that are involved in creating innovative, environmentally friendly packaging.

Mateusz Florczak

Innovation Manager

Mateusz Florczak

Innovation Manager
INNOVATIKA

He has co-founded new start-ups in the fitness and e-grocery categories, and also has experience in industries such as banking and insurance. He supports clients in choosing the right product development strategies and helps them make important product development decisions.