How contradictory! Saying the words "eco-friendly packaging" in the same sentence doesn't make sense. It's a bit like saying, " There was a deafening silence ." Don't you think?
The very act of packaging something, wrapping it, adding "useless" layers, is highly unsustainable. The sole purpose of packaging is to protect a product so it reaches you in perfect condition. Or to create that wow factor when you unwrap it. Is this why eco-friendly packaging has become an essential requirement?
Before, when you were shopping, you didn't even notice it. For example, in fashion, eco-friendly packaging for clothing was just a plus, considered novel or even extravagant. Now, however, it's become essential. And it's logical. If you care about the environment, take care of your diet, buy eco-friendly women's fashion , eliminate plastics from your life, etc., how can we not demand that packaging, containers, and wrapping be increasingly sustainable?
Read on to discover what eco-friendly packaging really is . Its meaning and tons of ideas for identifying it when shopping, using it yourself when gift-wrapping, or showing it off every time you post an unboxing on social media.
Because eco-friendly packaging might not be what you think. And because the planet needs us. It's crying out for us to steal fewer materials and use only reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.
What is eco-friendly packaging?
Eco-friendly packaging is defined by its purpose, the one we just mentioned: reducing the negative impact we have on the planet with our daily activities. The question is, why? Why bother? Why not continue as we are?
We could do it, but then what planet will our children find? And our children's children? Perhaps for those grandchildren, there won't even be any land left to inhabit or breathe.
Therefore, ecological packaging for clothing or any other product is a packaging system based on two principles :
- Reduce, recycle, and reuse to extend the life cycle of materials and thus avoid the waste of new resources.
- Eliminate plastics . Focus on using biodegradable materials that decompose naturally in the shortest possible time without leaving a mark on the planet.
But how do you identify it? Be wary when you hear "green" packaging. Let's see what it means and why packaging should be ethical and sustainable, as well as eco-friendly.
Characteristics that packaging must meet to be considered ecological
Have you ever heard of green packaging ?
Be careful when you hear this because green is just a color we associate with nature, not a sustainable statement. It occurs in all sectors and is often just a cosmetic. A tool of greenwashing marketing.
For packaging to be truly eco-friendly, it must comply with ecological, sustainable, and ethical principles:
- Eco-friendly , because it certifies a manufacturing process that doesn't harm the environment. That is, it's free of toxic chemicals and pollutants, resulting from recycling, reuse, or biodegradable.
- Sustainable , because it doesn't compromise the lives and needs of future generations. For example, using paper bags to reduce plastic consumption is more environmentally friendly. However, it may not be sustainable if it involves cutting down trees, depleting natural resources or reducing biodiversity. Why? Because we put the lives of future generations at risk.
- Ethical , because it guarantees decent living and working conditions for those who have been part of the production chain, from cultivation until it reaches you.
In addition , packaging must also meet these criteria :
- Allow the product to be preserved from the moment it leaves the establishment until it reaches the consumer.
- In some sectors, such as food, compliance with a series of international standards is essential .
- Have an aesthetic and functional design that adds value to the product.
And now, confess, did you know what eco-friendly packaging really was, or have we revealed a few ideas and criteria you hadn't even imagined?
The 7 most sought-after sustainable materials for manufacturing packaging
Considering what we've told you, how do you find materials that are eco-friendly, sustainable, and ethical?
It's as if finding materials that meet all the requirements has suddenly become an impossible mission!
Of course, there's no such thing as the perfect material because 100% ethical and sustainable ecology doesn't exist, so don't worry. It's about knowing how far you can go, choosing the best possible option, and always being alert to discover new ways to get closer to that 100%.
Want to explore the options? Here are the top six most popular, but keep in mind something important: new initiatives, processes, and alternative materials like algae, fungi, and more are emerging every day.
1. Paper and cardboard
It is the most widely used and comes in multiple versions, sizes, and thicknesses. Kraft (resistance or strength in German) is the most widely used and, to date, the one that generates the least environmental impact. Its natural color is brown and it is made from cellulose fiber from various plant species. You can find it in boxes, rolls, or as filling chips.
However, there is more to sustainable living than just kraft paper. For example, recycled paper in all its forms or reusing paper from newspapers and magazines. We recommend the latter option for creating personalized, unique, and surprising gift wrapping.
2. Hemp, esparto, cotton or jute plant
These plants are used to make balls of thread or rope, ribbons, and biodegradable mesh that can be used to tie any package.
3. Sugarcane
Or rather, the leftovers from its production. They are used to make biodegradable packaging such as plates, trays, and boxes.
4. Bioplastics
They are similar to conventional plastic in terms of strength, appearance, and molding, but much more sustainable. They are made from plants such as soy, corn, or potato starch and are therefore biodegradable. They are used to make bags, peanut-shaped fillings, or air cushions (a sustainable version of conventional bubble wrap), etc.
5. Wood or cork
In the case of the aforementioned paper or cardboard, as well as wood and cork, we must ensure that it comes from sustainable forests and does not include polluting treatments. You'll find wood or cork in trays, boxes, or baskets that you can reuse or recycle.
6. Glass
The best thing about glass is its endless uses. It also preserves the products it contains for a long time, which is very important in sectors such as food and cosmetics.
7. Fabrics or textiles
Or rather, scraps from their production. Also, fabrics from garments or textiles that can no longer be used or recycled. They're ideal for wrapping in the Japanese style (furoshiki) and even as protective padding.
So now you know, before throwing away a dress, T-shirt, or scarf, consider whether you can use it as eco-friendly packaging.
Eco-friendly packaging ideas for you or your business
When thinking about eco-friendly packaging, whether for yourself, a gift, or an entire business, keep these two criteria in mind:
- Reduce it to the bare minimum.
- Find multifunctional or reusable packaging. For example, a wine box converted into a birdhouse?
Other innovative eco-friendly packaging ideas we've discovered include the following. Draw them in your head and spark your creativity:
- Edible coatings.
- Plantable papers or containers.
- A combination of several sustainable materials in one. For example, fabric and cardboard.
And of course, old shoe boxes, egg cartons, and all the newspaper, old books, or magazines you still have.
Discover the sustainable packaging we use at Elisa Muresan
At Elisa Muresan, we've opted to reduce our packaging to the bare minimum with a proprietary design based on biodegradable materials. When we created it, we decided it had to meet at least three criteria:
- Protect your contents so they reach you in perfect condition.
- Turn unboxing into an experience.
- Giving you the option to reuse it as a storage or organization piece at home.
However... we don't want to spoil the whole mystery for you. You'll find out if we've succeeded with your next Elisa Muresan purchase. Would you like to find out?
