11 Sustainable Packaging in 2024: What to Expect

Sustainability has become a crucial issue in recent years, and more and more businesses are adopting sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact. One area where companies can make a significant difference is in the packaging they use for their products. Environment friendly packaging is an important consideration for businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste. Quick Overview: Sustainable Packaging In this blog post, we will explore why businesses should consider eco-friendly packaging for their products. What is Sustainable Packaging? Why is Sustainable Packaging Important? Examples of Sustainable Packaging Challenges of Sustainable Packaging What is Sustainable Packaging? Before we dive into why businesses should consider sustainable packaging, let’s define what it is. Sustainable packaging is packaging that is designed and produced using materials and processes that have a minimal impact on the environment. This means that sustainable packaging is made from renewable resources or recycled materials and can be recycled or composted at the end of its useful life. Sustainable packaging is also designed to minimize the amount of waste generated during the manufacturing and distribution process. Why is Sustainable Packaging Important? Reducing Environmental Impact One of the most important reasons why businesses should consider sustainable packaging is that it helps reduce their environmental impact. Traditional packaging materials like plastic and styrofoam can take hundreds of years to decompose, and they can release harmful chemicals into the environment. Sustainable packaging materials, on the other hand, are biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable, which means they can be safely disposed of and won’t harm the environment. Meeting Consumer Demand Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are looking for products that are produced eco-friendly. According to a study by Nielsen, 81% of global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. By using sustainable packaging, businesses can meet this consumer demand and appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers. Improving Brand Image Using sustainable packaging can also improve a business’s brand image. Companies that are committed to sustainability are often seen as responsible and environmentally conscious, which can improve their reputation and attract new customers. Sustainable packaging can also help businesses differentiate themselves from their competitors and stand out in a crowded market. Saving Money Sustainable packaging can also help businesses save money in the long run. While sustainable packaging materials may be more expensive initially, they can often be reused or recycled, which reduces the need for new packaging. Sustainable packaging can also help businesses reduce their waste disposal costs, which can add up over time. Meeting Regulations Finally, businesses should consider environment friendly packaging to meet regulations. Many countries and regions have introduced regulations aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics and promoting sustainable packaging. By adopting sustainable packaging practices, businesses can comply with these regulations and avoid fines or other penalties. Examples of Sustainable Packaging Now that we’ve discussed why businesses should consider sustainable packaging let’s look at some examples of sustainable packaging materials: Biodegradable Plastics Biodegradable plastics are made from natural materials that can break down quickly in the environment. These materials include cornstarch, sugarcane, and potato starch. Biodegradable plastics can be used for a range of products, including food packaging and shipping materials. Recyclable Plastics Recyclable plastics are plastics that can be recycled and used to make new products. These materials include PET and HDPE plastics, which are commonly used for water bottles and milk jugs. By using recyclable plastics, businesses can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Paper Packaging Paper packaging is made from renewable resources and is easily recyclable. This material is commonly used for food packaging, shipping boxes, and envelopes. By using paper packaging, businesses can reduce their reliance on non-renewable materials like plastic and styrofoam. Compostable Packaging Compostable packaging is made from natural materials that can break down in a composting environment. These materials include cornstarch, sugarcane, and bamboo. Compostable packaging can be used for a range of products, including food packaging and utensils. By using compostable packaging, businesses can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and promote the growth of healthy soils. Reusable Packaging Reusable packaging is designed to be used multiple times, reducing the need for new packaging materials. This can include materials like glass, metal, and cloth, which can be used for a range of products, including food and beverage containers. By using reusable packaging, businesses can reduce their waste and save money in the long run. Challenges of sustainable packaging While environment friendly packaging offers many benefits, there are also challenges associated with its adoption. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of eco-friendly packaging materials, which can be higher than traditional materials. This can be a barrier for small businesses that may not have the resources to invest in sustainable packaging. Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure to support the collection and recycling of sustainable packaging materials. In many areas, recycling programs are not equipped to handle compostable or biodegradable materials, which can end up in landfills or oceans. Finally, sustainable packaging may not always be as durable or effective as traditional packaging materials. This can be a concern for businesses that need to ensure that their products are protected during transportation and storage. If you are interested in environment friendly packaging solutions, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

In 2026, sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a buyer expectation. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification has become a key benchmark for responsible packaging, signaling that materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests. For packaging buyers, FSC certification is more than a compliance checkbox—it’s a brand value that influences purchasing decisions, retailer acceptance, and customer loyalty. What Is FSC Certification? The Forest Stewardship Council certifies that paper-based packaging materials are sourced from forests managed for environmental responsibility, social benefit, and economic viability. FSC Mix: Packaging contains a blend of FSC-certified and controlled wood. FSC Recycled: Packaging is made entirely from recycled fiber. FSC 100%: Packaging is sourced only from FSC-certified forests. Why FSC Matters to Buyers in 2026 Retail access: Many major retailers now require FSC-certified packaging. Sustainability goals: Aligns with corporate ESG and carbon reduction commitments. Consumer trust: Customers recognize the FSC label and view it as credible. Global compliance: Meets international sustainability regulations. How FSC Certification Strengthens Brand Value Differentiation: Stand out with certified sustainable packaging. Marketing advantage: FSC logos reinforce eco-friendly messaging. Risk reduction: Verified sourcing prevents greenwashing claims. Customer loyalty: Environmentally conscious buyers prefer certified products. Challenges in FSC Implementation Limited supply of certain FSC substrates. Higher costs compared to non-certified materials. Need for supplier audits and documentation. Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging partners with buyers to integrate FSC-certified materials into corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and retail packaging. Our solutions support sustainability while maintaining cost efficiency and protection. Contact us to strengthen your brand with FSC-certified packaging. References Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). (2023). FSC Certification Guidelines for Packaging. Retrieved from https://fsc.orgSustainable Packaging Coalition. (2023). Consumer Insights on Sustainable Packaging. Retrieved from https://sustainablepackaging.orgSoroka, W. (2009). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (4th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Sustainable Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

As environmental concerns continue to dominate consumer and regulatory conversations, the packaging industry is responding with innovative, eco-friendly solutions. In 2025, sustainable packaging will not only be a trend but a necessity for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint and appeal to increasingly eco-conscious consumers. Here are the top sustainability packaging trends expected to shape the industry in the coming years: Biodegradable and Compostable Materials Recyclable Packaging Solutions Lightweight Packaging Reusable Packaging Systems Plant-Based Packaging Monomaterial Packaging Zero-Waste Packaging Minimalistic Packaging Designs Renewable Energy in Packaging Production Smart Packaging for Sustainability Biodegradable and Compostable Materials The use of biodegradable and compostable materials is on the rise, as more companies turn to alternatives that naturally break down in the environment. Materials such as plant-based plastics, seaweed, and other organic fibers are becoming popular in food and single-use packaging, helping to eliminate waste and reduce landfill use. Recyclable Packaging Solutions Recycling remains one of the most effective ways to reduce waste, and packaging designed for easy recycling is more important than ever. Companies are investing in materials like paper, cardboard, and recyclable plastics, ensuring they are part of a closed-loop system where packaging can be reprocessed and reused multiple times. Lightweight Packaging Lightweight packaging not only reduces material use but also cuts transportation costs and lowers emissions. By using thinner, stronger materials, companies can achieve the same protective qualities while reducing the carbon footprint of shipping. Reusable Packaging Systems Reusable packaging is gaining momentum, with more brands adopting refillable or returnable containers. This trend reduces the need for single-use materials and allows customers to participate in circular economies where packaging is sent back, cleaned, and reused multiple times. Plant-Based Packaging Packaging derived from renewable plant sources like cornstarch, bamboo, and seaweed is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. These materials are not only renewable but also often biodegradable, making them ideal for a sustainable future. Monomaterial Packaging Monomaterial packaging uses a single type of material, making recycling easier and more efficient. By eliminating the need to separate different components, monomaterial solutions improve recyclability rates and simplify waste management processes. Zero-Waste Packaging The zero-waste movement is pushing companies to rethink packaging entirely. This trend involves designing products with no waste in mind, where all packaging components are either reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Zero-waste solutions aim to minimize the overall environmental impact throughout the packaging lifecycle. Minimalistic Packaging Designs Minimalistic designs reduce the amount of material used in packaging, aligning with sustainability goals. Brands are opting for simple, streamlined packaging that uses fewer resources and emphasizes eco-friendliness, appealing to consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility. Renewable Energy in Packaging Production More companies are shifting toward using renewable energy sources in the production of their packaging materials. By adopting solar, wind, and other clean energy solutions, businesses can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on carbon emissions, contributing to a greener supply chain. Smart Packaging for Sustainability Smart packaging solutions are emerging as a way to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce waste. By using RFID tags, QR codes, and other technologies, companies can track packaging materials, monitor product conditions, and optimize inventory management, ultimately minimizing the environmental footprint of packaging. These sustainable packaging trends are set to lead the industry into a greener, more eco-friendly future in 2025. By staying ahead of these developments, businesses can not only meet regulatory requirements but also exceed consumer expectations for environmentally responsible packaging solutions. If you are interested in sustainable packaging solutions, then partner with Brown Packaging today. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Stock Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts