All bottled up…

By Joan Mantini

No waste, no problem? How many days do you think you could go without throwing any trash away?  Considering the average American reportedly throws out around 4.4 lbs per day, every effort taken can benefit the planet. Not a day goes by that I am not seeing some form of push toward cutting out disposable packaging. Indeed, more people are making a commitment to reusable products and joining the movement for a zero-waste world.

Sustainable packaging has steadily become more important to consumers over the years with people becoming more aware and sensible about their effect on the planet, and many brands have taken this into account and are responding by changing their packaging accordingly.

When it comes to beverage packaging specifically, current trends such as the move away from plastic packaging are being brought forth. As the ever-changing packaging industry sees new styles come and go with the changing needs and preferences of consumers, we continue to notice the new beverage packaging options on the shelves.

One such trend being the shift away from plastic packaging in the beverage market. Recently released results from a sustainability report from Exal Corp and Boston Consulting Group show that consumers are more than three and a half times more likely to associate plastic with ocean pollution, and two and a half times more likely to associate plastic with waste compared to aluminum.   This association to pollution is one of the motives leading beverage packaging companies in finding new options such as aluminum cans for water.

RightWater is one of the many companies providing alternative packaging options for consumers involved in the zero-waste movement.  This company is offering the modern-thinking and socially responsible consumer a plastic-free solution with its ethically packaging responsibly sourced water from natural springs in 100 percent recyclable aluminum and BPA free cans.

In the October issue of Packaging Technology Today you will find other trends shaping the beverage packaging market as well as how plastics are taking a clearer path toward sustainability themselves.