Where Sustainability Meets Innovation

Edible bubbles made from seaweed were used to serve electrolyte drinks to London Marathoners, introducing a waste-free alternative to single-use bottles and cups. Image courtesy of Notpla_Ooho

5 Areas of Focus for Innovation in Sustainable Packaging

By Salman Shahid, CEO of OXO Packaging

With every passing day, climate change is posing a threat to the environment. At the same time, sustainable development is getting more challenging due to ongoing industrial growth. Sustainable packaging can play a significant role in environmental considerations amidst this situation.

On the other hand, every business owner wants unique and innovative packaging for their products, irrespective of their impact on the environment. Packaging that combines sustainability and innovation can make one’s business more impactful. In this article, we are highlighting a few things about packaging where sustainability meets innovation, including plant-based plastic, mushroom-based packaging, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) packaging, food grade packaging material and sugarcane packaging.

Plant-Based Plastic

The need for discontinuation of plastic packaging has emerged in recent years due to its negative impact on the environment. Other than that, the positive aspects of plastic encourage businesses to find a perfect alternative to conventional plastic. Therefore, plant-based plastic has been introduced to the packaging industry.

It is a type of packaging that biodegrades in the same way as plants do. The source of bioplastic is plants which makes it an eco-friendly packaging choice. This plastic is made from biological renewable sources such as fermented plant starch from corn, sugarcane, and bamboo plants. It is transparent in color, sustainable, and has similar protective properties to conventional plastic.

Mushroom Packaging

The emergence of mushroom packaging is transforming the packaging industry. As the name depicts, the source of this packaging is mushrooms. The biodegradable properties of mushrooms make this type of packaging a perfect choice for eco-conscious businesses. The process of making mushroom packaging involves the cleanliness of agricultural waste and the preparation of the substrate. Mushroom packaging is sourced from the mycelium which is the root part of mushroom and hemp hurd, which is the woody core of the hemp plant.

The mixture of mycelium substrates goes through the molding process to make the desired shape of the packaging. Mycelium packaging is best known for its home composting, water-resistant and chemical-free properties. Considering the rapid industrial growth, mushroom packaging is considered one of the best innovative yet environmentally friendly packaging.

Water-Soluble PVA Packaging

The existence of water-soluble packaging is another example of an advancement in sustainable packaging. Just like mushroom packaging, the name of water-soluble packaging also depicts its properties. It is made from materials that can be dissolved in the water. This way, the boxes and bags made from such materials can easily break down in the water.

The water-soluble packaging is mostly made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which is an odorless substance. This packaging looks like a film that can be wrapped around various products such as food items. To break it down you just need to put it into boiling water. The demand for water-soluble packaging is higher, especially in the United States. North America has the largest share of the global water-soluble market.

Food Grade Packaging Material

Another impressive innovation in the packaging industry is edible packaging. Now if you are assuming packaging that can be consumed because of the word “edible.” Then you are right! Edible packaging is made from food-grade material and can be eaten. The making of edible packaging includes the use of seaweed, algae, rice paper and other plant extracts. It can also be made from casein (a film made from milk protein) which helps keep food safe from oxidation.

This type of innovative yet compostable packaging is mostly used for confectionery and food items manufactured for children. However, its protective and environmentally friendly properties can encourage various businesses to pack their products in edible packaging.

Sugarcane Packaging

The trend of using sugarcane packaging is rising due to its excellent sustainability. It is made from the fibrous part of sugarcane which is leftover when the juice is completely extracted from sugarcane. The leftover part is known as bagasse, which is used as a raw material for sugarcane packaging.

Paper-based packaging is also eco-friendly and in demand. However, 20 million trees are cut down to make paper-based packaging, yearly. Alternatively, sugarcane packaging is food-grade and naturally sourced. It can be customized in different shapes and styles for various purposes.

Conclusion

Considering the above discussion, you should not understate the significance of each type of innovatively designed sustainable packaging. All these innovations for sustainable packaging are biodegradable, and can reduce the environmental impact of packaging material.

The innovation in sustainable packaging and its effective usage depicts a brighter future for our planet. Consider adding these innovative packaging types to your business and see how big an impact they can make!

About the Author

Salman Shahid is the CEO of OXO Packaging. He has earned two post graduate degrees, including a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and an MBA in Marketing, and possesses a strong background in digital marketing management, packaging and business development. His prime project, OXO Packaging, has earned popularity in providing custom packaging solutions to various businesses. Salman’s excellent leadership aims to promote sustainable packaging across the U.S., UK, and Australia to make his business more impactful for industries as well as the environment. Learn more at https://oxopackaging.com.