Eco-friendly branding is all the rage. And it’s all good for everyone. The consumer has peace of mind, you’re satisfying a need, and the planet benefits in the meantime. However, simply using eco-friendly packaging materials isn’t enough. You’ve got to make it a part of your core message to your audience. If they don’t know you’re doing it, you’re missing a major opportunity.

Don’t Be Shy — Put Eco-Friendly Branding Front & Center

American consumers are hungry for sustainable products and eco-friendly packaging options. The most important thing you can do to boost eco-friendly branding initiatives is to shout it loud and clear on your packaging. Is it recyclable or re-useable? Say so. But don’t stop there. Give stats on your carbon impact, emissions reduction, how much less plastic you’re using with your packaging choice, or how it reduces our impact on landfills. If you’re using carbon-neutral or post-consumer recycled materials, let them know!

Maximize Your Marketing Real Estate

It helps to spread your message if you’ve got more room. Packaging with small labels attached to large rigid bottles or jugs can mute the volume of your sustainable packaging messages. Edge-to-edge printed packaging like a stand up pouch not only gives you more space to inform consumers about your efforts, but more space to make a statement with your brand in general! It pays to stand out.

If you’re using a can, you’ve also got a choice between heat-shrunk plastic sleeves or professional printing, and the difference in brand appeal is palpable. Stay on the level with the top brands with the premium quality and feel of a printed can — if you can get them in this market. (We can…call us up.)

Recyclable, Re-Usable, Biodegradable…Whatever Works Best

There’s been a lot of research and development interest in biodegradable or even compostable bioplastics. And some really cool options are emerging! However, it’s always worth considering the requirements and on-the-ground reality of “eco-friendly” packaging. In a landfill, there’s no sunlight or air to help products biodegrade, essentially locking them in with all the rest of the non-decomposing trash. Recyclables, by contrast, can often be a better option. Flexible packages, for instance, are eco-friendly because of the minimal impact they’ll have if they end up in a landfill (which some will, whether they’re recyclable or not). They also go a long way towards cutting down on emissions during shipping, since they ship flat and store flat! Pick the option that works best for your brand and your audience.

Consider How Your Packaging Affects SHIPPING and STORAGE

The material of the packaging itself is important, for sure, but its side effects on freight and in your warehouse also have a major impact. Heavy, bulky packaging costs more to ship and requires more trips…which means more emissions. Even worse, a large rigid container like a detergent jug or a 5-gallon plastic bucket can take up an outrageous amount of space if it ends up in a landfill rather than recycled, which happens. This is why flexible packaging, which disposes flat, ships flat, and stores flat, is far more sustainable for the environment.

Get in Touch With an Expert

ABC Packaging Direct — Stand Up Pouches has comprehensive packaging and supply chain solutions for producers ready to roll out for all of your sustainable consumer product goods. Understand your eco-friendly packaging options and we’ll help you source what you need quickly, with a 100% quality guarantee.