Hey, CPG friends. In a world where consumers are more conscious than ever - using their wallets to vote for which brand most suits their values - single-use plastic packaging is becoming a thing of the past. The health effects of these non-degradable substances are numerous, with considerable environmental harm in the form of clogged landfills and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Plastics - while deemed otherwise - are also not very recyclable, as the quality of the material degrades substantially. With big brand food companies opting to create more environmentally ethical products, there are many ways you can swap out your current single-use plastic packaging for more sustainable options.

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Of course, the first step to replacing your packaging is to first review what kind of packaging you’re using currently. This could be a multitude of materials, ranging from: PET, polystyrene, aluminum, wax-coated paper, etc. Take an inventory and see which of your components are single-use plastics, as well as components from your supplier. After that, compare your packaging with similar products on the market and see how they are innovating to reduce their packaging waste. It's okay to opt for a material like cardboard or kraft paper - as long as it's either recyclable or compostable!

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For example, there are several ways companies have done away with single-use plastics. Resist Bars makes vegan protein bars housed in compostable packaging that does not contain BPA or phthalates, while Mmmore Raw Treats wrap their snacks in eucalyptus. Investing in bioplastics such as cellulose is a fantastic way to reduce environmental impact and create disposable components. Even swapping out plastic for something like glass for condiments like ketchup can go a long way in reducing the presence of plastics in the environment. There are plenty of innovative ways to swap out single-use plastics in your packaging!

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Unfortunately, these changes do not come without a cost; swapping out cheap single-use plastic for more sustainable packaging is typically more expensive and adds a budgetary strain on businesses. However, there are gains to be made in other aspects. Consumers who want to shop sustainably notice companies that go the extra mile to reduce plastic waste, and are likely to come back again or spread the word. Furthermore, suppliers can offer free expertise for your package design and offer alternatives - such as cardboard boxes or soft mailers. Less is also more; eliminating superfluous packaging is a great way to reduce waste and save cost.

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Implementing changes can be overwhelming at first, but with enough time and smart planning your products could reach a broader demographic of consumers. Not only would you be helping the planet,  you’d be able to increase revenue by using more sustainable solutions!

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