Sustainable Packaging

What is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable packaging is all about moving away from using material-heavy, complex, non-recyclable, non-reusable, and non-compostable (biodegradable) packaging materials. Instead, the focus is on using more sustainable packaging solutions that use less materials, and recyclable, or renewable and compostable products. This way, we minimize the harm to the environment.

The best solution we have is to work towards a circular economy. This is also applicable even in the packaging industry. It is not enough to just eliminate plastic packaging waste. 

When looking at your packaging, one thing to consider is to ensure you have a holistic view of your product. It starts with the brand packaging, to the supply chain, all the way down to when your end consumer disposes of your pack. This approach ensures that you’re addressing the impact of your packaging at every stage of its life cycle.

Food Waste

Refuse- Reduce

Refusing to use excessive packaging materials or unnecessary packaging is the first sustainability consideration a brand should make. Where possible, packaging should be made with the least amount of material that still allows for product protection- which is why flexible packaging like pouches can be a great choice!

Our pouches are made of lightweight yet durable materials. They require fewer resources to produce. They are also easier to transport and store compared to heavier packaging like glass bottles or bulky cardboard boxes. Less weight for transportation means less fuel use and emissions. 

Recyclable Packaging

Keeping materials in circulation is another key sustainability factor for packaging. This means we need to design packaging with end-of-life in mind. Soft plastic packaging, which is what some other businesses choose to use, until now gas posed a significant recycling challenge. It is difficult to recycle because it is often made with multiple material types. 

If you’re looking for recyclable packaging, we recommend speaking to our team to see what custom solutions are available for you. We can help you create the perfect food packaging that not only promotes your brand, has appealing designs, but are also easier to recycle.

Compostable / Biodegradable Packaging

You asked, and we listened. The Pouch Shop can now offer compostable and biodegradable packaging through our custom print capabilities, made right here in Australia.

We are able to produce a range of package options that are designed to break down over time without leaving anything that can harm the environment.

If you’re considering commercially compostable packaging for your brand, we urge you to look at your customers and if they will have access to composting facilities to ensure the packaging is disposed of correctly and will compost (which doesn’t always happen in your local landfill!). This is important as compostable packaging requires certain conditions to compost properly. 

What Are You Packaging?

CHECK OUT OUR MARKET PAGES

• Coffee
• Tea
• Confectionery & Chocolate Products
• Body Scrub & Bath Salt
• Jerky Packaging
• Cereal Packaging

WHAT IS DRIVING MORE ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING IN AUSTRALIA?

Australia, like several other nations, recognized the increasing problem with society’s continued and heavy usage of single-use and complex plastic, along with its irreversible environmental impact. Because of this, the Australia Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) unveiled in 2018 the country’s 2025 National Packaging Targets. The Australian government and environmental officials back the sustainability goals. APCO’s targets are as follows:

• 100% of all Australia’s packaging will be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025 or earlier.
• 70% of Australia’s plastic packaging will be recycled or composted by 2025.
• 30% average recycled materials will be included across all packaging by 2025.
• Problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging will be phased out through design, innovation, or the introduction of alternatives.