Companies with single serve plastic products are looking for options regarding recyclable materials.
Composting has become an attractive option according to Adele Peters of Fast Company magazine: “As companies struggle to deal with the challenge of single-use packaging, compostable options are becoming more common, and consumers might consider it greenwashing if they knew that the packaging won’t ever actually be composted. The system, though, is beginning to change, including new innovations in materials. “These are solvable problems, not inherent problems,” says Rhodes Yepsen, executive director of the nonprofit Biodegradable Products Institute. If the system can be fixed—just like the broken recycling system needs to be fixed—it can be one piece of solving the bigger problem of growing trash. It’s not the only solution. Yepsen says that it makes sense to start by reducing packaging and prioritizing reusable products, and then design whatever’s left to be recyclable or compostable depending on the application. But compostable packaging makes particular sense for food; if both food and food packaging can be composted together, it could also help keep more food out of landfills, where it’s a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.”
K-Cups, Nespresso, and Protein Pack producers realize that future production will need to include sustainable, viable compost/recycling options. These products will need sustainable packaging and printing options. You can print on plastic, but if it is not recyclable, or compostable it will yield a short shelf life and low return. Today’s consumers are more focused on the environment and recycling than in the past. They want products that are more environmentally friendly. Just because a product container is marked recyclable doesn’t mean it is environmentally friendly.
Future packaging is going to have to be distinguishable from the existing options. Consumers are going to have to be convinced that the product is causing zero landfill options. Manufacturers need printing and packaging vendors that can produce the results they are looking for like environmentally friendly and compostable containers.
We are learning more and more every day about the options available for environmentally friendly manufacturers and packaging companies. Adele Peters again: “PepsiCo aims to make all of its packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable by 2025 to help with its climate goals.” Companies across America are paying attention to the environment and consumers’ please for more friendly containers and packaging.
At Century Printing and Packaging support and affirm environmental friendly resources and products. We use water based inks and have access to FSC certified papers and compostable films. We provide labels and print packaging for a variety of products and we are eager to explore compostable and recyclable product options with our clients. Contact us today to discuss your unique printing and packaging needs.
Ben Waldrop
President
Greer, SC 29651
800.344.7509
