In the last few years, ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ words are garnering a lot of attention with every other brand claiming themselves to be environment-friendly. The issue arises when some of the brands misuse these words, only to look good without actually altering their practices or supply chain to reflect their eco-ethos. However, there are some real eco-friendly methods that are versatile and innovative and would never go out of style. Here is a list of top ten sustainable packaging trends in 2022:
- Replacing micro plastic: The micro plastics are a huge problem that enter into our water systems and food chains covertly causing harm. This year, we need natural alternatives to micro plastics that are biodegradable to save our waterways from their pervasive damage.
- Biodegradable and compostable packaging: A number of brands have switched to compostable packaging that naturally breaks down into the environment causing no harm or adverse effect on the wildlife.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle: The term was first coined in 1970s, but it’s still relevant. Even after 50 years of practice, this trend is still relevant and will be here to stay.
- Leaf plates: Leaf-plates are biodegradable, compostable, watertight, durable, toxin-free and eco-friendly. They are 100 per cent natural and considered the best alternatives to single use plastic packages.
- Flexible packaging: As the brands are now moving towards flexible packaging, scrapping the traditional packaging materials such as glass and plastics has become a key idea to reduce the usage of rigid materials.
- Mushroom packaging: Mushroom packaging is very beneficial for the environment. It is grown from fungi-types and decomposes within 30-90 days.
- Bioplastics: The bioplastics are designed to replace fossil-fuel based plastics. They are helpful in easing down the carbon footprint. However, they are not 100 per cent biodegradable.
- Developing paper market: A popular alternative to plastic packaging is the paper packaging. Many companies have switched to bamboo paper, organic cotton, stone paper, pressed hay, cornstarch, etc. The paper market industry is set to expand further this year.
- Antimicrobial packaging: Anti-microbial packaging kills or inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms. It helps in extending shelf-life and prevents the package from contamination Which is a good initiative for Sustainable packaging.
- Cornstarch packaging: It is developed from polylactic acid. Corn starch packaging is biodegradable and effective planet-friendly solution. It’s cheap and easy to produce, making it ideal for swap for polystyrene.
