Imagine receiving all of your packages in safe, reusable, and admirable packaging. You would be saving the earth and supporting a loyal company. This is a dream for many mother-nature loving humans that are attempting to save our world. We need an entire army of companies, administrators, and individuals that are willing to switch not only to environmentally friendly packaging but to being environmentally friendly in every move we make.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, “We [Americans] produce 300 million tons of plastic each year worldwide, half of which is for single-use items. That’s nearly equivalent to the weight of the entire human population” (Lindwall). It absolutely shocks me that in our world today we are still producers, users, and have grown a strong reliance on single-use plastic. Even so that a “91% of all plastic isn’t recycled at all” (Lindwall). companies must adopt environmentally friendly packaging to create a healthier future, reduce pollution, and prevent an influx of health concerns related to climate change. Not only will this change the loyalty of customers to your business, but it will also change the moral decision and accountability of doing something good for consumers.
Consumers pay attention to sustainable packaging. They want environmentally responsible products. Business News Daily states, “More than 80% of survey participants said they felt it was ‘important or extremely important’ for companies to design environmentally conscious products” (Martins). This proves that consumers are searching for action from companies to create not only responsible packaging but products! No longer is the perfect item solely about quality and price, but friendly products to our earth. We must focus on furthering consumer’s dedication to purchasing safe products. The Hill says, “74% of people are also willing to pay more for a product if it is guaranteed to be Eco-friendly ” (Anapol). Wouldn’t you prefer being a business that drives responsible practices and takes care of the earth and also be grabbing 74% of American people?
Right now plastic packaging consists of 42% of all plastic ever produced. It is also mostly used once and then thrown away. This type of use is demolishing our environment and our bodies. Yes, you might be suffering from health effects because of the packaging your business uses. Ecology Center.org warns, “ Significant releases of toxic chemicals and other major emissions from plastic production processes include sulfur oxides, methanol, and volatile organic compounds” (Lindwall). These chemicals float into our air and cause us to have issues like endocrine disruptors. Research has suggested that human exposure could cause health impacts including hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems like infertility, and even cancer. If you want your business to be respected and thrive, you must switch to responsible packaging.
I understand it may be easy to continue going through your normal business routines. However, as consumer conscience grows, you will begin to lose business and trust. LabelValue.com has constructed a valuable image to represent the chain of switching to environmentally friendly packaging. The rise of awareness and attitude a business has towards eco-friendly packaging will cause a positive impact on your company and the environment. The positives extremely outweigh the negatives. The benefits are: “ Easy to dispose of – most eco-friendly items are recyclable, biodegradable – less waste and minimal harm to the environment, Reduces carbon footprint – fewer energy is needed to produce products, improves your brand image and attracts loyalty – positions your company as conscious with good morals, recycled and reused sustainably , saves you money – eco-products can be purchased in bulk meaning they cost less, lower shipping costs – as fewer materials are often used to make eco-friendly products and packaging, they weigh less and cost less to ship, and healthier alternative for consumers – doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or materials that are known to cause health issues” (LabelValue Team). A company that is willing and committed to making environmentally friendly decisions is noticed by consumers. This will take time and money, but will benefit you greater in the long run. The trust, loyalty, and accountability from consumers will skyrocket. I urge you to consider adopting sustainable methods in your business. “Three-quarters of all Americans recycle and are interested in doing their part in being environmentally friendly” (Weeks). Imagine having 75% of American people on your side. Imagine the publicity, the production, and the replenishment of Earth. Consider environmentally friendly packaging for you kids and grandkids, for the health concerns of your consumers, the pollution your packaging causes right now, and to create a healthier future for yourself. You won’t regret it.
Sustainability in Packaging According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s website, www.sustainablepackaging.org, a sustainable package must meet several requirements:
● The package must be beneficial, safe and healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle
● The package meets market criteria for performance and cost
● The package is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy
● The package maximizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials
● The package must be manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices
● The package must be made from materials healthy in all probable end-of-life scenarios
● The package must be physically designed to optimize materials and energy
● The package must be effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial cradle to cradle cycles
“”Label Value.” Why Businesses Should Switch to Eco-Friendly Packaging
Essay by: Chloe Bernards