What is eco-friendly packaging?

1. What is environmentally friendly packaging

Environmentally friendly packaging generally refers to packaging that can save energy, and is easy to recycle after use, easy to decompose naturally and does not pollute the environment. It is also a traditional packaging material with Chinese characteristics, with a wide range of resources and can be recycled and reused, and has a low environmental impact compared to other packaging materials.

2. Types of environmentally friendly packaging

Environmentally friendly packaging can be divided into three main categories, recyclable, recyclable and degradable.

(1) Paper packaging

The common types of recyclable packaging are corrugated boxes, pulp moulded containers and paper containers. They are lightweight, easy to transport and are widely used in packaging for small everyday products. After being recycled, the paper packaging is softened, shredded, cleaned and recycled for new uses. Most paper packaging can eventually be naturally degraded, and one of the best ways to dispose of it is to make compost from raw materials that cannot be reused, instead of directly landfilling it, to avoid toxic methane gas from fermentation in the landfill.

(2) Recyclable packaging

Recyclable packaging is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of packaging, but one that has limitations for many commercial sectors. Common recyclable packaging includes: recyclable milk bottles, plastic trays for supermarkets, large containers, cylinders and large plastic containers. These packaging concepts are in line with current trends in the circular economy and greatly reduce consumption and packaging costs, but also rely on consumer awareness and the lifespan of the packaging.

(3) Biodegradable packaging

Biodegradable packaging is the most desirable environmentally friendly packaging. At present, the most common types of such packaging are courier foam padding, courier envelopes, plastic bags made of fully biodegradable bio-based plastic, and "mushroom boxes" made of mycelium. The most important feature of this type of packaging is that it degrades more quickly and easily than the old petrochemical-based plastics that caused white pollution, whether by composting or landfilling, which greatly reduces the burden on the environment.

3. Benefits of environmentally friendly packaging

(1) Reduced carbon footprint

If your packaging is produced from recycled materials, its carbon footprint will be significantly reduced. Similarly, if the packaging is produced from natural materials such as bamboo or FSC approved paper or cardboard, then the expansion of such products will actually remove carbon from the atmosphere. If you want your company to become carbon neutral, environmentally friendly packaging is the way to go.

(2) Biodegradable

If the packaging is made up of natural materials, then it will be biodegradable. Plastic is difficult to biodegrade; it can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down, releasing dangerous compounds in the process. Some environmentally friendly packaging, such as that made from sustainable paper, may even be compostable. Some environmentally friendly packaging, such as that made from sustainable paper, may even be compostable.

(3) Easy to handle

Most companies and regions have specific recycling or disposal facilities or services. Recycling is now fairly simple as long as you separate your disposables so that they can be recycled properly.

(4) No dangerous toxins

The extraction, refining, distribution, use and disposal of non-sustainable petrochemical resources (such as the crude oil used to make most plastics) are extremely harmful to the environment. In its use, eco-friendly packaging has none of these problems. During biodegradation, there are no harmful chemicals like those produced by plastics.

(5) Easy to reuse or recycle

The ability of packaging to be recycled or reused contributes to its environmental friendliness. Promoting the reuse of packaging extends its lifespan and minimises the need for new materials and the carbon footprint of the packaging. If the packaging is of sufficient quality, it should be possible to reuse the packaging for purposes such as further packaging, storage or even crafts.