Sustainability Standards For Export Packaging

With today’s focus on sustainability, the packaging industry has risen to the challenge by adopting a series of policies and procedures to address this issue.  The popularity of online shopping means that international trade has increased a lot and it is now necessary to focus on exports and to ensure sustainability is being practiced. This article will hopefully give you, as a business owner, the information you need to understand the importance of sustainability standards in export packaging . 

What is sustainable packaging 

In recent years there has been a demand for packaging that reduces harmful effects on the environment, while not affecting the price charged (or paid) for goods.  

Sustainable packaging refers to everything from the inception to the disposal of the material.  To be sustainable, the material must have limited impact on the environment due to its ability to be reused and/or recycled.  The use of recyclable materials and the design of the packaging both play an important role in sustainability. 

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition has put in place rules that must be adhered to for packaging to be labeled sustainable.  Here are some of them.  The material must: 

  Be beneficial and safe to use throughout its life cycle   Use renewable or recycled source materials   Be made by a manufacturer using best practices   Only use non-toxic materials   Be designed to use materials and energy wisely

Types of sustainable packaging 

Sustainable packaging can include everything from the container the goods are ultimately sold in to the method used to transport those goods. An example of this is the pallet used in storage and transport.  Wooden pallets are a perfect  example of sustainable packaging for transport.  Wood is re-usable, and at end- of- life will breakdown much faster than plastic. 

Packaging that is designed to be recycled.  The use of plant based and biodegradable  materials are preferable in the manufacturing process.  Some plastic can take centuries to breakdown, whereas paper-based products can even be composted.  Packaging that is designed for re-use.  Who hasn’t refilled that bottle of water when empty, or re-used that box or container for something else?  Some people purchase products with the re-use of the container in mind (i.e. as a canister).No package packaging.  This is becoming a popular trend.  When a product is sold individually in larger sizes it reduces the need for a box or bag.  Even soft drinks are being sold without the plastic six-pack rings.  Some cans are even being soft-glued to each other.Packaging made from bamboo or plant-based plastics.  Unlike trees, bamboo grows quickly and does not require irrigation or replanting.  

Benefits of sustainable packaging 

Environmental degradation is increasing exponentially.  So it is crucial that global trade gets onboard with sustainability practices.  Here are some benefits to business of adopting such practices:

Competitiveness -  Consumers are being made aware of companies that are eco-friendly and are opting to reward those companies with their loyalty.  In turn, this escalates your brand reputation.Profitability – As business increases, so do your profits.  Every successful modification you introduce can help to boost your bottom line.Safeguards natural resources – In order to sustain today’s market and ensure continued economic growth, we need to preserve what we have today.  This includes practices such as safe disposal so as not to pollute landfills and waterways.Government incentives – Complying with regulations and standards is more likely to attract contracts and business partnerships.  Conversely, it will help you to avoid any penalties or fines.Best practice habits – When you adopt sustainable practices, the changes you make are likely to increase your own productivity and efficiency in your export trade.  

How to adopt sustainability standards 

Hopefully by now you’ve decided to adopt sustainability standards in your business.  Here are some suggestions to strengthen the sustainability of your export trade: 

Conduct a sustainability audit of your business to determine the environmental impact of your current packaging and transport.Ship in bulk – consolidate orders for less packaging.Reduce and/or remove packaging – redesign packaging for an exact fit, or eliminate it altogether.Go digital – avoid excess use of paper by using technology to its fullest extent.Review transportation – use fuel-efficient transport.  Research options such as trains and ships to export your product rather than trucks or airfreight.Source sustainable suppliers – this is the best way to ensure your product is sustainable from inception to disposal.Educate your employees and stakeholders – all of the positive changes in the world will not guarantee success if everyone is not on board.Develop a sustainability strategy that involves plans and methods to guarantee ongoing improvement. 

Hopefully by now you will have realised that sustainable packaging is the responsibility of business owners as well as consumers.  Understanding the impact of packaging materials on the environment and developing sustainable business practices is the first step in making our planet a healthier place to live.  Watch for further developments in the field as technology continues to advance.