Single-use plastics are on their way out. As of the beginning of October 2020, the UK has banned the use of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds to reduce the amount of non-biodegradable waste that ends up in landfills and oceans across the globe.
Businesses have already started to adapt to these changes by bringing in sustainable alternatives, from paper straws to cotton buds made of bamboo. How far governments will go to mitigate the negative environmental effects of non-biodegradable materials remains to be seen, but consumers are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.
Biodegradable Packaging and the Business Landscape
With more innovative solutions to our plastic-waste pandemic becoming widely available, the introduction of more laws to force businesses to use biodegradable packaging seems likely. Progress in this direction –– bolstered by eco-conscious consumers –– would greatly reduce the production of non-biodegradable waste, but it also means that businesses will have to change their ways of operating to conform with new regulations and restrictions.
What Is Biodegradable Packaging?
Biodegradable packaging degrades naturally over a short time relative to its non-biodegradable counterparts. It doesn’t contain any toxic compounds that seep back into the environment and cause further damage once degraded.
It’s made from biopolymers, which are naturally occurring and leave no trace once they’ve fully degraded. As biodegradable packaging is made from plant-based materials, these materials return to nature once they’ve fulfilled their intended purpose, maximising sustainability by rounding off the product’s life cycle naturally and harmoniously.
Can Biodegradable Packaging Help My Business?
Sustainability is becoming a key feature of consumer behaviour. People are making decisions based on which products offer the most eco-friendly packaging, and they choose to support the companies that cause the least harm to the environment.
While some companies turn to “greenwashing” to deceive their customers, others are making a real difference to the environment by introducing sustainable and biodegradable packaging. In the long run, it’ll be these businesses that thrive under new regulations, as they’ll already be well versed in sustainable practices.
Why Is Sustainable Packaging Important for Businesses?
Biodegradable packaging is a sustainable solution to reducing plastic waste that can benefit your business and the environment alike. Takeaway food packaging companies –– among many other businesses across various industries –– are taking advantage of opportunities to gain more customers and help save the planet by implementing new, sustainable methods of packaging their products.
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint. Offering biodegradable packaging means that your customers can shop guilt-free and know that they’re doing something to help protect the environment. As this is such a growing market, any business would likely see a rapid spike in sales after switching to sustainable packaging.
From compostable carrier bags to bioplastic smoothie cups, biodegradable packaging doesn’t compromise on functionality either. The vast majority of products feature similar characteristics to those of plastic and non-recyclable materials. They’re durable, practical and can incorporate vibrant designs with plant-based inks, meaning your business won’t need to compromise on brand awareness.
Should My Business Switch to Biodegradable Packaging?
Non-biodegradable plastic may be cheap to manufacture, but it comes with an unignorable environmental cost. It takes years to decompose and causes a great deal of harm to wild animals and their natural habitats. While it can be tempting to cut corners for profit, this is very much a short-term solution to a long-term problem: saving our planet.
The new wave of environmentally conscious consumers is less of a phase –– it’s a movement towards an entirely new business landscape. Businesses that incorporate eco-friendly materials into their packaging will be the ones that thrive while those that don’t adapt will be sure to face scrutiny and suffer as a result. Consider switching to more sustainable alternatives and watch your business gain popularity and make more money while helping to save the planet.