Important Eco-friendly Packaging Terms

Eco-friendly packaging is a topic that continues to make headlines. Whether you an e-commerce brand or a retailer that ships directly from the store, you have to work on eco-friendly packaging options. The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from. The fundamental thing, however, is to get familiar with eco-friendly packaging basics. That is why we are going to discuss some necessary eco-friendly packaging terms.

Bioplastics

Products made from alternative resources are known as bioplastics. These alternative resources could include oils and fats instead of customary fossil fuel plastics. Bioplastics are used for manufacturing several packaging products such as trays, bags, foils, and many more.

Environmental Protection Hierarchy

Environmental Protection Hierarchy, or EPA, is a systematized approach towards the prevention of pollution. This hierarchy provides a guide to how to go for more preferable packaging options. It provides a top-to-bottom list of those options, with the most preferable options on top and the least preferable options at the bottom.

Pollution prevention is often discussed with the EPA. This strategy involves the discussion of any method that can help reduce or eliminate pollution.

Carbon footprint

Carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide an individual or organization produces to maintain their lifestyle or perform critical operations for a specific amount of time. The size of carbon footprint can range from an organism or person to a city, state, or country with everything in it. Factors that contribute to carbon footprint include production, energy consumption, and transportation.

Microplastics

Plastics, ending up in the ocean, are demolished by water currents. These tiny fragments of plastic distribute across a large area of the ocean. The reason these are called microplastics is that they are usually invisible to the human eye. They contribute to a bigger pollution problem in the ocean.

Organic

While it is one of the most common terms, it is over misused and overused in the packaging industry. If you want your product item, whether food or non-food, to pass the USDA standards for organic labeling, you have to make sure that it meets certain criteria. These criteria recommend manufacturing companies to ensure the non-inclusion of genetically modified organisms. Moreover, the product must comply with the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

LEED for Existing Buildings

The US Green Building Council has formulated green protocols to help building owners adhere to eco-friendly operations and practices. These protocols include LED lighting options, HVAC requirements, skylights, water consumption standards, delivery regulations, and many more.

Bottom line

The good thing is that consumers are showing interest in green options. They demand brands to use eco-friendly manufacturing and packaging options to keep the environment safe. Many consumers do not purchase from brands that fail to adhere to green protocols.

If you are a product manufacturing or packaging company, make sure to use eco-friendly packaging options not just to keep your customers happy but also to save the environment. You may want to discuss your requirements with your packaging vendor.