Reducing Packaging Waste

garbage near forest

6 Ways to Reduce Packaging Waste for a Better Environment

The extensive use of single-use plastic in recent years is one of the factors contributing to environmental instability. Packaging waste has become a global problem because of consumers’ improper waste disposal. Not only plastic, but also other types of packaging, when not disposed of properly, pollute the environment. 

The other side of the story is that consumers and industries have become more eco-aware. Industry experts are trying to mitigate the negative effects and reduce packaging waste by following different green practices. Today, we will discuss 6 ways to reduce packaging waste and build an ethical image. Read on!

  • Promote Eco-Awareness Campaigns

Brands can have a maximum impact rather than an individual. If you run a business, why not raise awareness about how packaging waste is becoming a threatening problem? You can explore custom kraft packaging solutions to customize eco-friendly boxes printed with your brand’s mission to reduce waste. Individuals and brands can conduct seminars to promote the “Go Green” mission. 

Brands can take motivation from big names like Unilever, as it runs a Waste-free World campaign through various initiatives, including investing in waste management infrastructure, and promoting refill and reuse solutions. Consumers can also be a part of Green Campaigns in different ways, like home recycling methods, paperless billing, and planting trees. 

  • Implement the Cradle to Cradle Economy System

One of the best practices brands should follow is the implementation of the C2C model that envisions a circular economy for a sustainable environment. The cradle to cradle economy model revolves around continuous reuse and recycling of materials instead of discarding them as waste. When brands follow the C2C sustainability model, they can prevent the extraction of natural resources for packaging. The circular economy is based on sharing, reusing, repairing, and recycling. 

Not only can it be implemented in the product packaging, but also on the products themselves. Countries can also use the circular economy model to save the environment from packaging waste. For example, Germany’s Pfand System has changed the consumers’ behaviour towards the environment. The idea behind the system is that you pay a small fee for the bottle when you buy a drink. Once you finish the drink, you get your deposit back when you return the bottle to any shop that sells that drink.

  • Manufacture Plant Waste Packaging

When the problem is waste, you can get a way forward by using the waste for a better environment. Yes! You heard it right. Why not use plant waste material to create product packaging that can be recycled? A large number of trees are cut down every year to create paper-based packaging, which directly affects the environment through deforestation. However, Post-industrial and recycled paper can also be used to create sturdy packaging, like eco friendly mailer boxes for secure shipping.

Using plant waste like bagasse to create packaging is one of the thoughtful solutions to reduce packaging waste. Hemp hurd, mycelium, coconut husk, seaweed, and cellulose can also be used to create biodegradable packaging. These raw materials require less energy to manufacture the packaging that biodegrades the way plants do. 

  • Follow Responsible Waste Management

Packaging waste does not fully consist of plastic. Some recyclable packaging is not disposed of properly, which results in waste that pollutes the environment. Landfill waste management is one of the extensively followed methods to dispose of the packaging waste. However, most people and brands do not comply with the regulations. 

The excessive waste in the landfill can release toxic gases into the groundwater, affecting the soil. Ethical waste management should be opted for to reduce the packaging waste. Landfills should only be created on permitted sites. Post-landfill closure monitoring should also be done to ensure that gases are not leaking. Consumers can ethically dispose of the packaging waste through home recycling. 

  • Invest in Carbon Credits

Individuals and brands can save the environment by investing in carbon offsets. It is important to calculate the carbon footprint to set a goal to reduce it over time. A carbon footprint calculator and professional aid can be used to calculate the carbon footprint. Projects like methane capture, reforestation, and renewable energy can be used for carbon credits. These projects can compensate for the emissions related to direct and indirect sources. 

Brands can also invest in sustainable packaging machines to reduce packaging waste. Consumers and brands can set some sustainable goals to use the carbon offsets accordingly. For example, your brand’s target is to reduce a certain number of carbon footprint prints during this year. When you invest in sustainable projects in the form of carbon credits, it eventually helps you reduce packaging waste. 

  • Replace Single-Use Plastic with Reusable Packaging

Another excellent way forward to minimize the packaging waste is to replace single-use packaging with reusable packaging. Why not replace single-use plastic bags with reusable and washable cotton tote bags? Likewise, plastic containers that take a hundred years to decompose should be replaced with tin packaging that can be reused for years.

Glass packaging can also be recycled and reused. All you need is to label reusable packaging with a personalized message to build an emotional connection with consumers. Eventually, consumers will prefer spending a little extra for reusable packaging over plastic to protect the environment. The best thing about reusable tin and glass containers is that they can be used for promoting the circular economy when it comes to reducing packaging waste. 

Final Thoughts!


Everyone should keep trying their best to mitigate the negative impacts of packaging. Whether you are a brand focusing on green practices or a consumer, you can use the above-discussed ways to protect the environment from packaging waste. Brands can switch from single-use packaging to reusable packaging and run product refilling stations. 

Likewise, instead of relying on the paper-based packaging, which contributes to deforestation, you can create packaging out of plant waste. Investing in carbon offsets and the circular economy model can also help your brand build an ethical image. Brands may also turn their rivals into partners to support a sustainable environment!