| As the environmentally conscious movement | | | | consumers become more aware of the negative |
| continues to march forward, sustainable packaging | | | | ecological and social ramifications of traditional |
| is gaining greater traction in today's marketplace. | | | | packaging options, they become less tolerant of |
| According to a 2009 report by Pike Research, a | | | | their use in everyday situations - and adjust their |
| leading green industry consulting firm, sustainable | | | | buying behaviors accordingly. All things being equal, |
| packaging will account for approximately one third | | | | many consumers will choose a product that will |
| (32%) of all packaging materials worldwide by | | | | have a minimal impact on the environment over |
| 2014. This represents a substantial increase over | | | | one that is heavily encased in disposable and |
| 2009 levels of 21%. If this growth rate continues | | | | non-biodegradable materials. |
| at its current pace, the day will soon come when | | | | This trend can be compared to the large-scale |
| sustainable packaging becomes the norm, rather | | | | adoption of organic foods and more fuel-efficient |
| than the exception. | | | | vehicles in recent years. In other words, today's |
| Ethical or sustainable packaging is a natural outcrop | | | | consumers are more aware than ever of the |
| of the very popular green movement with its | | | | impact their actions and buying decisions have on |
| "reduce, reuse, recycle" battle cry. Not surprisingly, | | | | their own well-being and the overall environment. |
| typical hallmarks of sustainable packaging include | | | | Therefore, when given the option of purchasing a |
| the use of natural (and easily renewed) or | | | | product packaged in natural, lightweight or |
| recycled materials that are either biodegradable or | | | | recycled materials (vs. traditional non-eco friendly |
| can be readily recycled into something else of | | | | packaging choices), a large percentage will choose |
| value. Primary goals associated with sustainable | | | | the more Earth-friendly option for a variety of |
| packaging include reducing the amount of energy | | | | social and psychological reasons. Quite simply, it |
| required to produce and transport products to | | | | feels good to do something that will have a |
| their final destination, as well as to limit the | | | | positive impact on the environment, even if the |
| amount of material that ends up in landfills. For | | | | decision to do so is on a small scale. |
| these reasons, ethical packaging manufacturers | | | | Consumers will continue to drive the trend toward |
| generally subscribe to the "less is more" | | | | increased sustainable packaging utilization as long |
| philosophy in that their end product is typically | | | | as they continue to cast their votes with their |
| lightweight and minimalistic in nature. | | | | purchasing decisions. In an open marketplace, |
| Although several factors contribute to the | | | | when demand for an item increases, supply is |
| growing popularity of sustainable packaging, | | | | sure to follow. Therefore, retailers, manufacturers |
| increased consumer demand for more | | | | and food and beverage producers will continue to |
| Earth-friendly products certainly plays a key role. | | | | innovate in order to meet that increased demand. |
| Many consumers do judge a book by its cover | | | | Without question, sustainable packaging is here to |
| and assess the quality and value of a product by | | | | stay. |
| the packaging that surrounds it. As eco-conscious | | | | |