5 Creative and Eco-Friendly Packaging Design Ideas
It’s high time to build your brand, help your business adapt, and increase your customer loyalty with truly sustainable packaging. Product unboxing is a big deal, more so when the packaging is in line with the trend of being eco-friendly.
Anything that screams eco-friendly easily becomes a trend nowadays. In fact, 88% of people surveyed across the United States want brands to help them live sustainably, according to data reported by Forbes.
With that in mind, it’s high time to build your brand, help your business adapt, and increase your customer loyalty with truly sustainable packaging. Product unboxing is a big deal, more so when the packaging is in line with the trend of being eco-friendly.
Here are some of the most common eco-friendly packaging materials.
- Cardboard. Recyclable paper or cardboard is easily the most common and readily available eco-friendly material for packaging. Cardboards also come in different sizes and shapes.
- Green Wrap. A ready-to-use paper packaging wrap that comes in a roll, green wrap helps to protect and cushion fragile items. It’s the cost-effective, biodegradable, and green alternative to bubble wraps.
- Glass. Although rarely used due to fragility, glass is a time-tested packaging material. Its use in packaging remains strong in cosmetics, perfume, and beauty products.
- Poly Mailers. Made from recycled content, poly mailers are lightweight yet sturdy, making them ideal in keeping shipping costs practical. They can be stored and reused since they come with a sealing mechanism.
- Organic Fabrics. Made from materials like hemp, recycled cotton, tapioca, palm leaves, and other organics, organic fabrics serve as a great alternative to most packaging materials.
- Bioplastics. Made from recycled materials and biodegradables, bioplastics are an acclaimed invention that’s fully recyclable. They look and feel like plastic, but the difference is they’re available from natural sources like milk and meat protein. Bioplastics are expected to continue growing in popularity.
- Aluminum. Steel and aluminum are most often used in canned food and sodas. They can also be recycled without losing their structural integrity.
- Air Pillows. These small bags inflated with air minimize the amount of plastic needed in packaging a product. Like green wraps, they also cushion fragile items and are recyclable themselves.
The Massive Shift to Eco-Friendly Packaging
More and more people are becoming aware of environmental problems brought about by plastics and other non-biodegradable packing materials. As such, eco-friendly packaging is hitting the spotlight as a majority of consumers gravitate towards recyclable packaging. The days of old norms when disposable plastics dominate product packaging is going down.
Many innovative packaging designs are also as beautiful they are eco-friendly. Designers feel compelled to develop creative packaging ideas.
Additionally, since product unboxing has been a trend among vloggers, product packaging tends to draw attention now more than ever. We’re in the age where people pay close attention to details, not only on the product but on the packaging as well. Products are no longer the sole focus of customer experience.
Popular Brands that have Turned to Eco-Friendly Packaging
Calvin Klein
PVH is the apparel company behind Calvin Klein as well as Tommy Hilfiger and other popular clothing brands. PVH aspires to reduce its negative environmental impact to zero and achieve 100% sustainability.
As a member of How2Recycle, the company is dedicated to labeling all packaging with clear recycling instructions. 74% of the packaging the company uses is recyclable.
Lush
For Lush products that require packaging, 90% of what they use are recycled materials. They can also be composted. The company adopts forward-thinking environmental policies, using no packaging at all when possible. Instead of selling liquid cosmetics, Lush innovated with shampoo and conditioner bars that don’t need packaging.
Kellogg’s
Since 2018, Kellogg’s has been making efforts towards using 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by the end of 2025. The cereal company has a zero-deforestation pledge, so most of its recyclable cardboard boxes are made from recycled carton boards.
Other notable companies that use eco-friendly packaging:
- Graze
- ASOS
- Bulldog Skin Care
- The Body Shop
Creative Eco-Friendly Packaging Design Ideas
1. Dessert Duo
This ice-cream dessert served on a plate made of cardboard with two bowls and a spoon is a perfect presentation for kids!
2. Paper Box Design
These elegant-looking paper boxes are useful for gifting someone. They look more special and artsy with ribbons. They’re handy for small item gifts.
3. Gift Box Packaging
Most of us love receiving gifts, and these amazing boxes made of cartons will surely add pleasure to the unboxing experience. They just convey that elegant touch.
4. Natural Wooden Box
This natural wooden box provides good space for items while giving a catchy look to the eyes. And of course, it’s eco-friendly.
5. Edible Cup
This edible cup lets you enjoy your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and eat the cup itself later. Few things are more fun than that, and kids will surely love this idea. The cup is made from edible grains.
In Closing
We owe it to nature to ensure that we take care of the resources we get from it. Business owners and creative teams have to step up in providing products that support the world’s sustainability efforts through sustainable packaging designs.