Packaging
Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious in a time where environmental damage is an enormous topic in the media and this is leading businesses to make big changes to the way in which they operate. One of the most notable developments in recent times has been the rise of eco and green packaging, which many consumers now come to expect.
Wasteful Packaging
In a time where ecommerce is on the rise, packaging has become a major topic of conversation and gets a lot of coverage in the news. Packaging with plastics and other non-biodegradable materials can be incredibly wasteful so it is hardly surprising that people are now actively seeking out businesses that offer green packaging.
People Willing to Pay More
In fact, a YouGov survey revealed that 50% of Britons would pay may given the choice of eco-friendly packaging compared to 33% that would opt for standard packaging at the standard price. Further, as many as two-thirds believe that companies should be required to use eco-friendly packaging by law even if this resulted in a price hike.
Switching to Green Packaging
This means that businesses need to address their own packaging methods and consider if they could be greener. This should include switching to recyclable materials like cardboard while minimizing packaging material or making sure that it is plant-based.
Time for Positive Change
It is clear that consumers are starting to become selective in the brands that they use and businesses need to be smart and see which way the wind is blowing in order to find success moving forward. Green packaging materials is one of the most effective ways to do this but there are many other areas that need to be addressed, including using local suppliers and energy-efficient equipment. In addition to satisfying an increasingly eco-conscious target customer, there are often financial benefits to being greener in addition to the obvious environmental benefits.
A Moral Obligation
There are many brands that have been ahead of the curve and take pride in their green credentials. Insantprint, a printing company that offers roller banners and other products such as business cards stated that there is a moral obligation that businesses have to reduce waste:
“From reducing waste in production to ensuring the office space is as energy efficient as possible, the printing firm acknowledges its moral obligation to be an eco-friendly online printing option for its customers as well as for the planet and, as evidenced with the companies ISO certification, is striving towards continued eco-friendly development”.
They also revealed how it was customers that were the catalyst for making green changes to the business:
“the firm noticed a rise in environment-based enquiries from its small business customers. This likely suggests that consumers shopping with small businesses have also become increasingly conscious over engaging with businesses that operate in a sustainable and ethical way.”
It is clear that it is the consumers that hold the power when it comes to making positive changes and businesses are now quickly having to become greener in order to attract and retain customers. People have become much more eco-aware in recent years with so much media attention and are now taking steps to be more sustainable and will actively research and compare when it comes to choosing a brand. The rise in green packaging can be attributed to this change in attitude and is making a big difference to environmental impact.