COVID-19 pushed for rigid behavioral changes for people all over the world in a very dramatic way. Naturally there was a hyperfocus on health and hygiene. Behaviors shifted from in store shopping to ecommerce as a way to limit contact with other humans. In 2020, the idea of creating more sustainable solutions was accelerated by […]
The future of sustainable packaging is as bright as it has ever been. Consumers are demanding a more sustainable lifestyle and companies are responding with new innovations. There is no denying that the world is changing. There has been a huge shift in the culture from being materialistic to one that values sustainability and quality […]
The environmental impact of the apparel industry is extensive, its emissions are equivalent to those of France, Germany, and the UK combined if the industry was a country. (Berg et al., 2020) The need for a sustainability movement in the apparel industry is without question. Particularly when it comes to packaging, consumer demand is growing. […]
Packaging is a large part of the food industry. It plays a vital role in protecting the product from damage and extending shelf life. Historically, the design of packaging in the food industry stopped there. In the 21st century, the concept of sustainable packaging has been thrown in the mix. Thus designers today must design […]
With environmental concerns at the forefront, it’s imperative that companies offer their products in sustainable packaging. Not only do customers demand it, but legislation is also changing. If beverage companies want to stay competitive, they need to embrace more sustainable ways of packaging and selling their products. Recycling The aisles of the beverage section of […]
Frustration from the amount of packaging that comes with new electronic devices is common among consumers. Traditionally, each part has been individually wrapped within a seemingly impossible package to open. Now electronics companies are focusing more on the consumer experience when unboxing their new electronic device with sleek, easy to open, minimal packaging that still […]
More and more companies are moving towards sustainable packaging. In part, because they want to do their part in becoming less wasteful but also because consumers demand it. Consumers are fed up with having the onus on them to be responsible for the excessive and wasteful packaging their products come in. So, they speak with […]
What is Beyond 34? The Beyond 34 initiative is led by the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The goal of Beyond 34 is to advance the circular economy in various regions and cities across the United States by providing a scalable model to follow. Beyond 34 aims to improve recycling, recovery, and reuse rates […]
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) are policies where the producer holds a responsibility for the disposal of products and/or packaging. Similar to the historical bottle recycling program, EPR policies are utilized around the globe, often as a fee associated with end of life outcomes for products and/or packaging. Once collected, the EPR fees are often used […]
Recycling in the United States started by generally accepting paper, glass, and aluminum. The rise of convenient, one-time-use packaging gave way to a new material for the recycling stream – plastic. Plastic use is on the rise In the 1960s, U.S. generation of plastics was 390,000 U.S. tons according to the U.S. EPA. In 2018, […]