As brands turn to eco-friendly solutions and outer packaging becomes more popular, they are bound to attract more customers, with 78% saying they would not mind paying more for sustainable packaging.

That’s why it’s important to consider moving to greener solutions, and here are ten tips you should consider when making your decision.

1. Printing requirements

Since the packaging is the first thing customers see, it helps convey the brand message. Having packaging that offers a lot of printable space helps with this, as manufacturers can label the product and still have enough space to list the attributes that set them apart from their competitors. In this case, square bottom bags come in handy as they can be fully printed on the front, back, bottom and sides.

2. Recyclable or not

The essence of making packaging eco-friendly is reducing your environmental impact, and recycling is one of the best ways to do that. Kraft paper comes from the German word “Kraft” and is recyclable and compostable. Alternatively, PET plastic provides an excellent barrier in keeping food and other consumer products fresh. However, before deciding to use recycled materials, make sure that the product is packaged appropriately. Recyclable plastic bags are perfect for packing nuts and seeds, cookies and chips, pasta, and dry foods. Recycled bag material lacks the strength of other materials and is generally not a good choice for products that can transfer significant loads to the bag and cause the bag to break.

3. Are big retailers looking for it?

Even if you’re just a startup, you have to dream big. Partnering with leading retailers is a remarkable way to achieve faster growth. Walmart released a sustainable packaging playbook to help companies improve the way they pack. One of the nine indicators they considered for eco-friendly packaging was recycled content. Amazon, on the other hand, wanted accessible and eco-friendly packaging. If you can follow the guidelines these leading retailers are looking for, your eco-packaged products will instantly boost your business.

4. Durability 

The packing material should be strong enough that it will not tear even when subjected to a slight pull. Ensuring that it can resist the direct pulling of the tensile strength is very effective for children’s food packaging. You have to make sure the cherubs don’t swallow dangerous items, making them difficult to reach. Tear resistance, puncture resistance, impact strength, and burst strength should also be very high during transport to prevent spills.

5. The maximum temperature that can be tolerated

The current generation is called the “Microwave Generation” for a reason. Our busy lives have us looking for more convenience; therefore, customers want food that can be eaten in the microwave. When we’re focused on climbing the corporate ladder, we no longer have time to do the dishes. If you’re making their lives easier by packaging food in microwave-safe containers, you’re doing your customers a huge favor. Plastic has been shown to release BPA and phthalates in food when microwaved; BPA disrupts natural hormone systems because it mimics estrogen.

6. Will it keep the product in good use?

You don’t want to lose customers because your packaging is causing them to throw away their food due to its short shelf life. Times are tough and every dollar saved goes a long way toward securing our customers’ futures. Therefore, your packaging should not only improve food safety by preventing food contamination but also extend shelf life.

7. Would storage in a controlled environment help?

“Keep out of direct sunlight, keep in a cool, dry place” is common and not difficult to do, but what about the moisture level needed to maintain freshness? You can facilitate a controlled environment through packaging materials. Cannabis users want their stash to be in the right place every time they open a package. Therefore, humidity control is critical as cannabis should not be stored above 65% RH to avoid mold. The packaging should not promote vaporization, as then the potency of the marijuana is lost, and you can imagine how much damage it can do, mostly for medicinal purposes.

8. Is it compostable?

Eco-friendly packaging materials may be recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable, most people use these terms interchangeably which is wrong. Some of these materials, such as corrugated cardboard, can only be decomposed into natural elements and returned to nature once decomposed. Compostable materials, on the other hand, provide nutrients to the soil, so they can be added to the compost pile. Since they require special composting conditions, make sure the packaging meets these standards for breaking down at home.

9. Is it cutting-edge?

For your products to be competitive, eco-friendly packaging should also be at the forefront. Imagine being able to determine the ripeness of an avocado or whether a product has expired just by looking at the packaging. However, considering that 48 million people get sick each year in the United States and 3,000 die from foodborne illnesses, this smart technology could play a key role in reducing food poisoning incidents.

10. Blowout

Eco-friendly packaging should also promote consumer health by exploding when toxic bacteria grow within the contents. Having air-filled packaging is essential since your customers cannot smell the product while it is still in the packaging. This is especially useful when handling meat products.

You now know the most important things to consider when choosing eco-friendly packaging, so make sure you have a reliable supplier. At CarePac, we bring you high-quality bags at an affordable price. With our 5% Price Match Guarantee, you’ll always get the best price. Our MOQ is also low and provides you with the best customer service. Contact us today to learn more about the different materials and capabilities we offer to suit your needs.

11. Be sustainable and renewable

Custom paper tubes are a great way to keep your documents organized and in one place. They are made of paper and are perfect for storing paper such as posters, maps, and more. They are durable and can be used over and over again.

12. Is it safe for children?

Custom paper tubes are safe and durable children’s toys. They are made of various materials and need to be customized with child safety in mind to prevent them from opening at will.

in conclusion

What’s the first thing you think of when you need to buy something? Are you attracted by its exquisite packaging? Over 78% of customer purchasing decisions are made on the shelf as packaging is the first thing customers see when shopping.