Sustainable packaging is important to Pacific Color Graphics, a company that is dedicated to protecting the environment.

As a designer and maker of innovative product packages, the Pacific Color Graphics team encourages the wider use of sustainable packaging by clients.

For image-conscious companies, utilizing sustainable packaging makes good marketing sense. Studies consistently show that consumers look to buy products that are sustainably packaged as a way to reduce or eliminate environmental waste.

In some cases, sustainable packaging is more expensive than conventional packaging. Many companies still resist sustainable packaging because of the cost, although surveys show that consumers are willing to pay more for packaging that won’t end up in the landfill.

Affordable Sustainable Packaging Design and Production

But that attitude is changing as technological advances make sustainable packaging more affordable.

For example, many companies are cutting costs by moving to new, super-thin plastic containers. The lighter package weight for products such as soda or water makes shipping cheaper and reduces landfill taxes.

In cases in which recycling options are expensive or non-existent, companies that want to conduct business in an eco-friendly way without sacrificing the bottom line are finding packaging alternatives.

Creating product alternatives such as household cleaners in concentrated form is one way companies cut down on the sheer number of packages sold. Providing consumers with refillable product options also effectively reduces the amount of packaging.

Another common but wasteful practice that is changing is over-packaging. Rather than package with styrofoam peanuts and cardboard boxes within boxes, some businesses are choosing to reduce the number of boxes and pack with materials such as cornstarch.

Some conventional packaging remains problematic. Multi-ply potato chip bags, for instance, are difficult to recycle. But as public awareness of the benefits of sustainable packaging grows, recyclable solutions are sure to follow.