Why do we need to use environmentally friendly materials?

As the international calls for protecting the environment, caring for the earth, and saving resources are getting higher and higher, the requirements for product packaging in the international market are becoming more and more stringent.

In contrast, domestically, there was a "dual-carbon" strategy that advocated a green, environmentally friendly, and low-carbon lifestyle, and the "plastic ban" issued later became more and more stringent. Sustainable development is currently the best choice. Environmental protection materials are more in line with the development direction.

What is eco-friendly packaging?

Environmentally friendly packaging generally refers to packaging that can save energy, is easy to recycle after use, is easy to decompose naturally, and does not pollute the environment.

At present, paper is the most widely used ecological and environmental protection material in my country's packaging industry. It is also a traditional packaging material with Chinese characteristics. It has a wide range of resources and can be recycled and reused. Compared with other packaging materials, it is less polluting to the environment. A true ecological packaging material.

Types of eco-friendly packaging

Environmentally friendly packaging can be divided into three categories, recyclable, recyclable and degradable:

(1) Recyclable packaging

Common recyclable packaging includes corrugated boxes, pulp molded containers, and paper containers. They are light in weight, easy to transport, and are widely used in the packaging of small daily products. After these paper packages are recycled, they will be softened, shredded, cleaned, etc., and recycled for new uses. Most of the paper packaging can eventually be degraded naturally. The best way to deal with it is to make compost from unreusable raw materials instead of direct landfill to avoid toxic methane generated by landfill fermentation.

(2) Recyclable packaging

Recyclable packaging is the most environmentally friendly form of packaging, but it has certain limitations for many commercial fields. Common recyclable packaging includes: recyclable milk bottles, glass bottles, wooden pallets, large container containers, gas cylinders and large plastic containers, etc. These packaging concepts are in line with the current trend of circular economy, greatly reducing consumption and Packaging costs, but also more dependent on the consumer's consciousness and the service life of the packaging.

(3) Degradable packaging

Biodegradable packaging is the most ideal environmental protection packaging. At present, the most common types of this kind of packaging are express foam fillers, express envelopes, plastic bags made of fully biodegradable bio-based plastic materials, and "mushroom packaging boxes" made of mycelium materials. The biggest feature of this type of packaging is that it can be naturally degraded faster and easier than the old petrochemical plastic materials that caused white pollution. Whether it is composted or landfilled, it greatly reduces the burden on the environment.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Packaging

(1) Reduce carbon footprint

If your packaging is produced from recycled materials, its carbon footprint will be significantly reduced. Similarly, if packaging is produced from natural materials such as bamboo or FSC-approved paper or cardboard, the expansion of such products would actually remove carbon from the atmosphere. If you want your company to be carbon neutral, eco-friendly packaging is the way to go.

(2) Biodegradable

If the packaging is composed of natural materials, then it will be biodegradable. Plastic is very difficult to biodegrade; it can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down, releasing dangerous compounds in the process. Some eco-friendly packaging, such as those made from sustainable paper, may even be compostable. Some eco-friendly packaging, such as those made from sustainable paper, may even be compostable.

(3) Easy to handle

Most companies and regions have specific recycling or disposal facilities or services. Recycling is fairly easy these days, as long as you separate your disposables so they can be recycled properly.

(4) No dangerous toxins

The extraction, refining, distribution, use and disposal of unsustainable petrochemical resources, such as crude oil used to make most plastics, is extremely harmful to the environment. During its use, environmentally friendly packaging does not have these problems. During the biodegradation process, no harmful chemicals like plastic are produced.

(5) Easy to reuse or recycle

The ability of packaging to be recycled or reused helps it be environmentally friendly. Promoting the reuse of packaging can extend its useful life, minimize the need for new materials and the carbon footprint of packaging. If the quality of the packaging is high enough, it should be possible to reuse the packaging for uses such as further packaging, storage or even crafts.