With the growing awareness and change in customers’ preferences, there is a gradual increase in developing sustainable and socially responsible practices by businesses towards a brighter future. Simply put, sustainability should be viewed as a business approach to creating long-term value by taking into account how a given organization operates in the ecological, social and economic environment.
According to a recent report from Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), published in the Paper & Packaging Consumer Trends Report, consumers consider sustainability among the most important factors when determining their spending habits. The trend hints that consumers have an eye on the future, agreeing that their trusted brands need to provide more environmentally friendly products and services.
Using biodegradable or compostable labels is a simple way to start incorporating more environmentally friendly practices into your business. But what is the difference between the two?
A biodegradable material is classified as any material that will completely breakdown and decompose into natural elements. Typically this will happen within a year. This helps reduce waste build-up and contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment. Compostable materials, on the other hand, require special conditions to break down like humidity and temperature controls. These materials break down into usable compost for multiple purposes.
Benefits of using Biodegradable or Compostable Labels
Waste Reduction
Biodegradable labels help minimize the amount of waste going into landfill sites, which in turn reduces waste accumulation and subsequent production of harmful greenhouse gasses. Compostable materials degrade and produce natural resources which can be used to help nourish and fertilise crops, reducing the need to use pesticides and chemical fertilisers.
Safe to use
From fresh food packaging to cosmetic products and even ice cream labels, biodegradable and compostable labels are suitable for a wide range of applications. Biodegradable packaging materials are also non-toxic and allergy-free, making them worth considering if your customers care about the products they’re purchasing and the composition of their packaging (which many now do).
Low on cost
A business that invests in biodegradable packaging can reduce its costs quite significantly by using fewer resources, reusing inventory and purchasing inexpensive recycled materials. In doing so, they’ll see reduced packaging expenses over time enabling them to allocate their money elsewhere.
Convenient Disposal
Recyclable, compostable and biodegradable packaging simplifies disposal for the consumer. It gives them more options when it comes to discarding these materials, and companies should always seek to make their products convenient, from start to finish. Biodegradable materials exemplify this mindset.
Looking towards the future, it’s safe to speculate that more companies will move towards eco-friendly practices. With this in mind, taking action now is the best option and helps put you ahead of the game! Although biodegradable packaging is only a small step, it’s an important one. If you need any help with your biodegradable label or packaging needs, we have got you covered. Feel free to contact us via our website.