Sustainability is one of our core values. The Earth's resources are not infinite so we need to care for our precious planet. This means eco-friendly packaging. The search for a sustainable package was not as easy as I thought it would be. Initially, I thought it would be compostable since that is the kindest to the Earth. But, there were challenges with that. In this article, I'll share my learnings with you and where I landed with my final package.
Compostable Pouches
Compostable food pouches are made from materials that can be decomposed naturally, such as cornstarch and sugarcane. They are an excellent option for environmentally conscious consumers, as they break down into natural elements without harming the environment. Compostable pouches also tend to have a lower carbon footprint than other types of food pouches.
Pros:
- Compostable pouches are environmentally friendly.
- They break down naturally without releasing harmful chemicals.
- They have a lower carbon footprint.
Cons:
- Compostable pouches are not widely accepted in recycling facilities, which can lead to them ending up in landfills.
- Compostable pouches may not provide the same level of protection as other types of pouches, such as plastic. They only have a 6-month shelf life, which is not long enough to make their way through the distribution channel (think warehouse to retailer warehouse to stores) and give customers enough time to bake the mixes.
Recyclable Pouches
Recyclable food pouches are made from materials that can be recycled, such as plastic, aluminum, and paper. They are an excellent option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and prevent waste from ending up in landfills. However, it's important to note that not all recyclable pouches are created equal, and some may be easier to recycle than others.
Pros:
- Recyclable pouches can help reduce waste and prevent it from ending up in landfills.
- They are available in a wide range of materials, including plastic, aluminum, and paper.
- They are often more affordable than other types of pouches.
Cons:
- Recyclable pouches are not accepted in your blue bins, which makes it inconvenient to take them to store drop-offs.
- Most recyclable pouches are not accepted by all recycling facilities, which can lead to them ending up in landfills.
- Some recyclable pouches may require specialized recycling processes, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Post-Consumer Resin Pouches
Post-consumer resin (PCR) or post-consumer recycled material pouches are made from recycled plastic like milk jugs and water bottles. These pouches help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. By using recycled plastic, these pouches also help to conserve resources and reduce the amount of energy needed to produce new plastic.
Pros:
- PCR pouches help to reduce plastic waste and conserve resources.
- Alleviates the burden on customers because the business is covering the cost (and resources) to ensure recycling is done.
Cons:
- The highest level of PCR in pouches is 43.5%, meaning the balance is still made of plastic.
THE WINNER...
After in-depth research and interviews with sustainably-focused leaders and packaging vendors, I decided to go with PCR for my packaging. It was a tough decision, but PCR had the most pro's and least con's. I will be launching with 43.5% PCR. This may change in the future as we all work together more sustainable options. But, I am happy to launch with this better-for-the-planet packaging. Feel free to comment below and let me know your thoughts.