The biodegradable and recyclable materials used in eco-friendly packaging can take a variety of different forms:
Bioplastics, or plant-based plastics Recycled paper and plastics Post-consumer products, such as recycled bulk bags
Below is a list of several specific green packaging examples currently in use on the market.
Packaging that includes renewable resources: Cellulose, for example, which derives from wood pulp, is an attractive alternative to petroleum-derived polymers such as PET, PE and PP. Starch-based biomaterial is also an appealing alternative. Packaging with additives: Packaging additives, primarily biodegradable, oxo-degradable and photodegradable materials, help the packaging biodegrade faster and reduce the accumulation of packaging waste.Recyclable materials: These include familiar materials such as cardboard, plastic and metals.Compostable materials: These include the materials like the compostable molded-fiber bowls that some fast-casual restaurants now offer their patrons. Packaging reduction: Have you ever opened a bag of cookies or chips, only to realize that the amount of food takes up only half the space inside the package? Green packaging strives to reduce the amount of packaging per product it contains. Even if manufacturers cannot switch the type of material used in their packaging, they can take steps to optimize the packaging by reducing the amount of material used to make it.
Packaging that includes renewable resources: Cellulose, for example, which derives from wood pulp, is an attractive alternative to petroleum-derived polymers such as PET, PE and PP. Starch-based biomaterial is also an appealing alternative. Packaging with additives: Packaging additives, primarily biodegradable, oxo-degradable and photodegradable materials, help the packaging biodegrade faster and reduce the accumulation of packaging waste.Recyclable materials: These include familiar materials such as cardboard, plastic and metals.Compostable materials: These include the materials like the compostable molded-fiber bowls that some fast-casual restaurants now offer their patrons. Packaging reduction: Have you ever opened a bag of cookies or chips, only to realize that the amount of food takes up only half the space inside the package? Green packaging strives to reduce the amount of packaging per product it contains. Even if manufacturers cannot switch the type of material used in their packaging, they can take steps to optimize the packaging by reducing the amount of material used to make it.