Green packaging: trends for 2022

In a context that is increasingly sensitive and attentive to the issue of sustainability, the world of packaging is under the magnifying glass of consumers. The latter, in fact, require greater recyclability and want to know the materials it is made of.

With data in hand, we can therefore affirm that green packaging is now an integral part of the purchasing process.

A topic that also arouses great interest on the web , given search trends.

Eliminating the use of plastic in packaging is increasingly requested by customers, and innovation in packaging design takes many forms.

In addition to eliminating plastic from packaging, consumers are also concerned about reducing carbon emissions: manufacturing companies are careful to communicate the reduction on the product packaging.

Other findings from market research analyses include the use of compostable and biodegradable materials, as well as the focus on the use of reusable containers and their refills.

Being sensitive and attentive to consumer needs allows proactive companies to differentiate themselves from the competition, thus obtaining a competitive advantage and greater benefits.

The insights listed above therefore have the potential to generate significant and long-term changes in purchasing choices.

The goals of green packaging

One of the main objectives of the green packaging world is undoubtedly to contribute positively to the process of economic growth, paying attention to reducing the negative effects frequently associated with the sector.

This effectively represents a common thread for the trends expected for 2022, such as:

• reducing the size and weight of packages;

• the strengthening of recycling activities of renewable materials (e.g. paper, cardboard, etc.);

• the increasing use of new materials derived from renewable sources;

• the ever-increasing use of sustainable materials , such as those derived from alternative fibres or recycled plastics.

At Alkam we have already introduced materials such as:

• paper made from cane fibre;

• natural paper derived from grape fibre;

• natural paper made from apple waste;

• paper obtained from sugar cane processing.

The principles of green packaging

Green Packaging represents the balance between economic growth and the ecological development of the packaged product.

Its distinctive features are:

• modern techniques and ecological instruments with “zero” impact in total respect of the environment, also called environmentally-friendly technology;

• saving resources , both from an energy and product-packaging production point of view;

• during its life-time, green packaging causes no or marginal damage to the environment and to people's health. This great advantage reinforces what has been argued so far: companies must be able to offer eco-sustainable packaging, in order to reduce waste and minimize environmental consequences .

Labels as a means of communication

The label and the packaging are closely related to each other, completing each other . This symbiosis creates the product's appearance, giving it its own identity.

This relationship must also be thought out and designed in terms of sustainability.

The use of materials and inks with a very low environmental impact allows for the creation of packaging that is entirely sustainable in its entirety.

The world cannot afford to continue wasting materials: it is time to think beyond the purpose of the product itself.

Thanks to the experience gained in the field of printing with a strong vocation towards green, Alkam has set itself the goal of designing labels in order to improve our planet, giving the possibility of reducing the consumption of natural resources and moving towards a circular and regenerative economy.