A Sales & Marketing expert, Eric comes with a robust experience working in the international market

The downfall in our ecosystem and the increasing pollution in the air are making it extremely important to take steps to protect the environment from adverse effects of hazardous substances. Heavy metals, paints, acids, glues, plastics used in various forms are laying harmful affects on the environment. A lot of companies, factories, and firms, including households, have started opting for eco-friendly options as a step towards aiding the environment.

Plastic, in various forms, is the most widely used perilous substance to the environment. It is most importantly used in the packaging of all kinds of products from food, clothes, and electronics to other household things. Packaging plays a vital role for any company and/or product to attract the consumer at first sight. Apart from enhancing the brand image and distinguishing your products from other brands, a good packaging also keeps the product safe and reduces chances of getting damaged in transportation. It is equally important to use eco-friendly methods of packaging apart from keeping it attractive.

Most of the companies now follow Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) & Energy Star, as a compliance to reduce the harmful effects of dangerous substance. RoHS restricts the usage of specific hazardous materials in electric and electronic substances. Energy Star, on the other hand, helps in the efficient use of energy to support greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy.

Eco-friendly packaging is using the material that is safe for the environment and can be easily recycled and is made with using the renewable source of energy. Also known as ‘Green packaging or sustainable packaging', this type of packaging can be reused, recycled and is biodegradable. Some of the materials that can be used for eco-friendly packaging are:

•Biodegradable packaging peanuts are light & airy substances used as cushioning agents for fragile products during shipping & transportation.

•Paper & cardboard can be used as a packaging material which can be recycled, reused and are biodegradable. These are beneficial not only because they are readily available, but are also a cost-effective substitute and help in building brand image

•Recycled bubble wraps are also used widely as a packaging agent. However, if the companies use bubble wraps made with recycled polythene, it is more environment friendly and is degradable.

The fastest and easiest way for going green is to restructure your packaging design. Eradicate the extra packaging material used to make your shipment lighter and will reduce the wastage of packaging material. Effective packaging does not mean to jeopardize the product; by reducing packaging material, it doesn't have to necessarily remove material they can simply be replaced like plastic can be switched to hay.

There are various advantages of adapting sustainable packaging system, first being that it is friendly for the environment. Since, material is recycled in order to create packaging supplies, it reduces the wastage of natural resources for production. Green packaging has long-term positive effects and it also reduces the negative impact that industrialization has on the environment.

The green packaging turns-out to be highly cost-effective. Since, the material used is either made of biodegradable substance or from recycled material, the production cost reduces which is profitable to the firm. So taking the ecofriendly packaging route is beneficial for both the environment, as well as the company.

Another added benefit of the ecofriendly packaging is, it builds and improves the brand image and credibility in the society. For any sized company/firm, its reputation is extremely crucial to make a mark in their respective industry. Any company/firm contributing to the environment lays a positive affect on its consumers and the society.