Plant-based packaging company goodnatured has launched a Sustainability Guide Book for US businesses aiming to transition to eco-friendly packaging.

CEO Paul Antoniadis asserts that “there's no one-size-fits-all solution for sustainable packaging,” stressing the importance of knowing the available options as the initial step.

Understanding Sustainable Packaging Regulations

goodnatured simplifies sustainable packaging regulations into two categories: material-based and waste management-based.

Material-based regulations encompass:

• Bio-based materials
• Recycled content
• Safer chemicals

Waste management-based regulations cover:

• Infrastructure advancements
• Reuse, recycling, composting
• Hard-to-recycle plastics

The guide advises US-based companies to focus on California and Washington regulations, serving as precursors for broader packaging directives. For instance, California plans to mandate disclosure of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances content in food packaging and paper straws.

Advice on Food Packaging

The guide stresses the significance of functionality in food packaging, advocating for strong oxygen and moisture barriers, tamper-evident seals, and re-closable lids for smaller servings.

Yet, aesthetics shouldn’t be compromised as consumers are drawn to well-presented products. Visibility matters; transparent packaging materials reportedly influence 86% of consumers in their purchase decisions.

goodnatured’s “Packaging Nirvana” boasts leak-resistant, crush-proof, and stackable features.

Joining the Sustainable Movement

The guide reveals deficiencies in recycling technologies at facilities, leading to increased waste. Companies can simplify packaging disposal by opting for cleaner material choices.

Near-sourcing packaging materials reduces hidden environmental costs and offers shorter lead times.

Investing in sustainability and transparency will pay off, assures goodnatured. Even taking small steps, such as repackaging a single product sustainably, is a move in the right direction.