How Has the COVID Pandemic Redefined Sustainable Packaging?

The world is constantly changing, but never more so than right now. Have customer perceptions about sustainable packaging shifted? Has package hygiene become such a big concern that consumers have changed their attitude toward sustainable packaging? Or, has purchasing power, which was historically driving sustainable packaging innovations, been affected?

While habits have evolved, it seems attitudes really haven’t. Sustainable packaging remains important. However, the pandemic has redefined sustainable packaging.

Sustainable Packaging During The Pandemic

Prior to COVID-19, businesses were making rapid progress toward their sustainability objectives. However, the pandemic has had a negative impact on a wide range of industries worldwide, particularly the packaging industry. Packaging businesses were developing revolutionary solutions that were environmentally benign, reusable, and biodegradable. However, worries about the safety and hygiene of reusable packaging momentarily slowed the packaging industry’s move toward an ecological and circular supply chain.

One of the major sectors of the packaging industry affected by the epidemic is redefining sustainability. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, packaging firms will need to realign sustainability goals that include incorporating improved hygiene, evaluating product costs, and normalizing e-commerce. The pandemic’s influence on performance will be favorable because these new patterns will emphasize consumers’ needs across the industry.

The Increase in Single-Use Plastic and Lifting of Bans

On the whole, the fight to reduce plastic waste has been a popular initiative. Single-use plastics have been banned in several countries throughout the world, including Canada, Rwanda, India, Kenya, Germany, Norway, France, Chile, Sweden, Peru, and many others. Different companies were announcing goals they hoped to achieve by a specific year in order to become as sustainable as is viable. Unfortunately, with COVID-19, customers were concerned that they could contract the virus by touching a virus-infected object or surface and then touching their nose, mouth, or another person.

The New Normal: Redefining Sustainability and Heightened Hygiene

Despite the fact that the precise hazard was unclear, sustainability programs were reduced or halted in the initial months of the pandemic. Numerous countries halted and repealed restrictions on single-use plastics, and some even temporarily outlawed reusable bags.

Single-use plastics for packaging products have increased in supermarkets. This was the urgent safety response that jurisdictions around the world initiated for the safety and health of people. For instance, despite Thailand’s ban on plastic bags, which went into effect in January 2020, the amount of plastic garbage generated in Thailand increased by 15%  with the pandemic. This backlash raised the demand for items such as disposable sanitizers and bottled water.

Sustainability Remains a Priority Among Consumers

Although the virus diverted attention away from packaging sustainability efforts, customers continue to prioritize sustainability. Despite COVID-19, Smurfit Kappa Group discovered that sustainability still drives research and development.

Winsight Grocery Business (WGB) study found that 54% of consumers consider the sustainability of packaging when choosing a product. This demonstrates that, despite changing buying habits, customers continue to prioritize sustainable packaging. This makes it a source of competitive advantage and sales.

The most prominent packaging-related themes in terms of customer views of sustainability are items with minimal packaging, packed in recyclable materials, and created in a way that has a low environmental impact. According to research, anxiety about the packaging amount utilized will not go away with the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, it may become an even more important issue in the coming years as we all make more of our purchases online.

Sustainable packaging solutions provider, GPA Global, develops unique solutions to cater to your product and brand’s exact specifications. They understand that sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different products may require different materials and innovative solutions in order for them to have a lower impact on the environment. GPA understands that sustainability is not just about creating recyclable products, but creating a process that is eco-conscious from start to finish. Having this adaptability is what sets them apart as customer preferences and needs shift over time. Aligning your company’s goals with your customers’ priorities is important to ensure you stay relevant and successful.

Sustainability Will Continue Post-Pandemic

“Ultimately,” says Dr. John Brake, an environmental specialist and enthusiast, “the message from clients is that sustainability will be the topmost priority for the future of packaging, even in a post-pandemic world.” He believes that reusable packaging as well as circular economy solutions are becoming more important. While hygiene is a necessity, consumers see sustainability as a distinct factor. “With the pandemic becoming a part of our daily lives, we must adapt our strategy to a compromise of both sustainability and hygienic requirements as a growing phenomenon in the packaging business,” Dr. John explains.

So, the packaging sector has a chance to work on projects that improve and promote recyclability, as well as optimize container designs that utilize no more materials than are strictly necessary. Some customers are more inclined to act than others. The potential is to employ good packaging design as well as messaging to help consumers make sustainable packaging choices.

GPA Global is dedicated to providing customized packaging solutions that reduce waste and total environmental impact. Their designers, engineers, craftspeople, and logistical experts collaborate with you each step of the way to develop a custom solution that is best for the world. You can be confident that their packaging solutions evaluate the product’s complete lifecycle, avoid potential negative impacts, and use data-backed processes and materials.