Bio packaging, or bio-based packaging is the future of the packaging world. These days, we’re all looking for new, innovative ways to ensure that we’re not wasting all our money on packaging, or destroying the planet.
This type of packaging is our answer. It’s basically packaging that uses some materials which come from fungi, plants, and other resources that are renewable, which means when you use them, it’s not something finite on our planet.
This is a good alternative to fossil fuels, which have plagued the packaging world for so long that a lot of people are looking for an alternative. Guess what, this is the alternative, and for many people, could be exactly the answer that they need.
What goes into Bio-Based Packaging
This type of packaging is, of course, plantlike. But what types of plants are used for this.
Cornstarch is one of them, because corn is definitely an easy and renewable resource to work with. Same with algae, which is abundant in our waters, and can be used for all sorts of packaging. Even food packaging can benefit from this.
Soybeans is another one, and just like with cornstarch, also comes from plants in the ground and is used especially for inks and dies.
There is also mushroom packaging, or mycelium packaging, which means that the packaging itself is derived from mushrooms. This is a novel sort of packaging and might not be used often, but still works to create sustainable, and useful bio-based packaging.
The biggest thing that bio-based packaging has going for it, is that it’s sustainable. You’re getting this all uniquely sourced and processed from these plant materials. This type of packaging is reasonably sourced and done in a manner that’s beneficial to many. What that means as well, is that when you do source these, you get them from areas that are sustainable, and also won’t negatively impact the future environment when you do this as well.
The benefits of this bio-packaging
Bio-packaging might not seem like the answer immediately, but it’s really good.
The biggest reason? It's because it creates sustainability. When you sustainably source and process these bio-based materials in a manner that’s healthy for the plant, it reduces the need for petroleum-plastics and also decreases the packaging waste in landfills. This of course, creates less of an impact on the planet.
It also saves you a ton of money too. companies that do this will not have to shell out a lot for packaging that isn’t easy to reuse again and again. Once you have a bio-based plastic set up, people will flock to it.
And boy they will flock. Many people will choose the company that’s more sustainably sourced, and will also be happy to support a business that’s taking care of the planet. Some companies will choose that over other companies.
Drawbacks?
There are some downsides that come with this type of packaging.
First, the packaging is very new. It’s definitely something that will cost a lot more to source early on, especially if you don’t have the resources. Getting packaging that will be able to be reused again and again without burning a hole in your pocket can be the first and biggest challenge.
The second thing is also encouraging customers to actually dispose of these sustainably. If the packaging can be composed, tell them, but that doesn’t always mean that they’ll listen. Overall, it can take a bit of work but if you’re a brand that’s already priding themselves as sustainable, this is a good option for you to have as well.
