On the 20th of March 2024, our very own Sustainability Manager, Michael Basagre was invited by the wonderful team at Sustainable Business Network to present and share some insights on how to approach Sustainable Packaging.
Here are three takeaways from that presentation that are valuable if you are about to embark on this journey.
Takeaway One – Make the shift now!
The shift to making your brand and packaging more sustainable has already happened. If you’re on the fence about whether you or your brand need to take the step towards sustainable packaging, then the answer is “you should”.
As Michael shared, 51% of consumers, according to the 2023 Kantar Better Futures report, have already stop buying brands and services that aren’t thinking about the impact their brand has on the environment and society.
Furthermore, Michael noted that legislation and new regulations around problematic packaging is also driving change in this area.
Simply put, “if you’re still not convinced why you should start your sustainable packaging journey, then the short answer is, ‘you will be forced to start”.
Takeaway Two – Start with why rather than what
Michael referenced the famous best seller ‘Start with Why‘ from Simon Sinek as the starting point when it comes to going on your sustainable packaging journey.
Michael believes that starting here gives you the best chance to succeed in your journey and more importantly stick to it, by simply asking yourself, “WHY are you going on this journey in first place”. Is it to align with a material that is going to banned and so you are forced to change? Or are you looking to make a positive impact by looking at alternative packaging materials that make a difference?
Figuring out the “why”, makes the journey becomes “slightly easier”, states Michael.
Takeaway Three – There is no magic bullet
Michael wrapped up the presentation by highlighting that no matter where you are in your journey, a key factor is there is “No Magic Bullet!” when it comes to finding the perfect or the “most” sustainable material or packaging product.
Michael goes on to state, that the better approach to adopt is “being prepared to evolve and adapt” your strategies, goals and plans. This is because “sustainability will continue to change as new technologies, new materials, new rules and new waste systems improve and emerge.”
To conclude…
Sustainable packaging is best done when you discover your reasons for going on the journey in the first place. If you are on the fence on whether you should make the shift now or later, then do it now! And finally, remembering there is no “magic bullet” when it comes to sustainable packaging.
If you wanting to watch the full presentation. Head to our YouTube Channel. Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments.
Till next time,
Team Hi-Tech Packaging