Cost a Barrier to Sustainable Packaging
Research carried out by UPM, in collaboration with Pentawards suggests that manufacturers are dissuaded from sustainable packaging due to cost.
When comparing like-for-like costs, green solutions are usually more expensive. For many, the final decision comes down to price. However, this is a narrow view that doesn’t reflect the real gains. So, if the finances are the deciding factor, let’s consider the bigger picture.
Increased Sales
Firstly, consumers show a preference for brands which demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. As packaging is often the first tangible connection with a brand, the packaging material influences purchasing decisions. Therefore, selecting sustainable packaging options can increase sales and brand reputation.
Lower or no Fees
If increased sales are the carrot, the stick takes the form of costs that are being introduced to drive change. In the case of packaging, these include the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees. The more sustainable your packaging, the less you have to pay.
Associated Costs
Redesigning your packaging with sustainability in mind often means reducing the volume of material used. This can help to lower shipping charges. Depending on the scale of your operation, it could even result in fewer journeys by delivery vehicles, reducing spend on fuel.
Environmental Costs
So, when you consider the true financial costs, sustainable packaging offers value. What’s more, it is saving the considerable environmental costs of inaction. We can all take responsibility for reducing the negative impact on our planet.
