There is a pressing need to make a shift to more sustainable packaging choices. By 2050, the weight of plastic waste in seas and oceans around the world will be more than the combined weight of all the fish in them. 

In India, the plastic manufacturing industry is expected to produce 22 million metric tonnes (MMT) of plastic in the year 2020, up from 13.4 MMT in 2015. According to a FICCI report, almost half of it is single-use plastic. We are alarmingly close to having our own Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Sustainability is a fast-growing concern for enterprises since customer preference for green products is on the uptick. Consciousness about plastic concerning one’s health and environment is rising.

Sustainable packaging refers to packaging with an environmental footprint that reduces over time. In packaging, sustainability can typically be achieved in three ways: 

1. Materials: 100 % recyclable and/or eco-friendly packaging raw materials. 

2. Method of production: Production processes and supply chains with smaller carbon footprints. 

3. Recyclability: A circular economy, wherein the lifecycle and usefulness of the package are extended. 

Although sustainable packaging is mostly about saving the environment, what is eco-friendly is not necessarily sustainable. But some organizations are staying true to using only organic products. Check out some of the sustainable packaging options available: 

Seaweed for packing 

From corn to mushrooms to seaweed, the gelatinous substance agar, which is found in a variety of seaweeds and algae, is already used in several applications. This is the case, especially in the food industry, where it can be utilized as a thickener or a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. 

But now a team of designers has won a design award for prototyping its use as a packaging material. Being made from a plentiful and sustainable raw material, seaweed packaging could be the next big thing in eco-friendly packaging alternatives.

In India, a team of students from Bengaluru have found a way to use seaweed to make edible water packets. It is odorless, tasteless and safe to consume. 

Stainless steel containers 

Food-grade stainless steel is durable, rust-free, and heat resistant, making it a safe choice for food storage. It’s also reusable and recyclable. Stainless steel bento lunch boxes are widely available, but most products use silicone to make them leak-free, either via a silicone seal with lockable steel clips or colorful, BPA-free, food-safe silicone lids.

Glass storage jars with stainless steel, and airtight lids for keeping bulk foods like flours, grains, and spices offer the best of both worlds.

Some restaurants across the country also offer stainless steel for food takeaway. Though it may cost a few extra bucks, it is worth the effort to save the environment. 

Bamboo containers 

Bamboo is biodegradable and possesses many desirable traits for food packaging, as it’s durable and heat resistant. Bamboo food packaging includes countertop glass jars with bamboo lids, portable plastic-free lunch boxes with bamboo lids, bamboo bread boxes, and bamboo serving bowls. 

Some platforms even sell bamboo water bottles to reduce plastic waste.