Guide: How to shift to compostable packaging in 5 easy steps
Breaking away from the harmful cycle of single-use plastics is no easy task. Plastic is considered a cheap material to use, but its severe environmental impact is costing us a whole lot in the long run. Flexible packaging case-in-point. Did you know that only a fraction (less than 4%) of all flexible packaging gets recycled, while the rest is buried or incinerated in landfills?
A few years ago, going green was something that only niche or forward-thinking companies would promote. Today, more and more companies are engaging in sustainable practices, and that is becoming the standard.
Compostable packaging is made from materials that can be composted at home and industrially. TIPA's compostable packaging is developed and designed to mimic the positive qualities of conventional plastic packaging, yet it is fully compostable. And shifting to compostable packaging alternatives like TIPA is completely achievable following these five easy steps.
#1 Consider the products you want to pack
Different compostable packaging films and laminates offer different moisture and oxygen barriers and properties. To match the right packaging to your product, it is essential to have precise information about the product you want to pack: Is it food or non-food? Is it dry food, frozen food, fresh produce, powdered products, or fashion items? Does your product have an expiration date that affects your shelf-life expectations? TIPA packaging is designed to extend the shelf life of your product once the proper packaging is found.
#2 Recognize the type of material you want to replace
If you are currently using flexible packaging made of plastic or metalized materials, switching to compostable materials will allow you to enjoy the characteristics of plastic with an environmentally friendly end of life. In addition, TIPA's films and laminates require zero change in your supply chain as they can run smoothly on your existing machinery.
#3 What type of packaging do you need?
There are two options from which you can choose: purchasing reels of compostable films or purchasing specific packaging formats. For example, do you need packaging with a zipper closing? Resealable bags? Stand-up pouches with a bottom gusset to easily place on a shelf? TIPA offers a variety of packaging solutions suited for different types of products.
#4 Define your required quantities
How many bags do you typically order annually? Do you use them right away or tend to store them for a year or two? Are you looking for a full-scale change, or would you like to dip your toes in the water first by incorporating compostable packaging on one of your product lines? Depending on your answers, you may want to go with higher quantities of custom-made packaging or lower quantities of standard-sized, ready-made bags that serve the environment as well as your brand.
#5 How do you pack your products?
Are you packing products manually or using Form, Fill and Seal (FFS) machines in which filling and sealing of a package take place on the same machine? Are you wrapping items separately or multiple items in one package? Where does the packing take place? Answers to these questions will help you make the right choice between pre-made packaging and reels of films for flow packing. Your packaging method and location are necessary for estimating the shipping span and costs.
Ready to transition to compostable packaging? Great! You might have an idea of the type of packaging you are looking for, but if you don't, just get in touch with us, and we'll be happy to help you find the right sustainable solution.
