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Packaging 5 min read

How Eco-Friendly Packaging can Boost your Brand

By Rand Whitney November 21, 2023

In an age where sustainability and environmental responsibility are becoming top priorities for consumers, businesses must adapt and embrace eco-friendly practices. One powerful way to achieve this is through eco-friendly packaging. Not only does this approach contribute to a greener planet, but it also enhances your brand’s reputation and attracts environmentally conscious consumers. We’ll explore the numerous benefits of adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions and how they can significantly boost your brand’s image.

Aligning with Consumer Values

Today’s consumers are more aware than ever of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. They actively seek out brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. By adopting eco-friendly packaging, your brand shows a strong alignment with these values, resonating with environmentally conscious customers who are willing to pay a premium for products packaged responsibly. Corrugated is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Paper and Packaging companies are also some of the most responsible forest stewards on earth. 

Building a Positive Brand Image

Eco-friendly packaging represents a tangible demonstration of your brand’s dedication to environmental protection. This commitment helps build a positive brand image as customers perceive your company as responsible, ethical, and forward-thinking. Positive associations with eco-friendliness can lead to increased brand loyalty and a stronger emotional connection with consumers. Corrugated is recycled at a higher rate than any other packaging material*. This is because consumers immediately recognize its sustainable nature. Even with an eco-friendly packaging material, it is important not to have excess packaging. Too much unneeded material will make the consumer associate your product with wastefulness. By ensuring your packaging is efficiently designed, you can eliminate waste, cut costs, and improve product presentation.

Differentiation in a Competitive Market

In today’s saturated marketplace, setting your brand apart from competitors is crucial for success. Eco-friendly packaging provides a unique selling point that distinguishes your products from others. As more businesses adopt sustainable practices, being an early adopter of eco-friendly packaging can give your brand a competitive edge. Developing an eco-friendly manufacturing process is hard work for any company, packaging is one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about.

Enhanced Social Media and PR Opportunities

Adopting eco-friendly packaging can serve as a compelling story for your brand’s marketing efforts. Sharing your sustainability initiatives through social media, press releases, and other PR channels can create a positive buzz around your products and company values. Consumers are more likely to engage with and share content that promotes eco-friendly practices, leading to increased brand exposure and word-of-mouth marketing. Many companies, such as Boxed Water is Better, have had incredible success using their packaging to promote their brand and core beliefs.

Compliance with Changing Regulations

Governments worldwide are increasingly implementing regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable packaging. By adopting eco-friendly packaging now, your brand can stay ahead of the curve and avoid potential penalties or challenges in the future. Moreover, your brand will be better prepared to adapt to evolving sustainability standards.

Top Brands that Promote Sustainable Packaging

1.Boxed Water is Better

They’ve used packaging to differentiate themselves from the bottled water industry. Their water comes in a paper carton that is fully recyclable. By tying this in with other initiatives like planting trees and product life cycle studies, they’ve built a brand synonymous with sustainability.

2. Coors

Last year Coors announced its plan to abandon plastic six pack rings. Many other brands have followed suit. Alternatives such as molded pulp and paper rings provide a much more attractive option for consumers and help differentiate brands in a crowded liquor store shelf.

3. Allbirds

Allbirds use a corrugated box for their popular shoes, like most footwear companies do. What makes them different is the fact that they promote that they use packaging that is made from 90% or more recycled material. Rand-Whitney can help your company with that.

Embracing eco-friendly packaging not only contributes to the global effort in protecting the environment but also serves as a powerful tool to boost your brand’s reputation and attract conscientious consumers. By aligning with customer values, differentiating your brand, and seizing marketing opportunities, you position your business as a responsible leader in the marketplace. Start your journey towards a greener future today and watch as your brand blossoms through the power of eco-friendly packaging.

*Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2020