Eco-friendly and sustainable packaging is becoming an increasingly important issue for consumers and companies alike. With the growing demand for sustainable products, companies are investing in research and development of biodegradable and bio-sourced materials. However, despite these efforts, commercially available bio-packaging is not yet meeting the huge market and consumers demands.
One of the main reasons for this is the serious controversies surrounding bio-packaging, including ambiguous claims on environmental impacts, competition between food and non-food usage of agricultural resources, high environmental cost of already existing “bio” solutions, and concerns about the compostability of materials like PLA. Additionally, there is a suspicion of “greenwashing” in the industry, where companies use sustainable packaging labels without fully committing to environmentally friendly practices.
Furthermore, customers often misunderstand the meaning of labels such as “bio-based,” “biodegradable,” and “bioplastic.” They may interpret “biodegradable” to mean that the packaging is fit for home composting, which is not always the case. A survey conducted by the Biodegradable Products Institute in 2019 found that 60% of consumers believe that “biodegradable” means that a product will break down in a short period of time, when in reality, it could take years. This is where clear communication comes in.
Companies that communicate clearly about the biodegradable and compostable aspects of their products have several advantages over companies that engage in “greenwashing.” Clear communication helps to build trust with customers, differentiate a company’s products from those of its competitors, promote the development of truly sustainable packaging solutions, and reduce the company’s environmental impact.
Companies that communicate clearly about the biodegradable and compostable aspects of their products have several advantages over companies that engage in “greenwashing.”
First, clear communication helps to build trust with customers. When customers understand the true nature of a product’s biodegradability and compostability, they can make more informed purchasing decisions. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
Second, clear communication can help to differentiate a company’s products from those of its competitors. In an industry where many companies make vague or misleading claims about their products’ sustainability, a company that is transparent about the environmental impact of its products is more likely to stand out. This can help the company to attract new customers and to increase its market share.
Third, companies that communicate clearly about the biodegradable and compostable aspects of their products can help to promote the development of truly sustainable packaging solutions. When customers understand the true nature of a product’s biodegradability and compostability, they are more likely to support and advocate for the development of truly sustainable packaging solutions. This can help to drive innovation in the industry and to promote the growth of sustainable packaging solutions.
Fourth, companies that communicate clearly about their products’ biodegradability and compostability can help to reduce their environmental impact. By making it clear to customers how to properly dispose of their products, companies can help to ensure that their products are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. This can help to reduce pollution and waste, and to promote the growth of sustainable packaging solutions.
In contrast, companies that engage in “greenwashing” may face consequences such as legal actions, loss of customers and reputational damage. Furthermore, they will miss the opportunity of differentiating themselves from their competitors and will not be able to build trust and loyalty with their customers.
According to a report by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, 98% of products claiming to be “green” were found to engage in some form of “greenwashing.” A survey conducted by Nielsen in 2017 found that 66% of global online consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products and 53% of consumers are more likely to purchase from companies that have a good reputation for corporate social responsibility.
Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Consumer Marketing in 2018, found that consumers are more likely to trust eco-friendly claims that are independently verified and certified, rather than self-declared by companies. This highlights the importance of companies being transparent and providing verifiable information about the environmental impact of their products.
In conclusion, companies that can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through clear communication and transparent practices will be better positioned to succeed in the marketplace and contribute to the growth of sustainable packaging solutions. Clear communication and transparency in the industry can help customers make informed decisions and support the development of truly sustainable packaging solutions.
