Sustainable Packaging in the UK: Embracing Eco-Friendly Solutions

In the last few decades, we have been witnessing a huge population that have become environmentally conscious individuals and, as a result, have started opting for the eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives. Now, sellers and buyers prefer eco-friendly, reusable packaging. The best part is that in the UK, there are various newer and better reforms coming up, which are meant to ensure that the environment is safeguarded and we leave something worthwhile for our future generation. This article is all about the availability of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging supplies in the UK. Let’s see how the packaging industry is changing and what alternatives are being used to replace plastics.

The Drive Towards Sustainable Packaging

Environmental scrutiny of the global packaging industry, particularly with regard to plastic waste, has been ongoing for a long time. In the UK, the issue of plastic waste has become more pressing, leading to the development of various alternative packaging materials within the packaging industry. The aim is to protect the environment from plastics, which have become the greatest threat to humankind. Today, we use a variety of eco-friendly packaging materials. These packaging items include options such as cardboard boxes, kraft paper rolls, and other such packaging items.

The Environmental Benefits of Kraft Paper Rolls and Cardboard Boxes

Kraft paper and cardboard boxes stand out as a sustainable packaging material due to several key factors:​

• Biodegradability and Composability: The beauty of a kraft paper roll and cardboard boxes is their ability to decompose naturally. This process ensures that the paper and boxes can be used as good packaging material and then can be discarded in the soil, which later helps in increasing the soil quality overall.

• Recyclability: The kraft paper and the cardboard boxes is 100% recyclable. This process ensures the complete utilisation of the energy required to make this paper, thereby achieving carbon neutrality. This approach ensures that this packaging item can be used not only once but many times.
• Sustainable Sourcing: It’s crucial to source the papers and materials needed to make the double wall cardboard boxes from responsibly managed forests. This procedure ensures that the packaging material during its making does not damage the ecosystem, and the forest can be replanted again for the further growth of trees.

Regulatory Changes and Industry Adaptation

The UK’s regulatory landscape is evolving to encourage sustainable packaging practices. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, set to commence in October, will impose new packaging levies on retailers, generating an estimated £2 billion annually. This initiative is commendable as it aims to responsibly manufacture and dispose of packaging items. This approach will ensure that the packaging items which are made are not only sustainable in nature but can also be used further for the enhancement of the soil quality, unlike plastics which degrade the environment and remain in the ecosystem for centuries.

Consumer Preferences Shaping Packaging Trends

This shift in trend has not merely come because of the government reforms. Consumer preferences, where people are opting for recyclable and sustainable items, have also contributed to this shift in trend. Today’s consumers are favouring brands that source their products sustainably, thereby preventing environmental damage. Earlier, due to the reckless production of plastics and uncontrolled cutting of trees, the environment was facing several problems. But the current generation has come up with controlled and sustainable choices, which has helped a lot in bringing back the old-world charm of sustainability and eco-friendly items.

Conclusion

To sum up, the rising trend of sustainability has brought about several options that you can consider. Thus, we must stay on the path of sustainability and choose our items wisely. There have been several brands that focus on sustainably producing packaging items in the UK. Packaging Express is one such brand which has several packaging materials available. Ranging from single- and double wall cardboard boxes to various other kinds of boxes and bags, the choice is endless. You can easily visit their website and have a look at the various options that they have with them. The best part is that you will get your order in a few days. So, next time when you plan to buy a sustainably sourced packaging material, do have a look at their website and rest assured you will receive the best quality material at quite affordable rates.