Packaging can create huge amounts of waste – in fact, plastic packaging accounts for almost 70% of plastic waste generated in the UK! Not only are unsustainable materials used to create packaging that deplete limited resources, but also consumers are relied upon to appropriately dispose and manage their packaging waste. The UK target for packaging recycling in the UK is 76%, but only time will tell how successful UK consumers will be in achieving this goal.
It is critical that businesses tackle the problem from the top down, by reducing the negative impact their packaging has on the environment and factoring in consumers. Finding and using sustainable packaging for products is just one way retailers can better their impact.
This guide outlines what sustainable packaging is, what packaging types suit liquid products, and key considerations when it comes to packaging liquid products in an eco-friendly way.
What is Sustainable Packaging?
By definition, ‘sustainable’ products have minimal environmental impact and are sustainable for years without depleting earth’s natural resources. Often, ‘closed loop’ is referred to; meaning used materials are collected and recycled into the product they were, a process continued in an ongoing cycle.
Therefore, sustainable packaging (or ‘green’ packaging) is responsibly sourced and created from materials that can belong to a closed loop cycle, through recycling and recreating packaging, or naturally decompose or biodegrade. For example, recycled paper packaging is classed as sustainable due to the use of already recycled materials, easy post-consumer recycling, and the replacement of trees through replanting schemes.
See more: Everything You Need to Know About Recyclable Packaging
However, the definition of sustainable packaging is not always clear-cut, any attempt to be more eco-friendly (such as optimising design to reduce material use or using biodegradable materials) may suffice as ‘sustainable’. Additionally, it’s not just material choice that makes packaging sustainable; material sourcing, use, transport, and disposal all play a role in sustainability. Even the most sustainable materials can create huge carbon footprints if shipped across the world, for example, negating the positive impact.
Sustainable packaging can suitably house liquid products while maintaining minimal negative impact on the environment. Below we give examples of sustainable packaging types as well as key considerations to bear in mind for packaging liquids.
Sustainable Packaging for Liquids
Essentially, any packaging made from a recycled, recyclable, compostable or biodegradable material is preferable for liquid packaging, however the durability cannot be compromised. The number one packaging to avoid is non-recyclable plastic. Importantly, sustainable packaging for liquids is not just about material, but how effectively it performs.
Paper Bottles for Liquids
Paperboard, or other recycled paper, is a popular sustainable material. Although it takes a lot of development and research to find paper that works, paper materials can successfully hold liquid. An insert may be required to hold the actual liquid, so this should also be eco-friendly.
Sustainable Plastic Bottle for Liquids
Certain plastics can be used in a sustainable manner for liquid packaging, as recycled plastic can be used to create the packaging, and the packaging recycled post-consumer as part of a closed loop cycle.
Recyclable Sachets for Liquids
Recyclable sachets are a great sustainable solution for small quantities of liquid product, such as samples or single-use soaked tissues. Find out more about liquid sachet packaging and tissue sachet packaging with Fillcon.
See more: Everything You Need to Know About Sachet Filling
Biodegradable Pouches for Liquids
Flexible packaging is increasingly popular with brands looking to reduce water consumption, use less material, and extend food/drink life. The biodegradable aspect means that the pouches will naturally decompose within consumer’s regular household waste. Check out our blog on pouch packaging for more information.
Refillable Packaging for Liquids
The most sustainable packaging option would be no packaging at all, but for liquid products, this isn’t a choice. Refillable packaging, however, is popular with consumers keen to cut down on waste and maintain sustainable practices.
See more: Switching to Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Packaging
Sustainable Packaging Considerations for Liquids
When packaging liquid products, there are many additional considerations.
- Sealing – Liquid packaging has to be properly sealed to not allow product to seep out. Any unscrewing, ripping, or peeling could lead to leakage and packaging going soggy.
- Durability – Packaging for liquid should not be easy to pierce or break, again to prevent leaks.
- Transport – Products will be shipped to various locations, whether it be to stores or ecommerce customers, so liquid packaging has to withstand transport without easily breaking.
- Flexibility – Traditionally rigid packaging has been used for packaging liquids, like bottles, but now flexible packaging is popular. Flexible packaging means less transport concerns, less space requirements, and can use a wide range of sustainable materials.
- Recyclability – Liquid packaging must be simple for the consumer to recycle else it may not be. Any materials that have to be separated, for example, may be put in general waste instead.
- Sourcing – If buying recycled paper or other materials, it should be sourced from a responsibly farmed forest.
- Locality – To have sustainable liquid packaging, it should be sourced locally and have a reduced carbon footprint. It may not be the cheapest option but it helps to streamline the supply chain, and reduce environmental impact.
- Sterile filling – Liquid products must be filled in a safe sterile environment without contamination. Packaging used should effectively keep contaminants out.
Sustainable Packaging with Fillcon
If you need your cosmetic liquid product filling, whether it be gel, cream, oil, lubricant, mouthwash & more, Fillcon can help! Based just outside Bristol, we can fill a full range of packaging for the Cosmetic sector in tubes, bottles, sachets and more! Find out what we fill here. We can offer our customers a range of environmentally friendly solutions, like 100% recyclable plastics or aluminium, the ultimate sustainable, infinitely recyclable material.
Get in touch to get a quote for liquid filling with Fillcon!
See more: Why Aluminium Tube Packaging is So Popular in Cosmetics
