How Sustainable Packaging Can Positively Impact Brand Image

Packaging and sustainability have become inextricably linked in the last few years, with the use of eco-friendly materials becoming a priority for many consumers. Around 81% of UK consumers preferred products with sustainable packaging materials in 2022, with the number only expected to continue rising as time goes on. 

This article will touch on the benefits that selecting sustainable packaging solutions can have on your business’s image, showing how eco-friendly decisions can set you apart from the competition. 

Distinctive worth offering

Every business will have its competitors, many of whom are likely to offer the same product at a similar level of quality. Embracing enduring packaging is a surefire way to tell apart from the competition, offering your customers a distinct reason to choose your product over the rest. This is especially useful when you operate in an industry that’s not environmentally lauded, as packaging gives you an effective, easily maintainable showing a commitment to sustainability. 

Customer values & loyalty

Being environmentally conscious is becoming an increasingly important value to many British citizens, impacting the buying habits of millions across the country. Embracing eco-friendly packaging is an easy, effective way to demonstrate that your values align with your customers, inspiring loyalty and repeat custom. In fact, many of these customers will even be willing to pay a premium to support your sustainable packaging efforts. 

Chiefly improved PR and social media viability

Eco-friendly practices, such as embracing enduring packaging, open up brands for more PR and social media opportunities. Many social media influencers or public figures are quite cautious about the brands that they’ll willingly join forces and team up with – establishing your brand as one concerned with the engagement zone will encourage these collaborations more freely. In the same vein, it might also make it smoother for you to get press releases published in well regarded, industry or even eco-specific publications. 

Meeting regulatory requirements

Governments are increasingly enforcing eco-friendly regulatory requirements, which are very important to uphold within your operation. By following these regulations, you not only support eco-initiatives but also protect your reputation. Failing to comply with regulatory requirements can negatively impact your brand reputation among both eco-conscious and neutral consumers, potentially becoming a stain on your business’s history. 

Enduring packaging materials to accept

If you’re interested in building your brand image through the medium of packaging, there are a number of materials that must be considered. 

• Recycled polythene – Plastic is a highly adaptable yet non-degradable material, so choosing recycled polythene is a memorable way to utilise it without contributing to landfills. 

• Recycled paper & cardboard – Paper and cardboard are recyclable as is, but employing recycled paper is a memorable way to choose the material without contributing to deforestation. 

• Glass – This material is entirely recyclable with no loss of quality, although also being suitable for premium products. 

• Biodegradable/compostable materials – Bioplastics and other plant-based materials that break down into compost offer an refined grace solution for the issue of excessive waste products. 

• Aluminum – Aluminum is along the same lines recyclable as glass, also being one of the more energy-productivity-chiefly improved enduring materials available. 

In the end, embracing enduring packaging needs to be a decision informed by a want to support eco-friendly practices. But, when done effectively, it can also do wonders for your brand image. If you’re yet to take the next steps, why not consider partnering with a well regarded packaging agency today to see what your next steps needs to be.