Europe has been setting new standards in sustainability. It is showing the world the way forward on how it is possible to live a comfortable life without causing irreparable damage to the environment. The United Kingdom has introduced several regulations to encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. The Plastic Packaging Tax (April 2022) has imposed tax on plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme holds companies financially responsible for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, encompassing disposal and recycling. Sustainable packaging in the UK is no longer optional; it is your minimum commitment to meeting compliance.
At Aropack Packaging, we are a small, family-run business with a big dream of playing our part in introducing sustainable packaging solutions. With environmental concerns becoming part of drawing-room discourse, packaging is as much about protecting products as it is about protecting the planet. Across industries, businesses are waking up to the fact that packaging decisions carry real environmental consequences. There are a growing awareness of climate change and the threats it poses to our existence. Sustainable packaging in the UK can help your brand not only comply with stricter government regulations but also meet the growing expectations of consumers regarding sustainability.
Why Sustainable Packaging Is No Longer Optional?
Search the Internet for images of landfills, and you will find them overflowing with waste. Notice carefully, and you will see the real culprits are mostly the packaging materials. Discarded packaging materials have pushed our landfills to their limits, with several of them rising inches every month. While governments and other organizations focus on sorting garbage at homes and recycling, these reactive efforts haven’t solved the real problem: piling tons of packaging material that contaminates soil and water, leading to severe environmental degradation, rising carbon emissions, and harming wildlife.
The answer to the problem is addressing the issue at the bud and adopting sustainable packaging in the UK. There is a reason for society to cheer as consumers are increasingly demanding eco-conscious solutions. Several surveys in the last few years have suggested that consumers prefer brands that use environmentally friendly packaging. One such survey conducted by McKinsey, in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, showed that almost one in ten consumers wants brands to take active steps towards reducing pollution.
A decade ago, most businesses in the UK viewed sustainable packaging as a “nice-to-have” marketing strategy. Today, it is a vital part of meeting modern expectations. If you aren’t part of the change, you risk taking your business to oblivion. Even if the environmental regulators don’t come after you, your customers will leave you. Gen Z is the most environmentally conscious consumer group today, and as they become the highest-spending customer group, businesses that fail to meet their expectations will fall through the gap.
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Why Should You Shift to Sustainable Packaging in the UK?
At Aropack Packaging, we are witnessing the rapid adoption of sustainable packaging across various industries. From FMCG brands to online retailers, everyone is gradually turning to packaging materials that are recyclable and don’t overwhelm landfills. If you still have doubts about switching to sustainable packaging materials, let us take you through some of the incentives that prove it isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also good for business.
- Brand Reputation: Consumers are more likely to choose businesses that prioritize environmental care, according to recent surveys. When you choose sustainable packaging materials, you boost consumer trust and strengthen your brand reputation.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Many businesses, particularly smaller ones, often believe that eco-friendly packaging is more expensive. While the upfront cost may be higher compared to plastic, you will save in the long run, as non-eco-friendly packaging materials have a higher lifecycle cost due to the Extended Producer Responsibility policy.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Your commitment to sustainability can more easily meet CSR targets and report greener practices to stakeholders. It helps you attract investments and grow your business faster.
- Competitive Edge: While sustainable packaging in the UK is gaining traction, many businesses are yet to make the transition. Making a transition now can give you the first-mover advantage in your small market. It helps you build a competitive advantage over rivals who may still be sticking with the old packaging strategy.
- Responsibility – Beyond all regulations and customer expectations, you owe it to the planet. With all the knowledge you have regarding the ills of non-recyclable and plastic packaging materials, making this transition shows that your business is forward-thinking, responsible, and future-ready.
Why Should You Shift to Sustainable Packaging in the UK?
Sustainable packaging in the UK is constantly evolving, and we at Aropack Packaging are part of this evolution. We offer a wide range of sustainable packaging materials that strike a balance between functionality and eco-friendliness. Our products cater to the varying needs of different businesses, and the product line includes –
- Premade Pouches – We offer a diverse range of premade pouches, including stand-up, flat-bottom, quad-seal, side gusset,3-side seal, spout, and retort pouches. These are ideal packaging materials for dry goods, liquids, and ready meals.
- Laminate Films – Our high-performance films address the challenges food businesses face in response to growing environmental concerns. We offer flow wrap, lidding films, recyclable options, and ovenable films with laser perforation.
- Recyclable Packaging – Recyclable packaging is a valuable tool for reducing pollution. We are proud of our PE/PE mono-material pouches and films, which have been designed with recyclability in mind and support a circular economy.
- Compostable Packaging – This is the pinnacle of sustainable packaging in the UK. Our plastic-free materials naturally decompose, offering your business the most eco-friendly alternative without compromising product safety.
To sum up, sustainable packaging in the UK is no longer a novelty. It has become the standard now, thanks to stringent environmental regulations and rising customer expectations. By switching over to these eco-friendly packaging materials, you can connect with values-driven consumers and grow your business in a competitive market. At Aropack Packaging, we let you be the change. Explore our sustainable packaging solutions and make the transition today.