News

Young people about more sustainable packaging

15 juni 2023

Sustainability is a growing topic of concern and interest, especially among young people. In the fight against climate change and environmental problems, choosing more sustainable packaging plays an important role. In an era where environmental awareness is playing an increasingly important role, the pressure on companies to find more sustainable packaging solutions is increasing. The view of packaging is changing, what is responsible packaging and which packaging is actually best for the environment. With the growing popularity of online shopping, it is important to understand how young people perceive packaging and what role sustainability plays in this. It is also important to understand young people's behavior when making physical purchases. As a generation growing up with climate change and its consequences, how do we deal with litter and how can we produce less polluting products.

Awareness and Responsibility

Young people today are increasingly aware of the environmental responsibility that packaging bears. They understand that traditional packaging methods, such as plastic bags and disposable materials, generate significant amounts of waste and pollution. Many young people believe that companies should take greater responsibility and offer more sustainable alternatives. They believe packaging should be designed with reuse, recycling and biodegradability in mind. Several studies, including (Sustainable Packaging: Young Consumers' Perception and Preferences"), show that young people prefer products that come in environmentally friendly packaging. In addition, young people are interested in packaging that is reusable. They see the potential in reducing waste by reusing packaging, as in refillable bottles or reusable bags. This contributes to the movement toward a circular economy and fits with their commitment to sustainability. Therefore, companies are now coming up with solutions for sustainability. Recently, a new solution to reduce litter came on the market - the cap that stays attached to the plastic bottle. This solution reduces litter. Young people are even willing to pay extra for products packaged in more sustainable packaging materials, such as recycled paper, cardboard or bio-plastics.  Young people see that their purchasing behavior can contribute to positive change among businesses. If they choose more sustainable products sooner, companies will respond. 

 Consumer behavior, especially among young people, is undergoing a major change that has a great impact on the way they perceive packaging. When making online purchases, young people attach great importance to sustainable packaging. They prefer minimalism and avoid excessive use of materials. Compact packaging that protects the product well but does not create unnecessary waste is highly valued. In addition, young people appreciate packaging that can be recycled and contains little to no harmful substances. When it comes to physical purchases, it is important to note that young people often tend to be more impulsive. Although they are aware of sustainability issues, they may sometimes be tempted to choose convenience and attractiveness of the packaging in the moment. Nevertheless, young people in general are amenable to awareness and education about sustainability. Educating them about the eco-friendly aspects of packaging and its benefits can encourage young people to make conscious choices.

 

Responsible production

Young people today expect a lot from companies, they feel that companies should go more with the trends, finding means to put sustainability first. The packaging recycling process is essential to sustainability. However, many young people are not aware of how packaging is made and do not always realize that trees are cut down to produce paper and cardboard packaging. This can lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Although paper is often considered more environmentally friendly than plastic, there are situations where plastic packaging can be better. Good recycled plastic can be used circularly, reducing the demand for new plastic production. In addition, some plastic packaging is lighter and more compact than paper packaging, resulting in fewer exhaust emissions during transport and storage. It is crucial to have an appropriate recycling process to ensure that plastic packaging is actually recycled and does not end up in the environment as litter. Young people should therefore receive adequate information about the environmental impact of different packaging materials and make them aware of the importance of reusable and reusable packaging rather than a one-time solution with cardboard boxes. By engaging young people and providing them with the necessary knowledge and awareness, we can work together for a sustainable future.

Function of packaging

Packaging performs several functions, and the choice of type of packaging depends on several factors, including its function and environmental impact. Packaging serves to protect products during transportation and storage. In situations where fragile or perishable products are being transported, plastic packaging may be better because of its good protection against shock, moisture and air, which helps reduce food waste and product damage. On the other hand, paper packaging often has a lower carbon footprint and can be more easily recycled, making it suitable for products where protection from moisture and air is not crucial. Because of their light weight and compact shape, plastic packaging can be more efficient in terms of transportation, which can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  In addition, the shelf life of packaged products plays a role in the choice of packaging. Packaging that maintains the freshness and quality of products longer, such as plastic packaging, can help reduce food waste. In doing so, this also reduces the production of food which ultimately reduces greenhouse gas emissions due to lower demand for raw materials, energy and transportation, which can reduce emissions. However, it is very important that plastic packaging is produced responsibly, recycled and not released into the environment, as it degrades slowly and can harm ecosystems. Therefore, it is also important to look for solutions to ensure that packaging does not become litter.

 

Ultimately, it is important to take seriously and leverage young people's views and behaviors regarding more sustainable packaging. Awareness, education and providing more sustainable alternatives are essential strategies to engage young people in making conscious choices and contributing to a more sustainable future. Moving toward more sustainable packaging requires that it be efficient, attractive to consumers and contain less material waste. It is also important that by using or innovating packaging with the right application, the lifespan of production is extended, reducing the need to produce food. By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, we can have a positive impact on the environment, meet the needs of youth and consumers, and contribute to a more sustainable future. It is a joint effort by youth, businesses and society as a whole to achieve more sustainable packaging and make it easier towards more sustainable and responsible consumption. 

Written by: Naomi Moen - Marketing intern.