Sustainable packaging how much is enough
Just using the most expensive and unusual materials doesn't mean they are the most sustainable; the adequate level lies in matching the product, customer, and regulations.
Sustainable packaging has many levels, from reducing excess materials, choosing easily recyclable materials, to using recycled or biodegradable materials. The sufficient level is not the most expensive one, but the one that aligns with the product, customer expectations, and legal obligations such as recycling responsibilities. Chasing after unusual and expensive materials when not necessary can easily inflate costs without adding real value.
- Products on the shelf, packaging is a major touchpoint.
- Customers care about the environment.
- Need to consider the obligation to recycle packaging.
- Want to use unusual materials just to tell a story.
- Not considered product preservation.
Packaging is where sustainable intentions are most visible, so it can be easy to overdo or misstep. Sinh Vũ believes it should start from a sufficient level, not from an expensive one.
Sustainability comes in many levels
Sustainable packaging is not a simple on-off switch. It ranges from simple actions like reducing excess layers and weight, to choosing single-component materials that are easy to recycle, using recycled paper or plastic, to biodegradable materials. Each level has different costs and conditions, and not every level is suitable for all products.
Sufficient is aligning three elements.
The level of adequacy lies at the intersection of three factors: how the product needs to be protected and preserved, what customers expect, and what the law requires. A type of eco-friendly material that cannot preserve the product is counterproductive. A level that customers do not recognize and are not willing to pay extra for is hard to justify in terms of cost. Balancing these three factors yields the adequate level.
Obligation to recycle packaging
In Vietnam, the extended producer responsibility for packaging has come into effect, placing the obligation of collection and recycling on producers and importers. Therefore, choosing easily recyclable materials is not just about image, but also relates to obligations and compliance costs. This should be considered when selecting packaging.
Sinh Vũ designs to the right level
Sinh Vũ designs packaging with an understanding of materials and techniques to propose reasonable sustainability levels, not chasing unusual materials just for storytelling. Sinh Vũ specifies materials and specs for the workshop, but does not commit to printing costs as that belongs to the workshop. The goal is for the packaging to both protect the product and be responsibly sustainable.
Decision checklist
Topic: How sustainable should packaging be without increasing costs. Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Select each item you find appropriate, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
References
Decree 08/2022/ND-CP on the extended responsibilities of producers regarding packaging in Vietnam; the trend of international sustainable packaging regulations (EU PPWR). This article discusses the principles of selecting levels, without stating material prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is biodegradable material always the best choice?
Not always. Biodegradable materials only perform well under suitable processing conditions and do not compromise product preservation. In many cases, reducing excess materials and choosing single-component types that are easier to recycle is actually more practical and cost-effective.
Does creating green packaging increase the selling price?
Only when customers recognize and value it, and you can tell the story authentically. If you go green but customers do not see the value, the increased costs are hard to recoup. Therefore, choose a level that truly resonates with your customers.