Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint. As a result, eco-design and sustainable packaging have moved from niche concerns to central tenets of modern brand strategy.
At Find, we recognise the critical role that packaging plays in shaping consumer perceptions and driving sustainable practices. For us, eco-design isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a passion driving our packaging design approach. We believe sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand, and we are committed to incorporating eco-design principles into every project.
So what exactly is eco-design, why is sustainable packaging so important, and how can businesses leverage these concepts to stay ahead in a competitive market?
Sustainable packaging is defined by its ability to reduce environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. This involves a holistic approach that considers the sourcing of materials, the production process, and the end-of-life management of the packaging. This can be achieved through:
The impact of sustainable packaging is significant. Today, consumers are more informed and selective about the brands they support. In fact, according to a recent PWC Consumer Insights Pulse survey, 80% of respondents said they were willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods. In fact, in their latest Voice of the Consumer Survey, it appears that consumers will pay a premium of 9.7% for products that meet sustainability claims, including being locally sourced, made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, produced in a supply chain with a lower carbon footprint, and more, as a way to reduce their impact on the environment.
Unsurprisingly, Millennials and Gen Z, who typically tend to be more socially and environmentally conscious, were the most open to spending more in the name of sustainability. This insight was supported by an EY Future Consumer Index bulletin that found that more than a quarter (27%) of younger consumers had checked the sustainability credentials of products before purchasing.
These statistics highlight the growing demand for sustainable solutions and the potential market advantage for brands that prioritise eco-design.
Eco-design is the practice of integrating environmental considerations into every stage of the product development process. The goal is to create products with the lowest possible environmental impact throughout their life cycle while enhancing the product’s overall value proposition. Core principles include:
At Find, we have distilled this thinking into five actionable steps that any brand can follow to enhance the sustainability of their packaging:
The future of packaging lies in sustainability and innovation. Eco-design is not just about being environmentally friendly; it’s about creating smart, innovative solutions that benefit businesses, consumers, and the planet.
By embracing eco-design principles and prioritising sustainable packaging, brands can reduce their environmental footprint and connect with consumers on a deeper level. In fact, they’re likely to enjoy increased customer loyalty, enhanced brand reputation, and even cost savings from more efficient production processes. Moreover, regulatory trends increasingly favour sustainable practices, meaning early adopters will be better positioned to comply with future regulations.
The journey towards sustainability is ongoing, and we are committed to leading the way. Join us as we explore new horizons in eco-design, and let’s create sustainable packaging solutions that are not only beautiful and functional but also kind to our planet.
