The future of packaging material alternatives and how sustainability is developing has been a hot topic for a while now. It is an exciting topic and one that demonstrates that there are many ways to apply sustainability to your brand. From milk to fungus, these alternatives are proof of a future with many sustainable options.

Image of 3D printed fungi chair made from packaging material alternatives from www.ericklarenbeek.com aka Mycelium Project 1.0 - Myceliumchair

Image of fungi chair from www.ericklarenbeek.com

 

As seen in the below video, researchers are discovering that they can create stiff, wood-like packaging. They can also create rubber, leather and cork-like materials. This makes it ideal for packaging, especially for e-commerce. The cork-like material helps pack delicate or breakable products as another option for styrofoam.

 

 

 

Below is the TEDX Talk Eric Klarenbeek gave shown in the above video. This talk delves deeper into his research and what he’s discovering about these alternative materials.

 

Okay, that’s great, but how do packaging material alternatives affect labeling?

These fungal materials have the potential to replace plastics in all industries. It makes for a fantastic alternative to plastic labels, but yes, also paper. The fact that it also replicates leather means that it would be ideal for luxury products. The faux leather creates a realistic texture with the added bonus of appealing to customers’ global perspective.

 

The anti-packaging movement is looking to rid customers of wasteful packaging materials and go without labels altogether. This is a material that could be tossed away into our backyard without a negative environmental consequence. In fact, it could contribute to the fertilization of our ecosystem which is an outcome everyone can get behind.

 

The development of compostable labeling and packaging directly affects inks and other suppliers. The industry has the power to identify the growing concerns of the end user and listen when customers make their stance clear. We can anticipate the possible resolutions together and make a sustainable future a reality.

 

Get a comprehensive understanding of label production and design by downloading The Label Resource Guide.

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