From car exteriors to medical implants, plastic is the world’s most versatile material. It is used in some form in nearly every industry, with product packaging leading the way. However, the way we use and think about plastic is changing – and with those changes come a shift in the way plastic is manufactured.
Eco-Awareness
Plastic has long been known to be one of the major culprits in global pollution. It takes centuries or longer to fully degrade – if it degrades at all. Because of this, landfills and bodies of water are packed with plastic that interferes with ecosystems and can be deadly for animals.
However, today’s plastic manufacturers realize that replacing plastic on a large scale would be nearly impossible, so creating environmentally friendly alternatives has become a top priority. There is an increasing number of biodegradable, recyclable, and plant-based plastics available for today’s packaging companies to choose from.
Earth-Friendly Plastics
There are three types of “greener” plastic alternatives, some of which are true plastics while others are not.
• Recycled plastics, often called “eco plastics” are simply made from recycled materials, rather than raw petrochemicals.
• Biodegradable plastics are made from traditional petrochemicals, but are designed to easily degrade in environments like landfills or bodies of water.
• Bioplastics are a new type of plastic alternative which are made from natural ingredients like cornstarch. They break down very easily and can even be dissolved in water for disposal.
Choosing a mixture of these packaging types is often the best choice for companies looking to make their approach a little greener without compromising quality and strength. Before investing in traditional plastics, today’s businesses should discuss options with plastic packaging manufacturers to find out what might work for their needs. You might be surprised at just how eco-friendly your next order of plastic packaging could be!