Big brands are making news by announcing their sustainability goals for the next five to ten years and beyond. In April, Nestlé announced that all of their packaging will be recyclable or reusable by 2025. Less than a month later, LEGO also announced that all of their packaging would be sustainable by 2025, having already reached their 100% renewable energy pledge three years early. LEGO is also working on plant-based alternatives to their iconic plastic blocks.

Smaller brands may not get the press attention these huge corporations can command, but many have led the way in adopting more sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Even if they don’t make international headlines, consumers are noticing—they’re the ones driving the change in the first place. The 2014 Nielsen Global Survey on Corporate Social Responsibility, which polled more than 30,000 consumers in 6 countries, determined that more than half of respondents are willing to pay more for sustainable products. It also noted that a year-over-year analysis revealed an average annual sales lift between 2%-5% for products with sustainability claims on the packaging and/or in marketing materials.

Why Are Smart Brands Setting Lofty Sustainability Goals?

Smart brands both big and small are getting ahead of the environmentally friendly packaging trend for a few reasons. Perhaps most importantly, it has became a major competitive differentiator. As food and pet food categories become more crowded, gaining a competitive edge has become more difficult. Sustainability is a top concern, especially for the Millennial buying group, which commands a large (and growing) share of the market.

Secondly, it makes good financial sense. Many brands are hesitant to “go green” because of perceived increased costs. However, the most successful brands are looking at a sustainability shift as an opportunity to make improvements throughout the entire supply chain and optimize a number of processes. Viewing such a shift through the lens of opportunity lets brands find a solution that truly benefits themselves and their customers, rather than scrambling to find a cost-effective solution ahead of future regulatory changes.

Finally, myths about environmentally friendly packaging are being dispelled by better education and real-life proof of quality. Not all recyclable or biodegradable films are created equal, but some options—like SmartPack™, SmartPack-BDG™, and PetPackBDG™—offer superior barrier control, ink lay-down, machinability, and product freshness, so that brands never have to compromise on quality to reach their sustainability goals.

How Can My Brand Set And Reach Its Sustainability Goals?

The best environmentally friendly packaging option for your product is one that is thoroughly tailored to your brand’s unique needs and sustainability goals. At Emmerson Packaging, we’ve helped frozen food and pet food brands adapt to the coming changes and provide a better, greener, and more desirable product to their consumers.

Is it time for your brand to get on board with sustainable practices? Download our complimentary guide Sustainable Packaging Options For Your Product and discover the possibilities a greener future has to offer.