It is necessary for brands to find out the environmental impact of the packaging type that they choose for their products. This can help them get packaging which will not harm the environment more making it dangerous for future generations. This is true even in a competitive industry like the beverage one. Rigid packaging or flexible packaging may be two packaging types that you are considering for your beverages. Rigid boxes include those boxes that cannot bend or are not able to be forced to be out of shape. High-end beverages, spirits, etc. can be put in an aerosol can for instance. They may even be put in glass containers according to what the customer is looking for. On the other hand, flexible packaging will be packaging that is flexible. It can be bended easily and that without breaking.
The beverage industry generally consists mostly of rigid containers, such as glass bottles present for specialty beverages. You can even get plastic bottles for storing water. The aluminum can can store sparkling water, soda, etc.
The following looks at the environmental impact of rigid packaging and flexible packaging in the beverage industry:
Materials used
If you want to analyze whether a certain type of packaging is environmentally-friendly, you need to look at the packaging materials used to make it. Rigid materials include corrugated as well as paperboard boxes. These are not bad for the environment. However when you choose to use plastic bottles, you should make sure that they will not pollute the environment. A brand can make glass bottles that will be defined as rigid packaging.
Flexible packaging is able to be made from materials like paperboard, paper, foil, etc. If you choose to make it from plastic, you must once again be certain that the plastic will be ecofriendly.
Both packaging types are able to be made with packaging materials that will not lie around and harm the environment. Therefore both can be environmentally-friendly in the beverage industry.
Size features
The size of the packaging can impact its environmental effect. It has been claimed that flexible packaging will take up less space if it ends up in landfills therefore it has a low carbon footprint. Rigid packaging has a slightly higher carbon footprint and can take up more space when in landfills if it has not been recycled.
When you design packaging to be the right size, you will be avoiding using more packaging material and can save it for other boxes. Custom rigid boxes and even flexible packaging are able to be made into the perfect size.
Recycling options
Packaging that is recyclable can be used and so not remain around harming the Erath. A rigid box is able to be made using easy to recycle materials. This includes glass as well as hard plastics. If you create the packaging for your beverages like this, you can play a role in limiting pollution. Many rigid containers are recyclable now. There are some customers who know how to recycle these types of containers.
When looking at flexible packaging, there are some flexible plastics that are simple to recycle via in-store drop-off initiatives for instance. Some may be chemically recycled or utilized like energy feedstock.
Biodegradable options
When packaging is made with the right packaging material that is biodegradable, the boxes may be able to biodegrade and so not present a threat to the environment.
If you make custom printed rigid boxes with materials that are biodegradable, you can benefit here. However flexible packaging is said to take many years to fully degrade within a landfill. This may not be good for the environment.
Life cycle of packaging materials
When looking at the complete life cycle of packaging materials, mostly, flexible packaging will need less energy to make and transport. It is able to limit product waste and even sends less material to a landfill.
When transporting the packaging, flexible will weigh less in comparison to rigid. Therefore it is possible for a company to ship more in every truckload, taking fewer runs, employing less gas and even limiting CO2 emissions. The lightweight feature will result in the packaging employing less materials overall, so limiting waste.
A rigid box may be thought to be easier to recycle. Due to consumer demand, the brand may make more recyclable pouches to handle the issue.
When looking at rigid boxes wholesale and flexible packaging, one can see that both options have their benefits in the beverage industry. Rigid packaging is often connected with high-end luxury products and if you sell beverages like this, you may want to choose this packaging type. Both packaging types are strong and can be made to protect the beverage inside. Brands can even customize the boxes in a way that will not harm the environment.
