With increased consumerism, there has been an increasing demand for fast-paced products. Every FMCG & Startups are in the race to launch new products. Thus, the packaging industry also needs to gear up with fast-moving industries which have increased the demand for single-use packaging.
Single-use packaging has increased the shelf life of the product, convenience, economic, hygiene, mass production, etc. The food-tech industry & FMCG are thriving on single-use packaging. As a result, plastic has become one of the favorite materials for industries because of its barrier properties and an economic factor that is required for such packaging.
In the past few years, this has changed in a mind-frame for consumers, entrepreneurs, activists, etc that 'Single-use packaging' means plastic. Hence, 'Single-use plastic' has become an alternative word to 'Single-use packaging'.
For further understanding, I asked a couple of my friends and peers what do you think when I say 'Single-use packaging'? Their answers:
"Wrapper"
"Polythene bag"
"Convenience", etc
This highlights that people first think of plastic when it comes to use and throw packaging. As plastic is not considered eco-friendly it has set a presumption that all use and throw packaging are not eco-friendly.
Then the question arises that has industry overused plastic as the material for packaging without balancing the whereabouts?
4E's to consider
It is high time to rethink the approach and design process for one-time-use packaging. It is very difficult to deviate from plastic as it is the most economical and functional material. It does not mean we eliminate the option of plastic but we can reduce plastic through alternate material and evaluate material stringently to increase its value for reuse and recycling. Hence, closing the loop of economics.
In the current pandemic scenario, demand for Single-use packaging will increase. For consumers, hygiene is the most important factor and will prefer to use and throw packaging. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of the industry to re-think and innovate packaging which can help reduce the usage of plastic as the material. Even if we can reduce 20% of overall plastic consumption in packaging that would be great!
Thanks for taking out time for reading the article.
If you have any innovative solutions for Single-use packaging for any category which can help in this pandemic, I would love to discuss it. You can reach out to me at:
-Amita
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