GlobalSpa
03-Oct-2022
Several years back, becoming environmentally friendly was something that only niche or forward-thinking companies would promote. Today, however, engaging in sustainable practices isn’t something ideal to do — it's undeniably turning into the norm.
Luxury brands have already taken sharp notice of rising consumer trends towards sustainability and eco-conscious business practices. How else do you explain the recent rise in vegan leather, alternative materials and founders vowing off plastic in their supply chains? Rishika Reddy, Co-Founder of The Mend Packaging talks about different aspects of the packaging and the way ahead for companies to transition their packaging to sustainable materials.
While CSR is a buzzword that’s taken root in the past few decades, the importance of a company actually taking responsibility for its actions and its impact on the environment, people and profitability, is fast growing amongst conscious consumers, and luxury brands are aware of this. In a study issued by Harvard Business School, the results of a survey about CSR statistics has depicted that 70% of Americans believe it’s “somewhat” or “very important” for companies to make the world a better place.
While completely revamping supply chains is a difficult and mammoth task for any company, small additions to their existing operations helps them achieve their sustainability goals while also ensuring minimal disruption to their ongoing efforts. The lowest hanging fruit is to change their packaging materials to sustainable materials- an effort already underway in most luxury brands.
If you look at luxury packaging today you will notice a sign saying that the packaging is made from FSC Certified Paper or that it is recyclable. While these are noteworthy shifts in the packaging space, more can be done while maintaining the aesthetics of the brand. FSC Certified only means that trees for this paper are felled in a “responsible manner” and in “protected forests”. However, this still means that deforestation is taking place to make paper- an effort that can be completely avoided by using recycled paper.
Enter The Mend Packaging- the company uses only recycled, recyclable and biodegradable materials to fulfill packaging requirements while also maintaining the aesthetics, look, and feel of the brand. Luxury packaging can also be sustainable, not just a brown box, a myth that we bust time and again by executing colorful, and intricately designed boxes, made entirely from recycled materials and completely plastic free. This is the perfect complement to brands that are actively striving to reduce plastic waste and ensure they are doing the most they can to make a friendlier impact on the planet, while also preserving their leading brand aesthetics and bottom line.
It is important to ensure that every aspect of the packaging is taken into consideration, from an optimal design to ensure minimal waste to encouraging a special disposal program for their clients. The packaging is meant to be reused or recycled so it can be given another life by taking the form of a new package.
As more consumers are aware of the harmful impacts their favorite brands might be having on the environment, they will also increase the pressure applied on them to change their practices. This encourages companies to be one step ahead by transitioning their packaging to more sustainable materials.
By Radhika Agrawal
