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Key Principles of Circular Packaging
Popular Materials for Circular Packaging
Insights into the Circular Economy
How Does Circular Packaging Meet Your Sustainability Goals?
Circular Economy Food Packaging
How to Implement Circular Packaging in Your Business?
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This guide breaks down the basics of circular packaging, its various benefits, and a wide range of applications for your business' sustainability goals.
As sustainability becomes a core priority for businesses, packaging is one of the most impactful areas to rethink. Circular packaging is one of the most effective ways for a brand to adopt sustainable packaging. This model is designed to reduce material waste by encouraging businesses and consumers to reuse, recycle, or compost materials.
In this article, we explore the basics of circular packaging and identify its contribution to your business's sustainability goals.
Circular packaging is a sustainable approach to packaging design and use that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. Unlike the traditional linear model—often summarized as “take, make, dispose”—circular packaging aims to create closed-loop systems where materials are continually reused, recycled, or composted. The overarching goal is to keep packaging materials in circulation for as long as possible, thereby reducing environmental impact and waste generation.
At the heart of circular packaging is the commitment to ensure that packaging can either be reused multiple times, recycled into new products, or safely returned to nature through composting. This means designing packaging from the outset with its full lifecycle in mind—choosing materials and formats that support regeneration and minimize harm to the planet.
Circular packaging prioritizes durability and reusability. Rather than being discarded after one use, these packages are designed to withstand multiple cycles of use. For instance, containers made of robust materials like glass, metal, or thick-walled plastic can be refilled and reused numerous times. A growing trend is modular or refillable packaging, such as shampoo bottles that can be replenished with lightweight refill pods, reducing the need for single-use containers.
Another key component is the incorporation of post-consumer recycled content and renewable resources. This means using materials that have already been part of the consumption cycle, such as recycled paper or plastic, as well as tapping into bio-based alternatives like bamboo, cornstarch, or other plant-derived materials. This reduces dependence on virgin resources and helps close the material loop.
For circular packaging to succeed, it must be compatible with existing recycling or composting systems. If packaging cannot be properly processed after use, even recyclable materials may end up in landfills. Thus, effective design includes clear labeling to guide consumers on how to dispose of each component. Companies must also consider local infrastructure when selecting materials, ensuring their packaging can be recycled or composted in practice—not just in theory.
Simplicity and efficiency are essential. Circular packaging should be designed to use the least amount of material necessary while still providing protection and functionality. This can mean eliminating unnecessary layers, reducing size, or innovating with minimalist structural designs. Less material usage leads to fewer resources consumed and easier recycling or reuse.
An important strategy in circular systems is the implementation of product-return schemes or take-back programs. These systems encourage consumers to return used packaging, which is then cleaned and reused or responsibly recycled. Some models, like deposit-return programs, offer financial incentives, while others provide easy drop-off points for returns. These systems foster accountability and help close the loop between producer and consumer.
When it comes to material choices for circular packaging, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming.
Here are the most commonly used packaging materials in the circular economy.
Paper and cardboard are the most popular types of options for circular packaging, as they can be recycled several times before breaking down.
Unlike other sustainable packaging solutions, circular packaging does not forbid the use of plastic. Instead, manufacturers must use recyclable plastics like PET or HDPE or switch to recycled plastic instead of virgin plastic whenever possible.
Metals and glass are infinitely recyclable and ideal for circular packaging. Unfortunately, these materials weigh more than paper or plastic and have a higher cost, making them unviable for most products.
Occasionally, manufacturers will need materials that aren't reusable or recyclable. In such scenarios, it's better to use compostable or renewable materials like wood, bagasse or bioplastics.
A circular economy is the basis for circular packaging. It is a complex supply chain system that advocates for reusing, repairing, and recycling existing materials in favor of new materials.
Our existing linear economy system is designed for financial efficiency. Creating products from low-cost single-use materials that can be quickly and conveniently replaced after a few years.
The budding recycling economy model is designed to balance cost with reusability. It promotes recycling materials such as paper and plastic whenever possible.
Finally, the circular economy model builds on the recycling model and emphasizes the need to reuse and repurpose before moving on to recycling as a last resort.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has a wonderfully complex butterfly diagram showcasing the circular economy approach.
Circular packaging isn't a one-size-fits-all, all types of solution. It's a complex system of packaging techniques that collectively result in reduced material waste.
Here are some popular types of circular packaging that you can use in your business.
Reusable packaging is designed so that consumers can reuse or repurpose the packaging for other uses. Such packaging options are intended for multiple uses before disposal or recycling. Though expensive, reusable packaging can actually be profitable for businesses in the long run.
Glass jars have a more premium feel than plastic ones. The higher perceived value of glass helps brands stand out from the competition while practicing circular packaging.
Of course, all of this goes to waste without consumer commitment. Consumers need to be informed about sustainable practices to ensure waste reduction.
Examples
Glass Jars and Bottles
Durable Tote Bags
Refillable Cosmetic Containers
Source: Courtesy Forbes
The idea of returnable packaging is simple - buy a product, use it, and then return the packaging to the manufacturer. While it may seem weird at first, it is actually one of the earliest adopted packaging practices.
The famous Coca-Cola glass bottle is one of the most popular examples of returnable packaging. The customer would drink the soda and return it to the shop. The shops then send the bottles to a factory where they are cleaned and refilled.
Returning and reusing packaging is considerably more costly than other packaging. Hence, Coca-Cola has shifted to plastic bottles. The logistics required for returnable packaging are difficult to establish and maintain.
Examples
Beverage Crates
Glass Milk and Soda Bottles
Water Cooler Bottles
B2B Packaging (Kegs, Pallets, Crates, etc.)
Source: Moon Valley
Refillable packaging has a similar concept to returnable packaging. However, the consumer is responsible for refilling the packaging instead of the manufacturer. A great example of refillable packing is liquid soap.
The manufacturer sells an initial plastic bottle of body wash (liquid soap). Once the bottle runs out, the customer can buy a refill pouch from the store and pour it into their existing plastic bottle.
These refill pouches use a fraction of the plastic used in a new bottle. It results in lower manufacturing costs for the brand and a lower price tag for the customer.
Despite being an excellent idea, it still results in some plastic waste. The refillable pouches are made from plastic, which is rarely recycled.
Examples
Refill Pouches for Soaps, Shampoos, and Detergents
Upcycling is the process of repurposing existing material for a different project instead of recycling. For example, you can polish, repaint, and restore an old table and give it new life. Similarly, many social entrepreneurs are upcycling glass bottles into glass jewelry.
Asus, the electronics company, recently introduced cardboard packaging for laptops that can be repurposed into laptop stands.
While this type of packaging can be an excellent exercise in creativity, it's less practical than other solutions. It puts the burden of upcycling on the consumer, which seems rather unfair.
Examples
Glass jars are used as storage containers.
Decorative tins repurposed as organizers.
Recyclable packaging is designed so that it can be collected after use and sent to a recycling center, where it will be processed and remanufactured into new products. This type of packaging reduces material waste and extends the life of the virgin material.
However, recycling is a complex process, and materials must be clean and devoid of contamination. Even the glue that is used to stick labels on PET bottles must be easily removable. Otherwise, the bottle will become non-recyclable.
Examples
Cardboard Boxes
PET Plastic Bottles
Aluminum Cans
Compostable packaging is a more convenient form of sustainable packaging. Unlike other packaging, the burden of refilling or upcycling isn't on the consumer, and there is no need to establish recycling centers,
Many businesses are already moving to a zero-plastic packaging system that uses paper or natural fibers. Compostable packaging naturally degrades into fertilizer after a few months, making it an excellent alternative to single-use plastic.
The only drawback of compostable packaging is its limited applications. Plastic is still a better option for packaging liquids and other oxygen-sensitive products.
Examples
Bio-Plastic Containers
Paper-Based Packaging
Table 1 - Comparing the advantages and challenges of adopting different circular packaging solutions.
Packaging | Application | Advantages | Challenges |
Reusable Packaging | -Glass Jars and Bottles -Durable Tote Bags -Refillable Cosmetic Containers | -Reduces Waste -Cost-effective -Long-Term Use | -Requires Consumer Commitment |
Returnable Packaging | -Beverage Crates -Glass Milk & Soda Bottles -Water Cooler Bottles -B2B Packaging | -Material Efficient -Cost-effective -Long-Term Use | -High Logistics Needs |
Refillable Packaging | -Refill Pouches for Soaps, Shampoos, and Detergents | -Reduces Single-Use -Customizable Volumes | -Infrastructure Dependent -Inconvenient for Users |
Upcyclable Packaging | -Glass Jars for Storage -Repurpose Packaging | -Encourages Creativity -Extends Material Life | -Not Scalable -Impractical |
Recyclable Packaging | -Cardboard Boxes -PET Plastic Bottles -Aluminum Cans | -Reduces Material Waste -Widely Accepted -Lower Carbon Footprint | -Limited Recyclability of Some Materials |
Compostable Packaging | -Bio-Plastic Containers -Paper-Based Packaging -Bagasse Food Packaging | -Biodegradable -Reduces Landfill -Reduces Plastic Waste | -Limited Applications |
Circular packaging is a collection of environmentally friendly techniques that can help your business meet those sustainability goals.
The biggest benefit of circular packaging is the overall reduction in material waste. Businesses are switching to circular packaging for their products and using materials more efficiently, resulting in minimal waste.
Circular packaging isn't anti-plastic, but it results in a drastic reduction in the use of single-use plastic. Using circular packaging, your business can avoid contributing to the ongoing plastic and microplastic problem.
Circular packaging also means less material processing. Reusing and recycling materials results in lower energy consumption than using new materials. The reduced energy consumption means your business will have a lower carbon footprint, helping you meet those zero-carbon goals.
Circular packaging is also designed to be more economical than other sustainable packaging solutions. Lower production cost means businesses have a financial incentive to switch to circular packaging.
Circular packaging also boosts a brand’s reputation with environmentally conscious buyers. Research shows that nearly half of millennials and Gen Z prefer to support sustainability initiatives.
Younger consumers are willing to pay extra for products that are ethically produced using sustainable business practices.
Perhaps you can get some inspiration from the latest circularity business case from SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING NEWS.
As the food service industry grows year after year, so do its packaging needs. The circular economy can offset our current reliance on single-use food packaging.
Currently, the food packaging industry can adopt the following circular economy techniques to create a more sustainable business model.
Recyclable food packaging is the easiest way for businesses to achieve their sustainability goals. Businesses can either invest in recyclable packaging materials, such as paper or plastic, or they can use recycled paper and plastic for their packaging.
Biodegradable is a more sensible sustainability solution than recycling as it doesn't require existing recycling infrastructure. It's also better for food service companies that rely on single-use food containers and utensils.
Compostable food packaging is the next evolution of biodegradable packaging. Rather than just decomposing, this type of packaging turns into usable natural fertilizer. It's an excellent option for customers with home gardens and flower beds.
Transitioning to circular packaging is relatively simple. Here’s how your business can begin this journey.
First, examine your current packaging requirements. Do you need waterproof packaging for liquids, rugged packaging for heavy objects, premium feeling materials? Your circular packaging alternatives will be based on your product's packaging needs.
After you identified your packaging needs, see what types of compostable or reusable materials you use instead of plastics. Paper and cardboard are low-cost and sustainable options. Bagasse and plant fibers are sturdy and compostable.
You will need to partner with sustainable suppliers that ethically source the raw materials. For example, wood is sustainable and biodegradable, but it can also result in deforestation. Many suppliers have switched to bamboo as it uses fewer resources, grows quickly, and has zero risk of deforestation.
Customer education is a big part of the circular economy. Whether it's recycling or composting, the main drivers are the customers. Sustainability demands the proper disposal of packaging to recycle or compost facilities, which requires consumers to take the initiative.
Implement various monitoring and evaluation techniques that can help you identify the impact of your packaging. You will need a baseline survey of your current packaging process and an end-line survey after you implement circular packaging.
You should see significant waste reduction within 6-12 months.
Circular packaging is a great solution to our ongoing packaging waste problem. The food service and e-commerce industries are some of the biggest contributors to pollution with their heavy reliance on single-use plastic. Circular packaging provides a convenient solution that doesn't directly restrict plastic use but encourages businesses to reuse, repurpose, and recycle their packaging.
Sumkoka is an environmentally conscious company that produces high-quality disposable food packaging. Our eco-friendly products include a wide range of compostable containers, plates, cups, and straws.
We primarily use bagasse as the base material for our packaging. It's a completely natural byproduct of sugar production that is food-safe and environmentally friendly. Sumkoka helps you design and customize exclusive eco-friendly products to enhance your brand image.
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