In our world today, the words sustainability, eco-friendly, and recyclable packaging are becoming more than just words as different people are beginning to consider the environmental impact of their choices. From the food they eat to the products they buy, consumers now give a second thought to the packaging of the products they purchase.
Thus, there has been a significant shift towards eco-friendly packaging, especially in the supplements industry, which caters to health-conscious individuals.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how recyclable packaging has influenced and is still influencing consumer choice in the supplements industry.
What is Recyclable Packaging?
Simply put, recyclable packaging is any form of packaging that can be reused and recycled. This type of packaging generally falls into three categories.
- Using biodegradable materials made from organic substances that decompose naturally over time.
- Using recyclable materials that can be processed into new products like cardboard and some plastics
- Using reusable materials: this form of packaging is considered the most eco-friendly as it totally eliminates waste. Glass containers are a good example.
Why Is Recyclable Packaging a Big Deal for Supplement Consumers?
You see, packaging serves as the initial point of contact between consumers and brands. It is the one chance that brands have to make a good first impression on the consumers. But you need to understand consumer behavior to make a good first impression.
For many supplement consumers, it’s not just about what’s inside the container but also about the container itself. How it’s made, its impact on the planet, and what happens to it after use.
There is this natural overlap between health-conscious and eco-conscious consumers. People who prioritize their well-being through supplements often care about the environment as part of a holistic approach to health. To these consumers, buying a product with recyclable packaging feels like a dual investment. Supporting their health and contributing to a healthier planet.
A Science Direct study has shown that most consumers are willing to pay more for products that use eco-friendly packaging, while this Nielson global survey has shown that 73% of consumers have conceded to changing their consumption habits if it will help reduce the negative impacts on the environment.
But it’s not just the health aspect of the environment that influences consumer choice in supplements. There’s also the ethical side to it.
These days, consumers want to support brands that align with their values. For environmentally conscious buyers, recyclable packaging acts as a visible sign of a company’s ethical commitment. When choosing between two similar supplements, customers are far more likely to select the one packaged in sustainable materials. This decision isn’t just about the product; it’s about supporting a cause, and recyclable packaging tends to evoke a psychological and emotional response in the minds of supplement consumers.
But while sustainable branding sounds all glamorous, its adoption is not without challenges.
Challenges and Limitations of Recyclable Packaging
Supplement companies face various challenges when trying to implement green packaging trends. Some of these challenges include:
- Higher costs: One of the most pressing challenges is the higher cost of recyclable or biodegradable materials. Unlike traditional plastic, which is cheap and readily available, sustainable alternatives such as glass or compostable bioplastics are more expensive.
- Infrastructure limitations: Even when brands use recyclable materials, the infrastructure to support proper recycling isn’t always in place. Many regions lack adequate facilities to process certain types of materials, such as bioplastics or composite packaging. This creates a disconnect for consumers who really want to recycle but find it challenging to do so.
- Balancing sustainability and functionality: Supplement packaging should meet specific functional requirements, such as protecting the product from moisture, light, and contamination. Achieving this with recyclable materials can be challenging, as some sustainable options may not provide the same level of protection as traditional plastic.
The Road Ahead for Recyclable Packaging
As the trend for sustainable supplements continues to gain momentum, the future of recyclable packaging in the supplement industry looks promising. However, realizing its full potential requires packaging innovations, collaboration, and a collective commitment to change.
Some packaging innovations brands can use to stay ahead of the curve include:
Using bioplastics: Bioplastics are derived from renewable resources like cornstarch and sugarcane. They are biodegradable and can replace traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Implementing smart packaging: by incorporating features like QR codes that educate consumers about how to recycle or dispose of packaging properly, brands can breach that infrastructure limitation.
Using Monomaterial designs: made from a single type of recyclable material, using mono-material designs helps simplify the recycling process.
Final Thoughts on Recyclable Packaging
Recyclable packaging is no longer an abstract term. It’s fast becoming a reality that greatly influences consumer choices. In fact, many supplement companies like Garden of Life and Nature’s Bounty have embraced eco-friendly packaging and now publicly share their sustainability goals.
To boost sales and remain relevant, supplement brands that are yet to implement recyclable packaging should do the needful and embrace the future.