Understanding Eco-Friendly Packaging Certifications

As more people and organizations become environmentally conscious, businesses seek ways to demonstrate to their consumers and other stakeholders that they are part of the positive change. One of the areas a company can focus on is its packaging — the first thing a customer sees when they buy an item or their goods are delivered.

Packaging is a significant source of waste, and adopting the use of eco-friendly packaging is a demonstration of a company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Understanding eco-friendly packaging certifications will help you pick and use authentic, sustainable packaging solutions.

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Packaging

Single-use containers, non-recyclable materials and excessive plastic waste contribute to pollution. As more people become aware of the environmental impact of conventional packaging, there is an increase in demand for environmentally friendly packaging. Some of the main reasons you should consider eco-friendly packaging include:

• Environmental impact: Embracing environmentally friendly packaging reduces the harmful effects of conventional packaging on the environment. Traditional packaging materials contribute to pollution and the excessive use of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. For example, non-biodegradable food packaging is one of the largest contributors to plastic pollution worldwide.
• Human health and safety: Workers who use certain products often found in packaging can be exposed to health risks such as fatigue and headaches, and consumers who come into frequent contact with these materials can experience similar effects. The adoption of green packaging promotes the health and safety of workers and consumers.
• Consumer demand: Consumers consider the materials used to make packaging when making purchase decisions. For example, about half of surveyed North American consumers are happy to pay more for environmentally friendly products. As more consumers are interested in corporate commitments to sustainability, you can impress buyers by aligning your packaging solutions with these expectations.
• Brand responsibility: Offering products with sustainable packaging attracts the attention of people who are concerned about sustainability. This is a constantly growing audience of environmentally conscious people worldwide, and your brand’s commitment will be noticed.
• Resource conversion: The manufacturing process for conventional packaging materials like plastic can be resource-intensive. Sustainable packing is the better alternative because it uses recycled or biodegradable materials. More raw materials are conserved, which preserves natural resources for the future.

What Are Eco-Friendly Packaging Certifications?

Although awareness of the environmental impact of various materials is on the rise, misleading claims about sustainable materials and greenwashing are also prevalent. Greenwashing is a form of marketing or advertising that uses deceptive tactics to persuade the public that a company’s goals, policies and products are environmentally friendly when that is inaccurate. These trends have made it crucial for businesses to clearly and honestly demonstrate their commitment to green packaging through certifications.

Sustainable packaging certification is the process of evaluating and certifying packaging materials and practices based on predetermined sustainability criteria. Unbiased third-party organizations complete these evaluations and offer certification. These certifications are a seal of approval and assure businesses and consumers that packaging aligns with specific sustainability criteria.

Prominent Eco-Friendly Packaging Certifications

Some examples of notable sustainable packaging certifications include:

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): The FSC is an international nonprofit that promotes responsible forest management. This certification proves that the packaging materials used are ethically sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• Cradle to Cradle Certified®: This certification evaluates the environmental and sustainability impact of packaging materials. It considers the entire lifecycle of packaging.
• Green Seal: This certification demonstrates that the manufacturer is committed to conserving resources, reducing waste and protecting the planet. It is a food packaging certification that guarantees the sustainable nature of food packaging materials.
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI): This is a key standard for forestry management in North America. SFI certification promotes the manufacturing and use of sustainable wood-based products.
• Rainforest Alliance: This certification demonstrates that the package or product is sourced from forests certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council. The Forest Stewardship Council is a nonprofit that promotes the responsible management of global forests via timber certification. Rainforest Alliance is a founding member of the Forest Stewardship Council.
• EU Ecolabel: This certification is awarded to products that meet high environmental standards throughout their lifecycles.

How Certifications Benefit Businesses and Consumers

Achieving certification that proves your commitment to a sustainable environment is crucial for your business’s reputation. Green packaging certifications have the following benefits:

• Compliance with regulatory standards: Certifications ensure your company meets stringent regulatory requirements designed to protect the planet and consumers.
• Gain a competitive edge: Sustainable packaging is not just a trend — it is a necessity in the modern world. Aligning sustainable packaging certifications with your company’s goals will help you stand out from the competition and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
• Enhance brand reputation: Green certification proves a business is committed to sustainable practices. Consumers associate certified packaging with more sustainable and safer products, which helps in boosting brand loyalty.

How to Obtain Sustainable Packaging Certification

Depending on your industry or operations, some certifications may be more impactful than others. For example, if you are in the food and beverage industry, you may prioritize obtaining the Green Seal certification over others.

Generally, you can expect to go through the following process when pursuing environmental packaging certification:

1. Internal assessment: Certification criteria vary, and you need to know where you stand and what you are expected to meet to qualify. For example, you may be required to reduce waste by a specific percentage or source your materials from certain sustainable suppliers. The certifying body should provide you with their certification criteria.
2. Goal-setting: Set your sustainable goals based on the criteria provided and keep records of the changes and progress you have made toward more eco-friendly measures. These records are often required when submitting your application for green certification.
3. Third-party auditing: A third-party organization will audit your business and prove that you satisfy the relevant criteria for certification. Auditing may involve reviewing your records or documentation, conducting interviews with your employees and making site visits.
4. Certification: Certification comes with a label or logo you can display on your websites, packaging, marketing materials and anywhere relevant to your brand. Some organizations will go further and provide assets and brand guidelines to ensure the fidelity of their label or logo. Most of these certifications are not permanent, and you will have to undergo regular reassessments to qualify for renewals.

Take a Step Toward Sustainability With Great Northern Packaging

Your company can use sustainable packaging to stay ahead of the competition and meet the expectations of sustainable-conscious consumers. Sustainable packaging certification logos or labels will boost your customers’ confidence that you are committed to creating a more eco-friendly future.

Get started with environmentally conscious packaging with Great Northern Packaging. We are committed to taking sustainable steps throughout the packaging production process, and we strive to make a difference through our corporate social responsibility program. Additionally, we are proud to be SFI sourcing label certified.

Great Northern Packaging offers an array of commercial packaging solutions and consumer packaging options so you can find exactly what you need for your products and target audience. Browse our cost-effective choices today, and learn more about our dedication to sustainability by contacting us.