Communicating your sustainability efforts: a strategic tool for the packaging industry

As pressure mounts from consumers, retailers and regulators for more eco-conscious solutions in the packaging industry, the ability to effectively communicate sustainability initiatives is almost as important as the initiatives themselves.

If you’re a packaging industry professional interested in learning how to share your sustainability goals and achievements with the world, here’s what you should know:

Start with internal education

Successful communication regarding your sustainability strategy should start with internal engagement. This involves driving internal awareness through education and investing in programs that empower employees to implement sustainable practices within their own roles.

Consistent communication on progress and achievements also keeps sustainability a priority, while actively soliciting employee input ensures that your workforce is aligned with the company’s environmental journey.

Bringing your message to the public

Extending your sustainability narrative to external audiences is equally vital. This includes proactive engagement with supply chain partners, where communicating sustainability expectations and collaborating on joint initiatives fosters a shared commitment to sustainable practices across the entire value chain.

Educating customers about sustainable packaging attributes is another key element to a successful strategy. Companies increasingly use their packaging itself as a communication tool, employing clear labeling to highlight features like recycled content or recyclability.

Consider integrating this same messaging into broader marketing efforts to allow your company to connect with environmentally conscious consumers and differentiate its brand.

Leveraging your website

A transparent and informative website presence can also be a great way to deliver your message to the public. Consider adding dedicated pages detailing your sustainability strategy, goals and performance metrics. This shows you are willing to be candid about what you’re doing and are open to public accountability.

Practicing effective communication

Good communication hinges on several key principles: transparency, clarity and consistency. All are equally important and benefit from the use of straightforward language that resonates with diverse audiences. Substantiating claims with quantifiable data and metrics, such as those derived from Life Cycle Assessments, can also be a great way to provide evidence of tangible results.

The takeaway

By prioritizing effective communication strategies, packaging companies can strengthen their market position, foster collaboration across the value chain and drive meaningful progress while benefiting the world we live in.

If you’re not sure where to start, try bringing your message to the internal team at your company. Once internal stakeholders are aligned, you can try it on the public via business development, packaging labels, marketing and your website. In all communications, strive to validate your claims with substantial evidence and remain transparent, clear and consistent.

Sustainability alone isn’t enough; your efforts must be visible to the world at large.

Are you seeing interesting developments regarding sustainability in the plastics and packaging industry? We want to hear about it! Contact Jesse Warnke at (336) 217-9102 or jesse.warnke@charlesaris.com.