Why sustainable packaging is a must in 2025

The packaging industry is undergoing significant transformation. Sustainability has shifted from a niche concern to a necessary practice, with several factors driving this change: heightened consumer awareness, ambitious sustainability targets from major retailers and evolving regulations.

As a packaging producer, embracing this shift toward sustainability means joining in a responsible movement to protect the future of the environment and fostering competitiveness among rivals. But answering this call in a way that truly supports your business demands tangible efforts.

A few strategies we recommend for starting this journey include conducting life cycle assessments, supply chain assessments, implementing AI and practicing transparent communication. Here’s more about what each of these initiatives can do for your packaging business:

Life cycle assessments (LCAs)

Think of a life cycle assessment like a deep look at your product’s life story. It traces everything from where raw materials come from to where the packaging ends up. This gives you a better sense of your environmental impact and helps you find areas to improve. And if you’re already doing a lot of things right, an LCA gives you the data to show exactly how your packaging is making a difference.

Supply chain assessments

Your supply chain might be one of the most overlooked places to boost sustainability. A solid assessment gives you a clearer view of both the environmental and social impacts across your network. It can guide choices around who you partner with and how your goods get where they’re going. When your suppliers are working toward the same goals as you, it creates a stronger and more unified approach to long-term success.

AI in packaging design

Artificial intelligence is changing how packaging is designed. It helps you predict and improve outcomes in ways that used to take a lot more time and effort. This kind of tech speeds up the design process and can lead to lighter and more environmentally friendly packaging that still does the job.

Marketing your progress

Wherever you are in your sustainability efforts, it’s important to have a plan for how you’ll talk about it. Use data from your assessments to back up what you’re saying. Keep your internal team in the loop so everyone’s on the same page and can offer feedback. When you’re ready to go public, your website is a great place to show off the facts and results.

Putting these ideas into action helps you stay ahead of regulations, spark new innovations, meet rising customer expectations and strengthen your brand.

The takeaway:

The idea of making your business fully sustainable can feel overwhelming, but just taking that first step, maybe through a small pilot project or with help from an expert, will show you the value of this investment. When you use the best tools and insights available, you can start making real progress and help lead the way toward a better future for your products, your company and the entire packaging industry.

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.