Countries around the world are working toward banning single use plastics. Canada has joined the mission to reduce plastics by focusing on banning plastic grocery bags, stir sticks, straws, six pack beverage rings and take out food containers by the end of 2022. On a larger scale, Canada plans to have zero plastic waste by 2030.

Canada is not alone working towards this environmental goal. This effort is a Global effort acting against plastic waste. Countries such as Costa Rica witnessed their parks and beaches inundated with plastic waste. Relying on tourism for their economical survival, they saw the need to step into action and they were the first country to begin the banning of the plastics with a dramatic push to ban single use plastics by 2021 to keep the landscape of their country appealing. The country currently runs 2/3 of the year on renewable energy and a leader in wildlife protection, it’s no wonder they are adding to their green credentials.

The charity committed to creating a circular economy, known as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, has led the world with the mission of the importance to establish a global circular economy. They focus on climate change and ridding of wasteful materials. A Circular Economy has the ability to a reduce ocean plastic pollution by 80% on an annual basis.

For more information regarding some countries’ efforts click here:

Improve Your Brand Image
Sustainable packaging has gained great popularity over the past years and still is becoming increasingly even more popular. So, what is sustainable packaging? Sustainable packaging is using eco-friendly materials and production processes. Consumers are showing retailers that they prefer purchasing items that are packaged with an environmental responsibility.

Utilizing eco-friendly packaging will improve your brand image. It shows that the world is important to you and as a company, you’re willing to make necessary changes to improve your sustainability. To do this, there are a few items to be aware of.

• Choose wisely by using materials that won’t pollute the environment
• Look for compostable and/or recyclable material
• Be sure to minimize your environmental footprint

It is helpful to engage a packaging engineer or designer who is familiar with the material that is being used. For example, plastic designs differently than molded fiber. Although, with the right molded fiber company a plastic tray can be replicated in fiber and run on existing automated packaging lines. Find a company that already has the technology to bring the project to fruition.