Innovative Concepts Shaping the growth of the Packaging Industry

Unlike earlier when packaging used to be an afterthought for many manufacturers, the packaging
industry today is witnessing number of changes, owing to increased consciousness amongst consumers
as well as manufacturers. More and more packaging companies today have moved towards
environmentally responsible packaging which has become an integral part of their businesses.
As the packaging companies are focusing on sustainability initiatives through waste minimization and
drifting towards environmentally responsible green packaging, these trends are driving the product
innovation in the packaging industry.
According to an international survey by Accenture, that included corporate decisionmakers in the
U.!., U."., and #hina, out of the $%& businesses contacted, &$ per cent say that their sustainability
initiatives fruitful and delivered results beyond e'pectations. (his clearly reflects that with growing
concern, consciousness and increased consumer awareness, packaging industry today is turning green.
)hat started as *lant+ottle ,-./ of the bottle is plant based0 by #oca#ola has inspired peers and
others in the industry for product innovation and companies across the globe, including the 1ndian
fle'ible packaging giant Ufle' have been making use of green and environmentfriendly packaging
materials.
Moving away from plastics, some of the common packaging materials that are now being used by
packaging companies include2
Bamboo: 3enewable and easy to grow, +amboo is being increasingly used right from packaging to
clothing in the western world. 4ue to its antibacterial properties and ability to naturally wick moisture,
+amboo has become a preferred material and is made use in shipping by top brands, including 4ell.
Ecocradle: 5.. percent biodegradable and renewable, 6cocradle is a great replacement to 6*!, 6**
and 6*6 foams made from oil or natural gas. A product grown from mushrooms, 6cocradle has become
a preferred choice being nonto'ic and nondisruptive to the environment.
Cornstarch Peanuts: 5../ biodegradable and edible, cornstarch packaging peanuts are 7ust amazing
as they dissolve safely in water or can be thrown into the compost bin. #ornstarch peanut are used in
packaging for not being a sustainable option but also because of their ability to not shrink in humid
conditions and having a high density for rugged durability.
)ith packaging industry moving towards sustainability, packaging companies worldwide have been
focusing on product innovation with the use of nonplastic and biodegradable packaging materials and
at the same time maintaining the products look and feel.