Indonesia still needs innovation in its industrial sector in an effort to manage the move to a greener environment. Therefore, industrial players should actively and wisely try to use more environmentally friendly resources and technology so that they can create effective and efficient alignment of their business in accordance with the mandate of Government Regulation Number 29 of 2018.
Industrial players have a big responsibility towards their stakeholders across all aspects of their company operations, which includes economic, social, and environmental aspects. The social aspect of this company's business cannot be separated from sustainable development which has to also take into consideration the social and environmental impacts in both the short and long term.
One of the major sectors is the packaged food and beverage industry which has a very large impact due to the ease of transactions provided by both online marketplaces, and modern supermarkets which both enable consumers to quickly choose their desired products which are usually presented in hygienic and easily transported packaging, rather than bulk or raw states.
The result of this increase in this type of transaction has serious implications for the generation of waste which is dominated by plastic materials and other packaging that is not environmentally friendly. So, it is necessary to innovate in packaging that is more environmentally friendly without reducing the benefits that are obtained by the low value but very useful plastic packaging.
The impact of using plastic packaging
Every day, millions of tons of plastic are used to package food and drinks, and most of this plastic ends up in landfills and the ocean. Plastic waste that is not managed properly can pollute marine ecosystems, damage marine life, and have a negative impact on the balance of the ecosystem.
Apart from the waste problem, the use of plastic packaging also contributes to climate change. Plastic packaging production requires the use of large natural resources, such as petroleum, natural gas, and water. This production process produces greenhouse gas emissions and chemical waste that damage the environment. In addition, improper disposal of plastic can also cause air and land pollution which has an impact on the overall quality of the environment.
Solution: Use Eco-Friendly packaging
The use of contemporary plastic food and drink packaging does provide convenience in everyday life, but we also must be aware of the negative impacts it causes. But with awareness and the right actions, we can reduce plastic waste, protect the environment, and preserve nature for future generations.
Environmentally friendly packaging is a type of sustainable packaging that can reduce environmental pollution because the packaging is made from materials that are easily decomposed in nature. In fact the use of environmentally friendly packaging in product sales is considered to have its own plus value in contributing to protecting the surrounding environment.
Implementing environmentally friendly packaging is what is needed to reduce waste generation and its negative impact on the environment. This effort will also support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 12.5, namely reducing waste generation substantially by 2030 through efforts to prevent, reduce, recycle, and reuse. LIPI (2020) released the results of a study regarding the impact of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar; PSBB) and Work from Home (WFH) on package delivery which showed a significant increase.
This eco-friendly packaging can provide incentives for business people. Companies will gain increased profits and a better reputation if they start implementing the green concept (Forbes, 2019). This can be seen from consumers' interest in buying products with environmentally friendly packaging which will have a positive impact on society and the environment.
Some consumers understand the importance of using environmentally friendly materials, but others still only think about the need for cheap and convenient food and drinks without thinking about the consequences. With only a slight increase in the price of the product but having a lesser environmental impact, it should become a favourite for consumers.
The use of this packaging is expected to improve economic performance and environmental performance so that it can run in balance. The main motivation is the low level of public awareness of recycling waste and the trend of increasing annual waste.
Eco Friendly Packaging Ideas:
1. Biofoam from Plant Fibers
Another unique environmentally friendly packaging option is using bio foam containers.
This type of edible packaging is made from polylactic acid (PLA) and consists of a mixture of natural plant fibers.
The strong construction of this packaging allows users to use biofoam repeatedly, even though it has a fairly short shelf life.
This type of material is also said to be very easy to recycle and environmentally friendly because it is made from plant fibers.
2. Cloth bags made from calico / canvas
In general, today's fashion trends show that the majority of buyers prefer to use tote bags.
When choosing bag material, you can use calico or fabric that is durable and can be used repeatedly.
Apart from that, this packaging also has an attractive appearance and can increase awareness of the environment.
3. Seaweed-Based Packaging
This seaweed-based packaging was developed by a company from London, England called Notpla. This company makes plastic product packaging made from seaweed.
Uniquely, unlike ordinary plastic, this innovative packaging is considered environmentally friendly. This is because the product can be dissolved in water. In fact, it can decompose into compost when buried in the ground.
Of course, this is a breath of fresh air for those of you who want to start a new food product business.
4. Packaging made from mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the environmentally friendly packaging ideas. This packaging is made from mycelium fungus. This type of mushroom apparently has extraordinary flexibility and strength. In fact, you could say the texture is similar to foam.
When molded, this mushroom looks like white chocolate. Many environmental researchers claim that this mushroom packaging can replace polyester and other types of plastic. This is because this type of packaging is easily decomposed.
5. Plantable Packaging
If we need environmentally friendly packaging ideas for a product? This could be an inspiration, namely packaging that can be planted.
Sprout's product packaging is designed to be environmentally friendly so that everyone can contribute to planting local Philippine flora.
This packaging is deliberately designed to be interactive for buyers. This is because it can be planted after use. If you pay attention, there are seeds attached to the paper packaging.
6. Corn husk packaging
Another environmentally friendly packaging idea for you to choose is corn husk packaging. This packaging comes from corn or corn plants which have properties like plastic in general. This corn husk packaging can be a great alternative to plastic or Styrofoam.
7. Woven Bags
We can also use woven bags to package products in an environmentally friendly manner. This woven bag can be made from bamboo, pandan leaves, or water hyacinth leaves.
The packaging of this woven bag is quite unique and of course can be used repeatedly by customers, thereby minimizing packaging waste.
Woven bags come in various sizes that can be adjusted to the product you want to package.
8. Leaves for Food
If we sell food products, especially local or traditional food, we can use leaves to wrap them.
Apart from being environmentally friendly, food wrapped in leaves can also have a more fragrant aroma.
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