How sustainable Packaging Builds Resilience

People have changed how they live and work due to Covid-19 and the resulting lockdowns. Spending a year under changing restrictions has made people adapt most every aspect of their lives. Working from home, limited travel, increasing their desire to shop locally and rethinking how their everyday actions and lifestyle choices can impact our planet.

In a recent global survey, ‘How will COVID-19 change the consumer?’, conducted by Accenture, a management consultancy firm, identified that consumers "have dramatically evolved". It reported that 60% were making more eco-friendly, sustainable or ethical purchases since the introduction of the pandemic. It was also noted that nine out of 10 of that percentage would continue to do so. This has made industries rethink how they can cater to the COVID-adapted consumer as the demand for innovative consumer goods and sustainable packaging has accelerated.

Here are our Top 6 Tips on how sustainable packaging initiatives can help increase consumer engagement and build resilience for your business.  

1. A Reduced Carbon Footprint

The majority of today’s consumers care about the impact they have on the environment, which directly relates to the products they purchase and brands they are loyal to. Going green isn’t a new phase that companies are going through. Many have been making changes over the past few decades to shift towards better sustainable business practices, align with government regulations andx meet consumer demands. While switching to green-based packaging helps promote their corporate social responsibility it also reduces their carbon footprint.

The carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community. According to the sustainable packaging coalition, this concern is at the forefront of many consumer’s minds, especially with regards to the packaging that comes with the products they buy. The good news is that Berica Packaging, the industry’s leading supply partner, can help your business align with New Zealand’s sustainability goals while also meeting the requirements of the modern consumer.

Here are some of Berica’s leading packaging features:

• 100% Recyclable (Using PET & RPET)
• 100% Compostable – Home & Commercially
• 100% Sustainable new generation paperboard
• Food safe for the Oven, Microwave & Freezer
• Grease, Moisture & Liquid Resistant - No laminated plastics or polymers
• Packaging waste reduction – smaller footprint, less carbon emission                                     
• 2. Shows Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
  
  Having a focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) means your business aims to improve the community, economy or the environment. While there is no one "right" way to practice CSR initiatives it is becoming increasingly important to have a socially conscious image in order to increase customer engagement, boost brand loyalty and receive positive reviews, all of which drive growth for your organization.
  
  In today’s environmentally conscious society, consumers place high importance on purchasing products that come in sustainably sourced packaging. As a result, sustainable packaging can make or break a deal, which means many brands are shifting to eco-friendly alternatives in order to thrive.
  
  Berica believes that sustainability is a journey not a destination. To reduce the impact on the environment Berica is helping businesses move away from traditional packaging materials that have been made from non-renewable resources and shift to eco-friendly alternatives.  Designed for the environmentally-conscious buyer, Berica has launched Erthical, a new generation paperboard that is revolutionizing the industry & delivering game-changing results for businesses.
  
  By adjusting your business’s approach to sustainability you will not only showcase your dedication to CSR you will also provide a superior customer experience and flourish in the market.
  
  3. Meet Growing Consumer Demands:
  
  Following the 2019 Climate Strike, which was the largest environmental protest in history, and inspired by Swedish teenage activist, Greta Thunberg, sparked millions across the world to demand that urgent action be taken to save our planet.
  
  As seen in a recent survey conducted by GWI, a leading audience targeting company for the global marketing industry, since the pandemic people are more optimistic about the environment.
  
  
  
  Environmentally-conscious buyers care about supporting sustainable efforts because they are concerned about the planet, and are willing to support businesses that share this same view. As noted in our Top 5 Packaging Trends for 2021 & Beyond article approximately 61% of Millennials are happy to pay more for environmentally-friendly products. It’s promising that older generations share the same mindset as their younger counterparts and are willing to spend more for eco-friendly products and sustainable packaging. Even those who earn lower wages, or consider themselves as price-conscious shoppers, still prefer to go the eco-friendly route than not.
  
  In order to meet growing demands, brands need to play their part in green consumerism. So what are the next eco steps consumers want brands to take?
  
  
  
  100% Kiwi owned and operated, Berica’s mission is to help businesses supply sustainable packaging that helps fight the global battle against plastic waste, carbon emissions and improves the planet’s wellbeing. From recyclable and reusable plastics to plant-based packaging and compostable containers, the options are endless for the environmentally-conscious buyer.
  
  4. Sustainable Packaging Gives You More Storage & Space:
  
  A lot has changed on store shelves over the past few years. As consumers become more sustainably focused the use of innovative packaging materials are ever-growing as businesses aim to meet buyer demands.
  
  When was the last time you thought about updating your product packaging design?
  
  If you’re trying to make your packaging more sustainable chances are you’re also trying to find more creative ways of being efficient. Berica understands that many businesses struggle with space constraints. It could be related to seasonal requirements, custom projects, or the growth of your business. Regardless of what the reason is having a smaller finished goods footprint requires less space.
  
  Having the additional space also gives you more options - like expanding your product lines or utilizing the available space for projects you weren’t able to do before. It also means you have more space for transporting goods, which ultimately cuts down your freight costs and saves energy.
  
  Berica gets it! We’re all about creating sustainable packaging solutions that are designed for maximum shelf appeal, deliver the ultimate consumer experience, and solves those cumbersome space challenges.
  
  5. Going Green Saves Money:
  
  Sustainable packaging has become one of the most vital, and one of the most challenging aspects facing the food industry. As consumers continue to place more emphasis on the sustainability of the products they purchase businesses not only need to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions, they also need a well-thought-out logistics plan to stay ahead of this growing trend.
  
  Anne Johnson, director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, comments, "Transportation is tied so closely to energy that, when you manage logistics well, you also manage costs well".
  
  Understanding the link between sustainability and transportation is irrefutable, and addressing it can dramatically impact expenses saving you millions.

6. Increased Sales:
   
   As previously mentioned, there are several factors consumers take into consideration prior to making a purchase. The impact your product and packaging have on the environment and what your brand is doing to mitigate this damage.
   
   Forbes magazine recently noted that Generation Z is highly motivated to buy green or sustainable products rather than traditional ones. Furthermore, the majority of Generation Z (54%) state that they are willing to spend an additional 10% or more on eco-friendly products and sustainable packaging, with 50% of Millennials saying the same. It has become evident that with every generation, the pursuit for sustainability strengthens and people are demanding change.
   
   Understanding that consumers are using their wallets to influence change means that what is good for the environment is also good for your business’s bottom line. Being eco-friendly and offering sustainable packaging is no longer a ‘nice-to-have' — it’s a business imperative and can lead to increased sales.
   
   
   
   To sum it up, when you’re packaging your products to be shipped or to be displayed on a shelf, it’s important to remember that you’re building brand recognition and creating a buzz for your business. Well thought out designs and premium packaging gives consumers an instant impression. If you want to gain a competitive advantage Berica has worked with Supermarkets, Fresh Food Retailers, FMCG suppliers, Wineries and Breweries for over 25 years. We understand that finding the right sustainable packaging solutions can be a headache… but it doesn’t have to be! We’re here for you. Contact us today to find the right innovative solutions for your company, products and industry.

About Berica Packaging

Berica is New Zealand’s leading supplier of presentation packaging for fresh foods, wine, and liquor. With 25 years of industry experience, Berica provides innovative packaging solutions that are recyclable and compostable. Kiwi owned and operated Berica is ready for 2021 and delivering sustainable game-changing products.

Learn more: berica.co.nz | sales@berica.co.nz | 0800 237 422