Author: Praneetha Komuravelli
Proposing a sustainable seed packaging strategy
For seed companies and other seed based organisations which are looking for transition to sustainable packaging, a structured approach is necessary-
1. Phase 1: comprehensive assessment and goal setting
- Audit current packaging:analyze each and every packaging component like – a.material type, b.weight, c.cost, and d.end-of-life scenario (landfill, recycling potential).
- Quantifying the current environmental footprint and this can be done by Life Cycle Assessment tools or Concerned experts.
- Define clear goals: set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, such as,
i.”Reduce virgin plastic use by 50% by 2028″
ii. “Transition 80% of consumer packaging to compostable materials within 5 years”
iii. “Achieve 100% recyclable packaging by 2030”
- Identify stakeholders: Involve R&D, procurement, operations, marketing, sales, and even key farmers in the discussion to ensure buy-in and practical implementation.
2. Phase 2: research, pilot programs, and supplier engagement
- Explore alternatives: based on the goals, research the sustainable materials and technologies discussed above. Consider their suitability for your specific seed types.
- Engage with specialized suppliers: partner with packaging manufacturers who have expertise in sustainable materials and innovative designs.
Companies like BioPack, The Mend Packaging, and JBM Packaging are good starting points.
- Conduct trials: This is a crucial step in this process.
Test new packaging for:
i.Seed viability & shelf life: does the new material adequately protect the seeds?
ii. Durability: can it withstand transportation and handling?
iii. Cost-effectiveness: is it economically viable at scale?
iv. User Experience: is it easy for farmers/consumers to open, use, and dispose of?
- Pilot project: start with a small-scale pilot for a specific product line or market segment to gather real-world data and refine the approach before a full rollout.
3. Phase 3: cost-benefit analysis and ROI justification
- Quantify financial impact:while sustainable packaging might have higher upfront costs, calculate potential long-term savings from reduced waste disposal fees, improved brand perception leading to increased sales, and avoidance of future plastic taxes/penalties.
- Highlight intangible benefits: Emphasize enhanced brand reputation, increased customer loyalty, attracting environmentally conscious talent, and demonstrating leadership in the industry. These contribute to long-term business value.
4. Phase 4: transparent communication and marketing
- Educate consumers: clearly communicate the sustainability features of your new packaging.
Use clear labeling on the packaging like quoting words like “Compostable” ,”Plant Me!” , “ I am free from chemicals “ etc.
- Tell your story: leverage your marketing channels like website, social media, blog etc to share your sustainability journey and explain why you’re making these changes and the positive impact just like Bhoomi Devi Seeds did.
- Certifications:seek relevant third-party certifications such as
BPI for compostability, FSC for paper etc to build trust and credibility.
5. Phase 5: continuous improvement and adaptation
- Monitor performance: regularly track the performance of your sustainable packaging in terms of seed viability, customer feedback, and environmental impact.
- Stay updated: the sustainable packaging landscape is constantly evolving. Continuously research new materials, technologies, and best practices.
- Iterate: be prepared to refine and adapt your packaging strategy based on new information and feedback.
Challenges to Navigate
While the path to sustainable packaging is promising, challenges exist:
- Cost: sustainable materials can sometimes be more expensive than conventional plastics, especially at smaller scales.
- Performance: ensuring new materials provide adequate barrier protection for seed viability, particularly for long shelf lives or challenging climates.
- Scalability: producing sustainable packaging in the vast quantities required by large seed companies can be complex.
- Infrastructure: the availability of industrial composting facilities or recycling infrastructure varies by region, impacting the true “sustainability” of some solutions.
- Regulatory complexity: seed import/export regulations can be complex, especially for innovative materials like seed paper.
The seed industry, a cornerstone of agriculture, faces a critical challenge: traditional packaging’s environmental toll. This article champions sustainable seed packaging as a vital shift, driven by escalating plastic pollution and consumer demand. It details the demerits of prevalent plastic and metal packaging, then illuminates groundbreaking innovations like plantable seed paper, compostable bioplastics, and recycled materials. Outlining a five-phase strategy—from assessment and research to communication and continuous improvement—it empowers seed companies to embrace greener practices, fostering a healthier planet and stronger brand image, one eco-friendly seed packet at a time.
Read the other articles in this series:
- Sustainable seed packaging – innovations in seed packaging | PART I – What is seed packaging?
- Sustainable seed packaging – innovations in seed packaging | PART II – What is sustainable packaging?
- Sustainable seed packaging – innovations in seed packaging | PART III – Proposing a sustainable seed packaging strategy
