Author: Praneetha Komuravelli
What is sustainable packaging?
Sustainable packaging is the packaging that minimizes environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle. This means it is designed and used in ways that are better for the planet and human health right from the raw materials it’s made from, through its manufacturing, transport, use, and eventual disposal.
Key principles include:
- Reducing material: using less packaging overall.
- Renewable content: prioritizing materials from sustainable sources or that have been previously recycled.
- Recyclability: ensuring the packaging can be easily reused, recycled into new products, or composted to break down naturally.
- Reduced toxicity: avoiding harmful chemicals in its production or disposal.
Example – recycled corrugated cardboard boxes
- Resource: primarily post-consumer recycled paper pulp (e.g., old newspapers, used cardboard boxes). This conserves forests and reduces landfill waste.
- Production: recycled fibers are pulped, cleaned, pressed, and formed into new corrugated sheets. This process generally uses less energy and water than making virgin paper.
- Use: widely used for shipping, mailer boxes, and product cartons. It’s lightweight, strong, and protects contents.
Why is sustainable packaging no longer optional?
The shift towards sustainable seed packaging isn’t just an environmental imperative; it’s a strategic business decision driven by several factors:
- Environmental stewardship: reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions aligns with global sustainability goals and corporate social responsibility.
- Consumer demand: a growing segment of farmers and home gardeners being environmentally conscious and actively seeking out products with minimal environmental impact. Sustainable packaging enhances brand image and fosters customer loyalty.
- Regulatory pressure: governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on plastic use and waste management, making sustainable packaging a necessity for future compliance.
- Farmer benefits: eco-friendly packaging can offer practical advantages for farmers, such as easier disposal or even value-added benefits like plantable packaging.
Pioneering innovations in sustainable seed packaging
The good news is that innovation in sustainable packaging is rapidly advancing. Here are some key areas and examples:
- Biodegradable and compostable materials:these materials are designed to break down naturally, returning to the earth without leaving harmful residues.
Plant-based polymers (PLA, PHA):derived from renewable resources like corn starch, Cellulose or Sugarcane, these bioplastics can offer similar barrier properties to traditional plastics but are compostable under industrial conditions.
Starch-based packaging:packaging made from potato, rice or tapioca starch offers good biodegradability.
Mushroom-based packaging (Mycelium): companies like Ecovative Design (though not specifically for seeds yet, the technology is applicable) are developing packaging from mushroom roots (mycelium) and agricultural waste, which is fully compostable.
While many are still in R&D or pilot phases for seeds, the general packaging industry is seeing a rise in compostable pouches made from multiple layers of plant-based films, suitable for products requiring moisture barriers.
- Recycled and Recyclable Materials:
Recyclable Paper/Cardboard with eco-friendly coatings: moving away from plastic laminates, companies are developing paper-based packaging with water-based or biodegradable coatings /sealings that still offer protection while allowing for recycling.
Many larger companies are now usingrecycled cardboard boxesfor bulk seed shipments or for packaging individual seed packets, ensuring the outer layer is recyclable.
- Plantable Packaging (Seed Paper)
This is perhaps one of the most exciting innovations, offering a dual benefit. The packaging itself is embedded with seeds and can be planted after use, growing into flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
This is mostly helpful for indoor gardeners or kitchen gardeners.
Example:
Botanical PaperWorks (Canada/USA) and Seed Paper Indiaare pioneers in this field, creating custom seed paper for various applications, including seed packets, tags, and promotional items.
Bhoomi Devi Seeds uses sustainable packaging for their seeds.
The Heritage Organic Seed Company in the UK explicitly uses manila seed envelopes made from recycled materials that can be recycled or composted, sometimes including glassine envelopes for tiny seeds that are also biodegradable. This directly transforms packaging waste into new life.
- Water-Soluble/Dissolvable Packaging
For specific applications, packaging that dissolves completely in water can be revolutionary.
Example:
Some seed tapes or seed pods/seed balls designed for easy planting use water-soluble films that dissolve in the soil, releasing the seeds without leaving any residue.
This is particularly useful for precision planting.
- Minimalist and Reusable Systems:
Reduced packaging:simply designed packaging requires less material overall, eliminating unnecessary layers or excess space.
Reusable Containers: While challenging for widespread consumer use, some companies or community seed banks showing interest in reusable bulk containers for farmers or local distribution, reducing single-use packaging.
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
