Soy-based Ink
Soy-based inks produce brighter, more vibrant colors using less ink than petroleum-based inks, making them a more cost-effective ink solution. Soy inks can also be removed more easily for recycling. Not applicable to all products.
EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging
EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging brings a thoughtful approach to eco-friendly packaging, offering solutions that cater to the growing need for sustainable packaging materials. From creative design to environmentally conscious materials, SML’s EcoInspire™ range ensures your packaging is aesthetically pleasing and aligned with global sustainability standards.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Select from environmentally responsible materials that reduce your carbon footprint without compromising durability or design.
Global Product Quality Consistency
Our global in-house production capabilities and localized services allow us to deliver quality, consistent, color-accurate packaging within short lead times, no matter your manufacturing region. compromising durability or design.
Transit Testing
We work with you to understand your supply chain and ensure the proper testing is conducted so your product and package look incredible on the shelf.
Quality Assurance
Packaging that complies with environmental regulations, backed by certifications that validate our commitment to sustainability.
EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging Overview
The environmental impact of traditional packaging is a growing concern in today’s world. Such packaging often relies on finite resources like petroleum-based plastics, leading to significant resource depletion. The production process of these materials is energy-intensive, contributing to a larger carbon footprint, while the extraction and manufacturing of raw materials demand substantial water resources. Additionally, the use of virgin materials, particularly in paper production, leads to deforestation and considerable air and water pollution. The reliance on these virgin materials generates substantial waste, exacerbating environmental degradation.
EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging emerges as a vital solution in this context, designed to reduce adverse environmental impacts significantly. These packaging options, leveraging materials like FSC™ (FSC™-C012345/FSC™-C151701/FSC™-C147877) and GRS-certified substances, recycled components, compostable materials, and non-solvent-based inks, play a crucial role in waste reduction, carbon emission mitigation, and resource conservation. By minimizing the use of virgin materials and focusing on a circular economy, EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging reduces greenhouse gas emissions and curtails air and land pollution while preserving vital forest resources.
Through a detailed comparison of these sustainable materials against their traditional counterparts, EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging highlights the significant environmental benefits and addresses the challenges of using recycled materials. The aim is to balance quality with ecological responsibility.
Features and Benefits of EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Utilizes Forest Stewardship Council™(FSC™) or GRS-certified materials, recycled content, and non-solvent-based inks.
- Circular Economy Support: Aids in waste reduction and material reuse, conserving resources and minimizing waste.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Lowers greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, protecting natural habitats.
- Comprehensive Range: Offers a diverse selection of sustainable packaging materials, including bioplastics, recycled materials, and innovative products such as:
- Plastic Seal with String Made with Recycled Materials
- Polybag with PLA Material & 100% Recycled LDPE Polybag
- Recycled Swift Tack
- Eco String
- High-Quality Alternatives: Provides comparable or superior quality to traditional packaging materials.
- Brand Image Enhancement: Demonstrates a company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts, attracting eco-conscious consumers and reinforcing a positive brand image.
- Cost-Efficiency: Reduces waste disposal fees and may offer transportation and storage efficiency.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets standards set by various environmental agencies and policies.
Implementing Sustainable Packaging in Your Business
Adopting sustainable packaging is a strategic decision that aligns with environmental responsibility and brings multiple benefits in cost savings, enhanced brand reputation, and regulatory compliance. However, this transition also presents challenges such as cost considerations, meeting consumer expectations, supply chain management complexities, and technical limitations.
SML is dedicated to navigating these challenges with businesses, offering solutions tailored for effective implementation:
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: We conduct thorough cost analyses to ensure long-term financial advantages.
- Brand Engagement: Our team works closely with brands, continuously addressing concerns and using feedback to improve products.
- Standards Development: We develop and maintain standards that align with sustainability goals, ensuring supplier compliance.
- Collaborative Innovation: SML collaborates with experts to find innovative solutions, adapting them to fit unique business situations.
Talk to SML’s Sustainable Packaging experts today to start your transition to a future focused on sustainability with effective packaging solutions.
Discover the ideal solution for your packaging needs with our range of sustainable options
Explore our Sustainable Packaging Collection, meticulously crafted to minimize environmental impact while maximizing your business efficiency and appeal.
EcoInspire™ Recycled Packaging
Crafted for environmental sustainability and responsible forest management:
- Available in FSC™ mix-certified, FSC™ Recycled-certified, and other recycled paper options
- FSC™-certified paper ensures sourcing from responsibly managed forests
- Embracing FSC™-certified mix and recycled paper supports the circular economy by reducing reliance on virgin tree fiber and minimizing paper waste
EcoInspire™ Eco Hanger Collection
- Crafted using recycled and recyclable materials, the solutions demonstrate a reduced environmental impact.
- Leveraging FSC™ certified materials, we ensure a commitment to responsible sourcing.
- Fully customizable, the solutions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of a variety of garments.
EcoInspire™ Recycled Seal
We expand its sustainable product line with the EcoInspire™ Recycled Seal:
- Made entirely from 100% recycled plastic on the seal, emphasizing an eco-conscious construction
- Features a recycled cotton string, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability
EcoInspire™ Polybag with PLA Material & 100% Recycled LDPE Polybag
Presenting an eco-friendly approach to packaging:
- Compared to oil-based plastics, the PLA material ensures compostability and lower toxicity upon incineration
- Opting for 100% recycled LDPE over virgin materials reduces the environmental toll of plastic production and disposal
EcoInspire™ Recycled Swift Tack
Reflecting an eco-conscious approach:
- Combines virgin and recycled polypropylene (PP) for a greener product choice
- Incorporates 25% to 40% recycled PP, aligning with sustainability goals
EcoInspire™ Eco String
Expertly made from recycled polyester yarn, weaving sustainability into its core
EcoInspire™ Sustainable Labels
Blend sustainability with smart branding, boosting both environmental stewardship and profitability for innovative retailers and brands.
- Uses eco-friendly materials like recycled yarn and non-solvent-based inks for minimal environmental impact
- Perfectly complements your commitment to sustainability, enhancing your brand’s green credentials
- Designed for various retail environments, ensuring longevity without compromising style or functionality
Sustainable Materials
We continue to develop new types of sustainable packaging that meet both the aesthetic needs of your brand and your waste reduction and recycling objectives.
Water-based Ink
Water-based inks do not contain PVC or phthalates and do not require solvents for cleaning equipment. They contain fewer oil-based chemicals and are less harmful, making them safe for use with underwear, swimwear, and baby clothes. Not applicable to all products.
Bamboo
Bamboo is hypoallergenic, absorbent, fast-drying, and naturally anti-bacterial. It is extremely durable and soft as silk, and it grows quickly — producing 10 times the yield of cotton with less use of water, pesticides, and fertilizers. Not applicable to all products.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is softer, more breathable, and higher quality than non-organic cotton. It is grown free of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and without the use of chlorine bleach, synthetic dyes, or any synthetic agricultural chemicals. Not applicable to all products.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester offers excellent quality for less energy than virgin polyester. The recycled material preserves the virgin oil needed to manufacture new fibers, and the applications are unlimited. Not applicable to all products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered sustainable packaging?
Sustainable packaging involves materials and processes that have minimal environmental impact. This includes using renewable resources, ensuring easy recyclability, reducing production emissions, and focusing on lifecycle sustainability. SML has several sustainable packaging options for various applications. Talk to our EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging Experts today: https://www.sml.com/contact-us/.
What is the most sustainable plastic packaging?
The most sustainable plastic packaging is often bioplastics made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. These materials are compostable and have a lower carbon footprint than conventional plastics.
What are some eco-friendly packaging options for small businesses?
Small businesses can opt for recycled paper, compostable plastics, plant-based packing peanuts, and cardboard. Eco-friendly labels and inks can also be used to enhance packaging sustainability.
Can you recommend sustainable packaging companies?
Several companies specialize in sustainable packaging solutions. Look for those with certifications in environmental stewardship and a proven track record of using eco-friendly materials and processes. SML has been powering brand transformation for more than 35 years. Our EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging line is an excellent place to start. Talk to our sustainable packaging experts today: https://www.sml.com/contact-us/.
What makes a packaging material sustainable?
A packaging material is sustainable if it’s sourced from renewable resources, has a low environmental impact during production, is recyclable or compostable, and reduces waste through its lifecycle.
What are some things to consider when choosing sustainable packaging?
Consider the material’s source, recyclability, compostability, production emissions, and the overall lifecycle impact. Also, evaluate how the packaging aligns with your product needs and brand values.
What are the challenges and barriers to sustainable packaging?
Challenges include:
• Higher upfront costs
• Finding reliable suppliers
• Managing the transition process
• Educating customers
• Adhering to industry standards
• Compatibility with existing packaging processes can also be a barrier
SML’s EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging experts can help you overcome these challenges: https://sml.com
/contact-us/.
How do you transition your business to sustainable packaging?
Start by assessing your current packaging materials and processes. Research sustainable alternatives, consult with eco-friendly packaging providers, and gradually replace conventional materials with sustainable ones. SML has been partnering with global brands and retailers for over 35 years. Contact our EcoInspire™ Sustainable Packaging experts today and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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