Category: Packaging

What Is Packaging Greenwashing?

Posted on by WholesalePak

At the moment, people are having a bit of a crisis of confidence when it comes to recyclable packaging. It seems each week new recyclable materials are invented that are biodegradable, compostable, reusable – anything you want.

But in reality, is this just “greenwashing“?

THE PLA CONTROVERSY

PLA stands for polylactic acid. It’s a plastic derived from natural materials such as cornstarch, tapioca, and sugarcane. You can check out a more detailed description of PLA on our materials glossary page, which provides you with an in depth description of some of WholesalePak’s most commonly sourced materials.

Currently, PLA is marketed as a recyclable, biodegradable material and, as a result, it’s fast becoming a popular food packaging material. However, recently PLA has come under fire because it’s only recyclable if it’s composted commercially, under high temperatures. Some argue PLA takes such a long time to decompose in traditional landfills, it doesn’t deserve the title of biodegradable.

WHAT WE THINK

WholesalePak still thinks of PLA as a sustainable product because it is made from abundant natural materials, which is far better than petroleum-based plastics. It is also fine to use if you live in a city or state that has a commercial compost to sort PLA products into. However, we understand the other side of the argument.

WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT PLA?

Many straws are made out of PLA plastics. You might be wondering, what are WholesalePak’s straws made out of? Introducing our new, biodegradable eco-straws. Made from Oxo Biodegradable plastic and compliant with the Australian ASTM D6954-04 (2013) standards for exposing and testing of degradable plastics, Oxo Biodegradable is the perfect compromise.

HOW DOES OXO BIODEGRADABLE WORK?

Oxo Biodegradable plastics combine traditional (non-degradable) plastics such as PE, PP and PET with a pro-degradant additive called ‘reverte’. This breaks the polymer’s molecular chains, meaning at the end of OB’s life – the product falls apart. The oxidisation process then allows the product to break even further down in a biodegradable sense, either in a landfill environment or even in an open environment within 9 months. The straw will eventually become carbon dioxide, water and biomass. Yay for science!

What’s the lesson here? We think it’s that, unfortunately, there is no lazy man or women’s way when it comes to living an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. We should always support eco-product and industry, but it’s up to us at the end of the day to do our homework and check whether our plastics are recyclable. That being said, do your homework and check out WholesalePak’s new biodegradable straws! They’re environmentally sustainable, and importantly a step in the right direction towards protecting planet Earth.

If you’d like more information or any specific details regarding the certifications of these products, please get in touch with Wholesalepak.

Are Mason Jars Still On Trend?

Posted on by WholesalePak

To Mason jar or not to Mason jar? That is the question. The Mason jar trend took the world by storm several years ago, suddenly appearing on tables at weddings, adorned with fairy lights and filled with wildflowers or in cafes topped up with smoothies, layered varieties of Bircher muesli and one jar salads. Every well meaning hipster around town could be seen clutching a Mason jar reverently to their chest, filled with their favourite beverage or even distributing these at private events to friends keen on sampling their favourite drop of organic wine or boutique beer.

But have Mason jars finished their time in the spotlight, to be left grasping desperately for former glory, kinda like Madonna kissing Britney Spears at the MTV Video Music Awards?

ARE MASON JARS STILL PART OF THE CAFE CULTURE?

Mason Jar Cafe(Credit: @wanderfulcasey)

While Mason jars aren’t seen as prevalent as when they were first introduced on the cafe scene, these are still a popular accessory in restaurants and cafes around Sydney – especially those selling healthy or rustic food and beverage varieties.

As Mason jars are an inexpensive, simple and easy way to serve all types of drinks and dishes, it’s unlikely that any savvy vegetarian or health food and beverage retailer will release their hold on this item. And quite frankly, who could blame them? The Mason jar appeals to our innate desires and products presented in a Mason jar are often seen as more authentic, less mass-produced and of course, more organic.

Just take a look at Perth based company The Juicist if you’re not catching our drift.

 

WHERE ARE MASON JARS GOING IN THE FUTURE?

The Juicist Mason Jar

(Credit: @thejuicist)

Although Mason jars aren’t as big a trend as when first introduced, it’s unlikely we’ll see this homely vessel ride off into the sunset any time soon – if any vegan or hipster worth their weight has anything to do with it!

If you enjoyed this article, you’re sure to love our take on Eastern Suburbs coffee etiquette!

Wanting to add the Mason jar trend to your cafe or restaurant? Take a look at our range of jars and bottles for some beautiful designs!

Three Sustainable Materials Used For Food Packaging

Posted on by WholesalePak

Sustainable business practices are the future.

These days, customers are becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and are increasingly concerned about the origins of the materials they use. If you are a business looking to make your food packaging more sustainable, then consider these three eco-friendly materials.

#1. FALLEN PALM LEAVES

Palm Leaves

If you’ve ever owned a palm tree, you’ll know just how many palm fronds fall off your tree each year. They end up on the ground and eventually in the bin, so why not use all of these fallen leaves to make disposable food packaging? There are many companies that use compostable fallen palm leaves and water to create Eco-packaging with a beautiful wood-like colour and sleek texture – this way, trees no longer need to be cut down.

#2. BAMBOO

Bamboo

If you are into sustainability, then you have no doubt heard about the Eco-wonder that is bamboo. Bamboo is one of the most abundant plant species on Earth and, as it is technically a grass and not wood, it is extremely fast growing and can be harvested every four to five years. This bamboo can then be pulped and pressed to create disposable food packaging. Bamboo dinnerware is 100% biodegradable and Eco-friendly, as well as being strong and sturdy. Bamboo food packaging also has a natural woody colour and smooth texture.

#3. SUGARCANE

Sugarcane

Sugarcane food packaging is made by processing and pressing sugarcane pulp. Like bamboo, sugar cane is fast-growing and can be harvested a lot quicker than most commercial woods. Likewise, it can be used to create sturdy and versatile dinnerware that can house a wide variety of foods. Sugarcane food packaging is becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that it is grease and water resistant, fridge and freezer safe and microwave safe (up to 220°C). Sugarcane food packaging is 100% renewable and compostable.

At WholesalePak we know that sustainable business practices are the key to a sustainable future. If you need some inspiration for sustainable food packaging, check our large range of Ecoware products.

Three Unsung Perks of Using Eco-Friendly Takeaway Containers

Posted on by WholesalePak

Sandwich wrappings, plastic containers, polystyrene coffee cups, etc… The number of things we use once and throw away is almost endless – piling high in our landfills and littering the ocean.

If you run a business that uses disposable packaging, then the solution to this huge environmental problem is simple – switch to using eco-friendly packaging.

After all, cutting out packaging that takes hundreds of years to decompose and replacing it with products like biocane plates and cups made from sugarcane pulp is far more beneficial for the preservation of our planet.

Our environmental footprint is, of course, extremely crucial to the well-being of the planet on which we inhabit, but what about your business? Here are some of the business-related perks of eco-friendly packaging that do not get as much attention as they perhaps should…

#1. IMMEDIATELY STRENGTHEN YOUR BRAND

Up until a few years ago, flying the flag for your company’s environmental credentials put you in rare company. However, with issues like global warming and ecological damage from human activity now at the forefront of sociopolitical concerns and debates, environmental matters have begun to dominate the media and shape the ways we think about the environment.

Taking this into account, many cafes and restaurants are incorporating sustainable packaging materials for their customers to use – which reflects a burning desire and an increased commitment to do their part, no matter how big or small, to help preserve the planet. Ecoware has become both trendy and essential in ensuring that your business reflects this message.

 

 

When you incorporate eco-friendly packaging into your business, you are signalling that your business is one that is ready to adopt a sense of leadership and take positive steps in order to ensure the preservation of our planet and all of its natural beauty. Your company is hence recognised as relevant, smart and caring as opposed to wasteful. As your clients become more mindful of this, they will feel more inclined to purchase your products and far more content when doing so!

#2. INCREASE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

The best kind of business is, of course, repeat business. With this in mind, what better way is there to ensure that you keep your customers coming back than to use eco-friendly containers, which ensures a guilt-free experience for both them and for you?

Your customers are sure to be impressed by the eco-friendly packaging you provide, so much so that it may ultimately prompt them to consider your establishment as a cut above the rest; those who do not pay attention to eco-friendly packaging

By differentiating yourself from the competition through something positive, you will gain social cachet – customers will talk about your packaging and praise your business, enhancing your reputation and, therefore, your profitability.

#3. FEEL BETTER ABOUT THE WORK YOU’RE DOING

In business, just as in life, knowing that you’ve made a difference is an extremely rewarding feeling. By switching to eco-friendly packaging in your business, you will make a tangible change that greatly benefits planet Earth, makes your customers feel good about purchasing your product and may even bring you a smile or two.

At WholesalePak we are passionate about using our Ecoware products to change the world. By making the switch, you have an opportunity to to define your business as environmentally friendly, strengthen brand recognition and improve customer experience. All you have to do is make the change – you can see our range of products right here.

The Trend Towards Branded Packaging: Why It’s Great For Your Business

Posted on by WholesalePak

Failing to fully embrace and exploit the immense power of branding is something your business cannot afford. You work hard to develop and differentiate your brand – stirring the emotions and loyalty of your customers and standing out in the marketplace – so why would you not apply that to every aspect of your business, from top to bottom? It is easy to assume that, because your product and your customer service are excellent, the packaging doesn’t really matter. But it has been demonstrated that, in many or in fact in most cases, the quality of custom packaging – how it looks on the shelf and is presented to the world – can be just as important as the product itself. If it’s down to a choice between your product and your main competitor’s, it could be the quality of your packaging that makes the difference between a one-off purchase and then a lifetime of loyalty, or simply missing the bus altogether.

BE PRODUCT PROUD

Just as your brand represents what your product stands for, how you wrap it up and present it to your loyal customers shows how proud you are of your business – and how they can be too. Anyone who has bought and unpacked a top-of-the-line, premium watch or electrical product, for instance, will tell you that superb product packaging is a crucial and important part of the overall experience of consuming. It makes you feel good about what you have bought even before you have fully unwrapped it.

Effective brand packaging is an extremely powerful marketing tool

EXPAND YOUR OFFERING

Presenting your product with beautiful, quality packaging extends your level of customer service and pride in your brand to the very experience of seeing it on the shelf and unwrapping it. It says as much about your brand and your product as anything else can, and – in a market where 95% of all new products ultimately fail – it can be the difference between success and failure.

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

It is a fundamental mistake to think packaging is purely practical: ‘It’s only there to protect the product from damage’. Wrong.

In an often crowded marketplace, great packaging makes your product stand out. It catches the eye of a busy consumer. It represents better quality, the right values, an affinity with the intended market and that it is better than the alternatives. For this reason, companies can often notice a marked improvement – or decline – in how a product sells simply based on wise or unwise changes to packaging design.

Why You Need Ecoware and Printed Packaging in 2016

Posted on by WholesalePak

Want your business to shine in 2016? Then you must put attention to the details; and this starts with selecting the right packaging.

IS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IMPORTANT TO YOUR BRAND VOICE?

By embracing the latest ecoware you demonstrate first-hand your commitment to the environment and how you wish to contribute to sustainability. Being ‘Green’ is no longer a buzz-word but a philosophy that your business adopts to reduce its carbon foot-print.

Eco-friendly packaging isn’t just about biodegradable packaging – it’s about minimising waste through the entire lifecycle of the product, from production to waste. Customers are becoming more conscious of sustainability efforts, and will look for providers that engage in environmentally safe practices. The terms disposable and take-away have negative connotations of ‘waste’ and ‘rubbish’ and ‘pollution’. Show your customers this doesn’t have to be the case by using Ecoware food packaging.

Many cafes and restaurants are now viewing eco-friendly products as must-have
I’m sure there are owners or managers who might be asking – but how much extra would all this Ecoware cost? For a disposable coffee cup – it will only cost an extra couple CENTS per cup. Not a bad price to pay for looking after the environment is it?

The environment should no longer be an afterthought in 2016, and the businesses that will shine will be those that are perceived as environmentally-conscious.

Check out our latest Ecoware range here.

HAVE A GREAT BRAND, BUT DIFFICULTY CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE?

Branded packaging is one way you can build exposure to your business.

Do you have social media contests and hashtags you want your customers to participate in? Advertise these promotions on your coffee cups or burger boxes to help build engagement. Creativity is what will separate businesses’ in 2016 and you need to make sure you aren’t left behind!

Custom-printed packaging provides benefits outside of social media contests as well. What about that fantastic logo you have that you feel doesn’t get enough awareness? Inserting the logo in creative ways on your take-away coffee cups, containers, and boxes can really help brand recognition – just try to think of something original and don’t shy away from doing what your competitors won’t! This broad reach will maximise the impact of your marketing dollar.

Custom printed supplies can add to your brand’s voice 

Thinking for the perspective of your customers – whenever they are checking in, following, liking, friending and sharing your brand – your products will stand out thanks to your creative packaging. Food packaging doesn’t have to be bland and boring – get the competitive edge and invest in custom-printed products today!  Your customers will love you for it.

To get Custom Packaging – fill out our form here.

At WholesalePak we believe Ecoware and custom-printed food packaging will help differentiate your brand in 2016. These two approaches will help define your business as environmentally friendly while assisting with brand recognition. Don’t be left in the dark in 2016 – propel your brand with WholesalePak.