Businesses concerned about their environmental impact are looking to invest in more sustainable practices. One of the most popular ways for brands to cut their carbon footprint and showcase their environmental commitments is switching to sustainable packaging.

At Test Valley, we are committed to helping businesses protect the environment with cutting-edge sustainable packaging solutions. With over 40 years’ experience, we have worked closely with hundreds of companies spanning a multitude of industries to implement eco-friendly packaging.

With more businesses than ever looking to make the switch, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best sustainable packaging solutions available in 2022. Here are our top eco-friendly packaging products to look out for this year that offer other sustainable solutions to Test Valley’s void-fill & protection paper products.

Compostable or biodegradable packaging 

One of the leading packaging trends for 2022 is predicted to be compostable and biodegradable packaging. These packaging solutions go one step further than non-plastic or sustainably sourced materials – compostable packaging is a zero-waste solution that will biodegrade over time.

Vegware is a leading manufacturer of compostable packaging, offering a vast range of over 300 plant-based catering disposables that can be composted with food waste. Products include cutlery, tableware, hot and cold drinks cups and takeaway packaging. All of Vegware’s products are made from plants using renewable, lower carbon, recycled or reclaimed materials.

Established in 2019, Paboco is a joint venture between paper packaging material developer and bottle manufacturing specialist. Their first-generation bottle design is made from paper from FSC certified sources. Currently under development, the next generation bottle aims to be fully bio-based and printed with water-based inks.

Paboco has already partnered with leading global brands including Coca-Cola, Absolut, L’Oréal, Carlsberg and Lenor.

Plant-based packaging 

Plant-based packaging is growing in packaging due to its sustainable production and biodegradable qualities. Seaweed, hemp, and corn-based packaging are becoming increasingly prominent on the packaging market, and one of the trailblazing companies creating innovative products is Notpla.

Notpla crafts its packaging material from seaweed and other plant materials which biodegrade organically within weeks. Among Notpla’s leading products are plastic-free sachets, offering a waste-free alternative to plastic sauce pots and condiment sachets for the takeaway industry. Notpla have collaborated with Heinz to create sachets of ketchup that are 100 per cent biodegradable, home-compostable and vegan.

Refillable containers 

The store provides products in bulk, and customers bring their empty refillable containers and fill them with product (see image above). Cleaning and personal care products are often available this way.

Bring your own and reusable container initiatives are likely to continue to grow in popularity in 2022 as consumers become more eco-conscious. Stores buy products in bulk, including dry foods, cleaning, and self-care products, and then customers bring a reusable container to fill up.

Some large supermarket chains, such as Marks & Spencer, are already trialling this in some of their stores, while independent businesses focusing solely on this zero-packaging method are cropping up around the UK. 

Many businesses are selling reusable containers, but one industry-leader is Clean Natured. Launched in 2016, Clean Natured offers a range of stylish and sustainable glass bottles that are designed to be used again and again. Their spray and pump bottles are designed for a myriad of household purposes, including shampooing, handwashing and cleaning, plus bespoke bottles for pets and children. 

Sustainability is certainly the main subject within the packaging industry and it’s great to see the environmentally friendly innovations coming in 2022 in all different sectors. Test Valley have been working hard this year to release all of our plastic products with at least 30% recycled content, you can view these products here or if you’d like to discuss paper-based, sustainable packaging solutions for your business, get in touch with Test Valley today.