Packaging World just released a podcast discussing their first-ever Annual Outlook Report survey. Their findings highlighted a resilient global truth: when costs go up, customers resist. Shoppers often express support for eco-friendly packaging, but in stores, they vote with their wallets.
For more than a decade, our company has partnered with brands to identify packaging materials that are both environmentally promising and commercially viable. It’s a tall order. Materials must run at scale, meet performance demands, and still make financial sense.
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned comes from Japan: rather than relying on vague buzzwords like sustainability, it’s far more effective to emphasize concepts that are measurable, tangible, and impactful. Enter source reduction. The Packaging World team discussed this in their reactions to the survey.
Their conversation highlighted some nuance: source reduction is not always low-hanging fruit. In fact, cutting materials can lead to performance trade-offs or even higher costs as different substrates are utilized.
But there’s one format where the math works. Stick packs.
Compared to traditional sachets, they can reduce material use by 15-40% per unit. That’s a clear, immediate step toward lower costs and lower environmental impact. Paired with commercial feasibility, stick packs become a formidable foe in the materials space.
(Our customers have been telling this story for years).
Bottom line: applying one solution everywhere is impractical. Source reduction only works when it can create a true win-win, when sustainability metrics improve while costs stay low. The future of packaging will undoubtedly involve more recyclable, earth-friendly materials. But right now, we can make a meaningful difference by using less packaging in the first place. Better for brands, consumers, and the planet.
– Neil
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CATEGORIES: Neil's Corner, Stick Packs
