How We Produce Eco-Friendly Packaging

At Meridian, we take our commitment to sustainability very seriously. We believe that as a manufacturer that puts physical material out into the world, it is important to minimise any negative impact that we may have on the environment around us, and prove to others in the industry what is possible in terms of environmental responsibility.

We know that meeting industry and stakeholder expectations for sustainability can be a struggle for businesses, but with the right knowledge and resources around you, we can help you reach those goals.  

Why is Sustainability Important?

You may be wondering why we are so passionate about sustainability, and the answer is simple. It is because we all have an impact on this planet, and we want to make sure we are keeping ours as positive as possible.

Nobody wants to leave their home worse than they found it.

Recyclable vs Biodegradable vs Compostable

First, you must understand the differences between Recyclable, Biodegradable and Compostable products. While there can be overlap between where different elements of the same packaging fit into these categories, they are not the same thing.

Recyclable  

These are materials like paper, cardboard, glass, and some plastics that are gathered and processed into new products. To make sure they can actually be recycled, it’s important that they’re cleaned and sorted correctly before processing. This is why many homes have different types of recycling bins for different materials, such as plastic and glass.

Compostable  

This includes materials that break down naturally into harmless substances such as water, some natural gases, and organic matter. Usually, they do this within just a few months, provided that they’re composted in the right conditions.  

Biodegradable  

These are materials that will gradually decompose with the help of bacteria or fungi over time. However, this process can take a while and might not happen properly if they end up in a landfill.

Recyclable & FSC Certified Solutions

Here at Meridian, we source our paper and card-based products from FSC-certified sources. The FSC is a board that ensures that all providers with their certification are operating in a way that protects sustainable forestry and avoids mass deforestation.  All of them are curated from responsibly managed forests that stick to high environmental and ethical standards.

Since more than 82% of our packaging is made from carton board, this can offer you an easy path to lessen your brand’s environmental footprint and get closer to achieving your sustainability targets.

Benefits of Eco Packaging for Businesses

Support your environmental goals and climate commitments

Many organisations now aim to do better for the environment through ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) measures. Using eco-friendly packaging shows your commitment to these goals and helps you reach targets like cutting carbon emissions or achieving net-zero emissions across your business. 

Reducing harm to the environment and helping to save natural resources

By choosing materials that can be recycled or sourced responsibly, your business can help cut down on waste ending up in landfills. This reduces the need to use new raw materials and lessens pollution from making and disposing of packaging.

Match what shops and customers want

Modern customers tend to be more aware of environmental issues and often choose brands that align with their personal sustainability views. By using eco-friendly packaging, you can meet this growing demand by appealing to customers who value environmental care, as well as building good relationships with retailers who prioritise sustainability. This can also boost how customers perceive your brand and encourage brand loyalty from those environmentally conscious consumers. 

Keep your business compliant with UK and global legislation

The rules about packaging waste are changing all the time and are becoming stricter as time goes on. In the UK, laws like the Plastic Packaging Tax mean that companies need to meet specific standards. By choosing packaging that follows these rules, your business can be more prepared for current and future requirements, and will help you avoid fines or disruptions that could come from not following them.

Choosing the Right Ethical Packaging Supplier

If you are concerned about the impact your company is having on the environment, then reducing your packaging waste is always a good way to start. But how do you decide which company to trust in supporting you?

Firstly, you should find out what their stances are on the issues that are important to you. Do they only use plastic packaging, or is it all recyclable? Do they have a sustainability commitment? Do they centre around the same values as you?

Secondly, you should find out where their packaging materials come from. If they are not forthcoming with this information, it is usually safe to assume that there is a reason for that. A company that is transparent about its practices should reassure you about how partnering with them will improve your brand.

Finally, it is important that you look into their affiliations and credentials. Don’t just take the company’s own world for it, see if any other reputable organisations endorse or partner with them. This way, you can check if external voices are confirming what you have been told.

Questions?

If you need any help or have any questions, please feel free to reach out, and a member of our team will be more than happy to help.

Want to find out more about our commitment to sustainability? You can read all about our values here –

https://meridianspecialitypackaging.com/sustainability/