By As environmental consciousness is on the rise, consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and eco-friendly practices from businesses. One significant area that has gained attention is packaging. Traditional packaging often contributes to environmental degradation, but some forward-thinking brands are leading the way by adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions. From receipts that detail the carbon emissions of your purchase to metal-free RFID tags, we gather the latest examples of paper and print in action.
The Guardian’s The Long Read
In a move that defied the trend of digital dominance, or one might say a step towards a sustainable future, The Guardian had revived its Long Read magazine in paper form. This revamped publication, now a ‘bookazine’, combines the best of both worlds by offering a luxurious reading experience in both bookstores and newsstands. With its luxurious paper stock and top-end design housing its 55,000 words, the print version is designed to provide an immersive and distraction-free experience for readers.
“We know that for many people, myself included, when it comes to long, immersive pieces, reading in print – without the distraction of your phone or emails and notifications pinging in – is still the most satisfying reading experience, and one that should be cherished in a climate so saturated by disturbance,” said Chris Clarke, Executive Creative Director of the title.
Uber Eats’ Compact Delivery Bags
In a bid to reduce waste and enhance convenience, Uber Eats joined forces with Detpak, a leading packaging manufacturer, to develop compact paper bags designed specifically for single or small meals, snacks, and individual drinks.
Crafted from recycled paper, these eco-friendly bags exemplify Detpak’s dedication to sustainability while providing businesses with a practical solution to streamline their delivery operations. With this innovative partnership, Uber Eats aims to minimize its environmental footprint while delivering delicious meals to customers across Australia and New Zealand.
Snack Shift
Walkers, a leading food brand, had made a significant shift towards sustainability by transitioning from plastic to paper packaging. Following a successful trial, the company rolled out paper bags for its Baked multipacks. PepsiCo UK and Ireland, Walkers’ parent company, highlighted that the new paper bags can be easily recycled at home and will significantly reduce the brand’s annual use of virgin plastic by 180 tonnes.
“We are constantly innovating new ways to remove virgin plastic in our packaging,” said Gareth Callan, Sustainable Packaging Lead at PepsiCo UK and Ireland. “It’s exciting to see our successful trial of this paper pack lead to a nationwide roll-out. At this scale, the new packaging will deliver a huge reduction in virgin plastic, while also helping to lower our carbon footprint.”
One Purchase, Two Receipts
Asket, a Swedish fashion brand, introduced a groundbreaking initiative to promote sustainability. With every purchase, customers will receive not one, but two receipts. The first is the standard transaction receipt, while the second is a carbon emissions receipt that details the environmental impact of their purchase. This innovative approach aims to raise awareness about the wastefulness of seasonal collections and fast-consumption habits, encouraging customers to think more critically about their consumption patterns.
The impact receipt will break down the environmental impact and cost of every Asket order, detailing the CO2 emissions, water usage and energy consumption required to make each garment, as well as the impact associated with the packaging and shipping choices.
“The aim is to encourage not only ourselves but also our customers and the industry as a whole to think about the environmental debt we’re creating,” said Sarah Arts, Head of Marketing for Asket. “But more than just disclosing information, we want to help people keep track of their consumption-based footprint.”
A Right Royal Welcome Back
Sky once again showcased its innovative approach to direct mail with its King’s Coronation mail pack, which had not only garnered a DMA Award nomination but also led to a significant increase in customer engagement. The mailer, a gold envelope with a personalized invitation, invited recipients to a “celebration of glorious entertainment” This celebration was to take place at a familiar venue: the recipient’s own home.
The piece of mail also offered “a majestic discount” to welcome back ex-customers “into the immersive Kingdom of Sky Signature and Netflix.” Recipients were invited to “sink into the sublime comfort of your cushioned throne and feast on the latest shows fit for royalty.”
Sent to 350,000 Sky customers, the results achieve a 105% better performance than the brand’s standard mailings. “It proves the power of a simple but well executed and beautifully crafted idea, and the effectiveness of using mail in fresh, surprising and interactive ways over the long-term,” said Nigel Edginton-Amor, Creative Director, Copy of Sky Creative.
The Metal-Free Chip
The problem of e-waste is growing, but while discarded devices such as IT equipment and smartphones are more visible, there is an increasing challenge with smaller items such as RFID tags. Used to track products around warehouses and stores, these tiny devices each contain a microchip and antenna.
However, the London-based start-up PulpaTronics came up with a solution: a fully recyclable paper RFID tag. Made without microchips and metal, the innovative tag is formed using a laser that inscribes a conductive circuit directly onto paper, with information stored in the paper circuit rather than a microchip. According to the company, each paper RFID tag offers a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to standard tag.
The shift towards innovative paper solutions marks a significant step in the journey towards a more sustainable future. As major brands lead the charge, their adoption of eco-friendly practices not only reduces environmental impact but also sets a powerful example for others to follow. From carbon-emission detailing receipts to recyclable paper RFID tags, these advancements highlight the potential for print technologies to evolve responsibly.
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