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What is a sustainable product?
Sustainable products are those made with respect for the environment and mindful of their ecological footprint. They are manufactured through clean, non-polluting processes, optimizing the resources used or relying on renewable energy.
Thanks to this practical approach, these products can last over time without compromising the future of coming generations.
More than a passing trend, these durable products represent a paradigm shift in how we produce and consume. Sustainability makes us aware of the need to change deeply ingrained harmful habits.
Examples of products with sustainable design
Sustainable packaging is designed to protect the environment from the waste we generate through packaging. This methodology is based on the circular economy, which involves reducing, recycling and reusing raw materials as many times as possible.
Here are four examples for different types of businesses:
1. Eco-friendly packaging for cosmetics
The beauty industry is responsible for a large amount of plastic waste and consumption, especially in packaging for creams, shampoos and makeup.
That’s why it’s crucial to consider sustainable materials when designing packaging.
One recommendation: replace plastic containers with glass containers (returnable where possible) and use sustainable packaging materials. At Kaeltia we can help you with the eco-design of your packaging.
2. Sustainable packaging in the food industry
Sustainable packaging in the food industry (especially for takeaway food and supermarket products) plays a key role in protecting health and the environment.
Replacing plastic with biodegradable materials reduces the negative effects of waste generation and management, as well as the intake of microplastics, a growing health concern.
This practice is also aligned with the circular economy principles set out in our legislation, such as the Waste and Contaminated Soils Act for a Circular Economy, which transposes the EU Directive into Spanish law. Find out how we work on environmental labelling and green claims.
3. Reusable cutlery
There are various reusable cutlery options on the market that are environmentally friendly and help avoid single-use plastic.
Once again, it’s worth adapting your business to current regulations and discouraging unnecessary plastic use.
A great option is biodegradable cutlery capable of breaking down easily in the environment without causing future problems. It stands out for being both affordable and innovative.
4. Multi-purpose wrapping design
Multi-purpose wrapping design aims to maximize the usefulness of packaging materials: the wrapping is designed to serve a second function or be reused after its initial purpose.
For example, a fabric bag that, besides protecting the product during transport, can later be used as a reusable shopping bag.
Advantages of buying and producing sustainable products
Let’s look at the benefits of consuming and producing these products:
- No toxins or harmful chemicals. They are disposable and don’t contain substances harmful to the environment. Being biodegradable, they break down easily in nature, unlike plastic-based products.
- They reduce the carbon footprint thanks to their clean processes. Find out how we carry out carbon footprint measurement.
- They optimize resources and energy, helping to reduce excessive consumption of raw materials.
- Versatile, reusable and recyclable, extending their useful life and reducing the need for new polluting materials.
In short, consuming sustainable products brings multiple benefits for our environment. In addition, from a corporate standpoint, companies that pollute or fail to respect the environment generate a negative image.
Below, we explain the importance of corporate social responsibility.
Sustainability as a competitive advantage
Implementing sustainable practices generates benefits highly valued by consumers. With solid corporate sustainability, we build trust and a strong brand image, while also creating value for society.
Beyond the practices that are easy to incorporate, your business can also benefit from:
- Cost reduction: cutting energy spending, paper consumption or waste generation leads to lower costs.
- Customer acquisition: there’s growing preference for projects committed to the environment. Environmental awareness influences purchasing decisions: consumers value businesses not only for what they do or offer, but also for what they represent.
- Tax benefits: current legislation promotes sustainable practices through incentives for companies that meet corporate sustainability targets.
- Long-term future: a brand committed to sustainability secures its long-term outlook more solidly, strengthening its market position and increasing its ability to adapt to change.
How to build a brand committed to the environment
According to the international Green Response Report 2021, Spain is one of the countries most aware of the importance of sustainable practices that help reduce global warming. This is just one example of how optimizing resources and the circular economy benefit the planet, and also your business.
The question is how to take that step in your company. At Kaeltia, we’re committed to product sustainability and to building greener companies: with a highly qualified team, we advise companies that want to improve their products and/or services through eco-design and adapt to legislation through the circular economy, from a holistic and integrated approach.
Discover our eco-design approach for greener companies.
Choose a greener future with us! Get in touch with our team.
