But the role of manufacturers in the circular economy doesn’t stop when a product is sold: brands also have a role to play in ensuring their products actually make it as far as the recycling bin.

Here’s how companies can engage their consumers to reduce and recycle:

Choosing the right materials and right-sizing them

Aim for the minimum amount of material needed to protect your products, thus reducing the amount of waste your customers will have to dispose of. At the same time, aim for packaging that is certified as recyclable via conventional recycling streams, such as metallized paper. 

Providing customers with clear recycling instructions

Unclear or nonexistent recycling instructions create a guessing game for consumers, which often ends up with packaging materials going in the household trash. Labelling should not only lay out your sustainability commitments (such as using FSC-certified materials) but also provide clear disposal instructions. Remember to include information such as what materials the packaging is made from and whether it can be recycled at kerbside or needs to be brought to another location. 

Making extra information available on your website

In-pack information should be kept short and sweet, but your website “About Us” page is a good way to provide more information about your sustainability policies and your company-wide approach to recycling. Adding a QR code to your packaging enables consumers to access that information in a matter of seconds.

Nissha Metallizing Solutions works with businesses worldwide to help them make their packaging more sustainable. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.