Sustainable Packaging for a Healthier Planet: How CPG Brands Can Reduce Waste and Boost Value

Every Earth Day is a great reminder of the power small changes can make. For food and beverage brands, sustainable packaging is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and protect both products and the planet. But it’s not just about being eco-friendly—smart packaging choices can also improve shelf life, prevent spoilage, and offer better value for your customers.

If you're looking for ways to rethink your packaging, here are four practical, sustainability-minded strategies to consider:

1. Barrier Properties That Help Products Last Longer

When it comes to keeping products fresh, barrier properties do a lot of heavy lifting. At Associated Labels and Packaging, we customize film layers based on the oxygen transfer rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) your product needs. Whether your goods are heading to store shelves or warehouse storage, these tailored barriers help prevent spoilage and extend shelf life—reducing unnecessary food waste along the way.

2. Breathable Packaging with Macro & Micro-Perforation

For fresh foods like produce, breathability matters. Our Packmaster Cross Web and Web Direction laser systems allow us to offer both macro and micro-perforation to your flexible packaging and lidding film. This technology gives your product just the right amount of airflow to help slow down spoilage naturally—while still keeping everything protected and safe.

3. Resealable Closures That Keep Freshness In

Simple features like zippers or easy-peel seals can go a long way in helping consumers keep food fresh after opening. Not only does this make the experience more convenient, it also helps reduce waste from products going stale too soon. We also offer tamper-evident and child-resistant closures to help ensure your product remains sealed and secure until it's ready to be used.

4. Single-Serve Options for Better Portion Control

Single-serve packaging—like sachets and bar wrappers—can be a smart way to cut down on food waste. It’s great for consumers who are on the go or simply want better portion control. And to help support your sustainability goals, we offer film options that are recyclable, made from post-consumer recycled content (PCR), compostable, or lightweight to reduce material usage.

Waste Less, Deliver More

Being mindful of waste doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or customer satisfaction. With the right sustainable packaging strategy, your brand can offer products that stay fresher longer, deliver a better experience to customers, and support environmental responsibility—all at the same time.

Let’s design packaging that works better for your product, your customers, and the planet.

Ready to get started? Request a quote and speak to one of our packaging specialists today.