Is Your Sustainable Packaging Ruining Your Shelf Life?

Sustainability in packaging is no longer just a trend; it's a necessity. Brands across industries are turning to eco-friendly materials to meet consumer demands and regulatory requirements. A key question is whether sustainable packaging can harm a product's shelf life. In this blog, we'll explore how to choose sustainable materials to preserve or even enhance a product's freshness.

How Packaging Relates to Shelf Life

The primary function of packaging is to protect your product from outside elements, such as moisture, oxygen, light, and temperature changes. Traditional plastic packaging has long provided excellent barrier properties, but sustainable packaging materials are gaining traction as more companies adopt sustainable packaging. While these materials are better for the environment, they may not always offer the same level of protection.

Common Sustainable Packaging Options and Their Impact on Shelf Life

	Pros	Cons	Solutions
Compostable Packaging	Reduces waste, made from renewable resources.	May have weaker barriers to moisture and oxygen, leading to a shorter shelf life.	Multi-layer compostable film with enhanced barrier coating.
Recyclable Packaging	Easier to integrate into existing recycling systems, reduces carbon footprint.	Some recyclable plastics may not have the same airtightness.	High-barrier recyclable PE or PP films that maintain product integrity.
Paper Packaging	Biodegradable, lightweight, consumer-friendly.	Susceptible to moisture and grease penetration.	Use bio-based coatings or foil-lined barriers for added protection.

How to preserve shelf life with sustainable packaging

To ensure your move to sustainable packaging doesn't negatively impact shelf life, consider the following strategies:

1. Choose high-barrier sustainable materials

Technological advances have led to the development of plant-based barrier coatings, waterproof papers, and compostable biofilms that help prevent moisture and oxygen penetration.

2. Implement modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)

For food and perishable items, MAP technology can help preserve freshness by regulating oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the package.

3. Use multi-layer structures

Even in sustainable packaging, multi-layer options can be designed to improve barrier properties while maintaining recyclability or compostability.

4. Conduct shelf-life testing

Before launching a new packaging solution, work with your supplier to conduct shelf life testing to measure the material's effectiveness in maintaining product quality.

Switching to sustainable packaging doesn't have to mean sacrificing shelf life. With the right materials, technology, and expert guidance, companies can achieve sustainability and product longevity.

At BioPack, we provide sustainable packaging solutions tailored to your product needs. Our materials are rigorously tested to ensure they maintain optimal performance while meeting your sustainability goals.