In the first part of our blog post, we explored Connected Packaging and Reusable Packaging – two trends that are transforming the packaging industry. But innovation doesn’t stop there: sustainable packaging solutions are increasingly coming into focus to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.
In this second part, we take a closer look at three more key trends: Refillable Packaging, which optimizes packaging for long-term reuse; home-compostable materials, which support biological cycles; and recyclability, which plays a central role in a functioning circular economy.
How Greiner Packaging Detects and Redefines Trends
Do you already know our first part of this blog series?
Refillable packaging offers a sustainable alternative to single-use products. Reusable containers allow consumers to use packaging multiple times, reducing waste and promoting more conscious consumption habits.
Why is refillable packaging so important?
Resource conservation: Refillable packaging reduces the use of raw materials and minimizes waste.
Lower CO₂ emissions: Producing refillable solutions has a smaller environmental footprint than traditional single-use packaging.
More mindful consumption: Refill systems encourage sustainable product use and support a circular mindset.
Cost benefits: Consumers benefit from lower long-term refill prices, while companies reduce production costs through material savings.
Real-world example Greiner Packaging’s Trigger Refill Bottle is a smart, eco-friendly solution for concentrates. Depending on the concentrate’s strength, it can replace over four standard spray bottles. A typical 750 ml spray bottle with spray head can produce about 10,000 sprays (1 ml each) in its lifetime. Dosing is achieved by pressing predefined points on the bottle, and interchangeable inserts allow precise milliliter dosing tailored to the product. A built-in guide in the cap ensures drip-free use, and a fill level indicator adds practicality. This makes refillable packaging a resource-saving alternative and a driver of sustainable consumer behavior.
2. Home-Compostable Materials
Sustainable packaging should be made from eco-friendly materials and be easy to dispose of – especially for products used millions of times daily. The ideal solution? Materials that can simply be composted at home.
Why are home-compostable materials important?
Waste reduction: Packaging that breaks down in home compost eliminates the need for industrial recycling.
CO₂ reduction: Less waste reduces the burden on incineration systems.
Consumer convenience: Instead of sorting or disposing of packaging through complex systems, it can go straight into the garden compost.
Real-world example A groundbreaking innovation from Greiner Packaging and Constantia Flexibles: a certified home-compostable coffee capsule. This capsule completely decomposes in a home compost pile and marks a significant milestone for the packaging industry. TÜV Austria certified the capsule with its “OK Compost Home” label, confirming it can compost within 26 weeks even at low temperatures. This shows how packaging can be purposefully designed for a sustainable future with materials that integrate naturally into the environment.
3. Closed-Loop Recycling Systems
Packaging should not only be made from sustainable materials but also be easy to recycle at the end of its life cycle. If composting isn’t an option, recycling is crucial to keep valuable resources in circulation. Closed-loop systems are a promising approach – aiming to recover and reuse materials in a targeted way.
Why are closed-loop systems important?
Resource conservation: They reduce the need for new raw materials and minimize waste.
Lower CO₂ emissions: Efficient recycling causes less environmental strain than producing new packaging.
Consumer trust: Products proven to be recyclable gain credibility and appeal.
Innovation potential: New recycling technologies are constantly creating better solutions for sustainable packaging.
Real-world example One successful closed-loop project by Greiner Packaging focuses on collecting and reusing disposable cups at music festivals. In partnership with others, Greiner developed a system using (r)PET cups and specially designed collection containers, tested at several events – with return rates of up to 95%. This proves that single-use doesn’t have to mean single-life – it can be part of a smart circular system.
Innovation as a Pathway to a Sustainable Packaging World
The packaging industry faces major challenges – but numerous innovations show that sustainable solutions are already becoming reality. The examples in our innovation articles demonstrate that it’s possible to design packaging that conserves resources and significantly reduces waste.
At Greiner Packaging, we’re tackling this head-on: with new concepts, interdisciplinary teams, and strong partnerships, we’re creating packaging solutions that meet both ecological and economic demands.
The path to sustainable packaging isn’t easy – but every step counts.
Innovations That Make a Difference: In this first blog article, we want to give you an insight into how Greiner Packaging actively drives innovation and which promising trends and initiatives are currently in focus.
More and more food producers are turning to paper packaging because it is considered environmentally friendly. But are they really the more sustainable choice? In this blogpost we examine assumptions and myths.
