In this crowded CPG space, packaging manufacturers that understand and cater to sustainability-minded consumers have a clear competitive advantage. By introducing sustainable packaging, they reduce the product’s overall carbon footprint. In turn, consumers make the purchase as the packaging harmonizes with their lifestyle.
However, packaging workflows have not changed for a long time. Most manufacturers still struggle with siloed departments, costly processes and a heavy carbon footprint that makes their operations and, hence, products, unsustainable.
Adding to the challenge is the complex packaging ecosystem, which includes materials suppliers, converters, printers, co-packers and retailers. Efficient collaboration is tough and working with different stakeholders across different geographies often leads to numerous iteration loops. This further stretches the timeline of getting packaging designs to market.
For more sustainable operations that support a circular economy, manufacturers need to start by scrutinizing their current business model. To identify opportunities for efficiency gains, they must first identify gaps in their current workflow.