Switching from Plastic to Aluminum Packaging – Things to Consider

For companies looking to succeed in the 21st century, many industry experts now consider sustainability to be an extremely effective business strategy when it comes to customer trust and loyalty. Plastic packaging, which was once an industry norm, is now rapidly becoming a thing of the past, and for good reason.

Plastic is harmful to the environment, it’s harmful to us , and it can only be used and recycled a certain number of times. Customers across a variety of different industries are sick and tired of it, and are instead looking for sustainable , greener alternatives when it comes to packaging. Aluminum could be the solution.

Switching to a sustainable packaging material such as aluminum is not just a great way of doing your bit to help the planet, it’s also a great way of showing your customers that you listen to them and care about what they want. When it comes to brand loyalty and consumer trust, you couldn’t really ask for more.

Making the initial transition to sustainable packaging, however, is not always simple. Here are a few things to know when switching from plastic to aluminum packaging.

Aluminum Packaging Comes in Different Forms

One of the first things to consider when ditching plastic packaging in favor of aluminum, is the fact that it comes in so many different forms.

As well as some of the more common aluminum packaging options like food and beverage cans, you also have some of the newer, more unique packaging products such as aluminum drinks bottles, pouches, blister packs, collapsible tubes, candy wrappers, foil trays, and plenty more besides.

Because of this, it’s important to look at the different options available to you when deciding which aluminum packaging option would be best for your business.

Aluminum Packaging Offers Superior Protective Properties

Another thing to consider if you decide to switch from plastic to aluminum packaging is the fact that aluminum offers superior protective properties when compared with plastic.

Plastic packaging cannot be stored in direct sunlight, or in warm conditions as this can damage the content within, and potentially cause chemical leaching. It is also more breathable than aluminum, which again can result in product spoilage due to oxidation.

On the other side of the coin, aluminum packaging offers superior protection from heat, direct sunlight, oxidation, moisture, bacteria, and more besides.

Put very simply, aluminum packaging will help to protect your products more effectively than plastic, though it will need to be stored slightly differently.

Customers Will Want to be Informed

Perhaps one of the biggest considerations when switching packaging materials for your business, is your customers in general.

As the vast majority of consumers out there now prioritize sustainability, if you opt for aluminum packaging over plastic, they are going to want to know.

Before you switch packaging, make sure your customers and potential customers are informed well in advance. Let them know why you’re getting rid of plastic, highlight the dangers it poses, and let them know why you’re going with aluminum packaging instead.

Ideally, you should highlight the fact that aluminum is so sustainable. Tell your customers just how recyclable it is, tell them it’s much kinder to the environment, and tell them that not only will it not affect the overall quality of the products they buy from you, but it will actually help to preserve them and protect them even more.

Basically, highlight the fact that aluminum packaging is kinder to the planet, more sustainable, and more durable than plastic.

Design is Always Worth Considering

When switching packaging, a lot of businesses fail to consider the importance of design and branding.

Packaging is an incredibly powerful marketing tool that not only protects the products you ship, but also helps to build brand awareness. When your customers receive their products from you after having them delivered, your brand will be the first thing they see. This is where the power of advertising really comes into play.

Once you settle upon an aluminum packaging option, you need to ensure that you choose a design that compliments your business. As aluminum is so sustainable, many companies choose to highlight this with their packaging. They’ll include a logo indicating that aluminum is 100% recyclable and free of harmful chemicals, unlike plastic.

Whether you opt for bespoke aluminum packaging for a more premium feel, or stock packaging to keep things simple, finding a packaging design suitable for your business is very important.

Switching to Aluminum Packaging is Very Sustainable

Finally, perhaps the biggest reason why so many businesses across the globe are now choosing aluminum packaging in favor of plastic, is down to its sustainability.

Aluminum packaging is far better for the environment than plastic. It’s free from harmful forever chemicals, unlike plastic, it can be recycled over and over again, as many times as you like, it’s light weight, plus recycling it uses a fraction of the energy required to produce it from new.

So, not only can aluminum packaging help save your business money, and build consumer trust, it can also literally help save the planet. As far as benefits go, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.