3 Resources for Staying Updated On Sustainable Packaging Innovations
Staying ahead in the world of sustainable packaging requires constant vigilance and access to cutting-edge information. This article brings together valuable resources and expert insights to help professionals navigate the ever-evolving landscape of eco-friendly packaging solutions. From networking opportunities to trade fairs and industry publications, discover the most effective ways to stay informed about the latest innovations in sustainable packaging.
- Network and Partner for Packaging Insights
- Attend Trade Fairs and Read Industry Magazines
- Leverage Diverse Sources for Packaging Innovation
Network and Partner for Packaging Insights
Being competitive, innovative, and ahead of the curve in sustainability is critical for any industry to support the long-term future goals and values of many companies. The packaging component of the business is a great focus area for sustainability. To be creative with innovation, networking is an excellent resource for this objective. This is one reason why your partnerships add value, and it is an ideal time to have those conversations when it comes to what your suppliers are doing.
Having access to resources such as trade show or convention opportunities, or more specifically, a publication or source dedicated strictly to the packaging industry, is valuable. If packaging sustainability and innovation are at the top of your company's goals and values, it would be worth investing the time and effort into developing a partnership (or go-to resource) with a dedicated person or business who can assist you in keeping up to date with trends and innovations specific to packaging materials.
Attend Trade Fairs and Read Industry Magazines
I work in the perfumes and cosmetics packaging field, and every year there are many new innovations in sustainability. I stay informed by subscribing to different online packaging magazines such as formesdeluxe.com, beautypackaging.com, and webpackaging.com. They have frequent updates about what is happening in the industry and often highlight new sustainable packaging which has been created. I also visit trade fairs in different countries. Last year, I visited Beautyworld Hong Kong, Beautyworld Dubai, the China Beauty Expo in Shanghai, and Luxepack in Monaco.
Leverage Diverse Sources for Packaging Innovation
At Fulfill.com, staying at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation isn't just a business necessity—it's a responsibility we take seriously as industry leaders.
To stay informed, I leverage multiple channels. First, our network of 3PL partners serves as a real-time innovation lab. When one partner implements a breakthrough packaging solution, we're often among the first to know. This practical, on-the-ground intelligence is invaluable and something I learned from my ShipDaddy days—there's no substitute for hands-on experience.
I'm a regular at key industry events like the Sustainable Packaging Summit and PACK EXPO, where I can evaluate new materials firsthand. Back in 2022, I discovered a mushroom-based packaging alternative at one of these shows that several of our partners now use for fragile items.
Our team maintains subscriptions to publications like Logistics Management and Supply Chain Dive, which offer in-depth analysis of emerging trends. I've also found tremendous value in maintaining relationships with packaging engineers across our network who can translate technical innovations into practical benefits.
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition provides excellent resources, and their How2Recycle program offers insights into consumer-facing sustainability efforts. Their quarterly reports help us guide eCommerce clients toward making informed packaging decisions.
We also participate in several sustainability-focused working groups with 3PLs and brands to share best practices. One key learning from these collaborations: sustainable packaging needs to balance environmental impact with protective qualities and cost considerations to truly succeed in the market.
Finally, customer feedback loops through our platform provide essential data about which sustainable packaging solutions actually resonate with end consumers.
By synthesizing information from these diverse sources, we can effectively guide our eCommerce clients toward packaging solutions that are not just environmentally responsible, but also make business sense for their specific fulfillment needs.
