The push for sustainable packaging is skyrocketing.
In 2024, 48% of companies selling DG products prioritized sustainability, — more than double the number of companies that went eco-friendly in 2023. Overall, as of last year, 81% of companies managing dangerous goods (DG) and hazmat operations have adopted sustainability practices.
Meanwhile, traditional packaging is increasingly scrutinized in industries like pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and chemicals with several states even enacting bans on certain types of materials.
The need for more sustainable hazmat packaging is why DGeo, backed by Labelmaster’s 50+ years of DG expertise, continues to innovate and partner with other industry leaders to offer sustainable packaging alternatives that deliver the same quality, performance, and usability while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Reimagining Packaging Solutions Without Sacrificing Performance
One noteworthy example of a sustainable alternative to conventional packaging is BioEPS®. Traditional Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, which is typically used in coolers for temperature-controlled goods, is non-biodegradable. It takes centuries to decompose, only adding to the world’s microplastic pollution problem.
In contrast, BioEPS coolers offer the same quality and performance as typical EPS, but with a much better end-of-life story.
BioEPS uses a bio-based additive that allows the material to break down in a bioreactive landfill by an average of 92 percent over 4 years, without leaving behind microplastics. Overall, the human impact of BioEPS is typically 37.2% less than EPS.
What does that mean? Consider that 1,000 BioEPS coolers save 30 kg of CO2 compared to typical EPS.
Modern, eco-friendly solutions like BioEPS make it easier for businesses to switch to more sustainable packaging materials without sacrificing their supply chain’s speed, efficiency, and performance – which is why DGeo added BioEPS coolers to its already deep lineup of packaging solutions.
The Future of Business (and Packaging) is Sustainable
As of 2024, a whopping 75% of executives cited that they believe sustainability drives better business results and 76% are making sustainability a key focal point in their overall business strategy.
To help meet the demand for more sustainable shipping solutions, businesses often need to rethink their approach to hazmat packaging. According to Bradley Saveth, President & COO at SupplyCaddy, “Sustainable packaging is not just about the materials used; it also encompasses innovative design approaches that optimize packaging efficiency.”
For example, the Capsuloc™ hazmat shipping container is made of hard, durable plastic and features a twist-on lid, allowing it can be reused repeatedly without denting. This offers DG companies a more sustainable and safer alternative to the traditional metal “paint can” containers that have been used for decades.
BioEPS coolers and Capsuloc containers are just two examples of environmentally friendly, cost-effective alternatives to traditional DG packaging materials. By prioritizing circularity, sustainable sourcing and resource efficiency, the shift toward smarter, greener innovations in packaging has the potential to benefit not only businesses but also our communities and future generations.
Experience the Change for Yourself
Based on the corporate focus on sustainability, adoption of eco-friendly packaging within the hazmat industry will likely only continue to grow. If you’re unsure about the quality of eco-friendly packaging, requesting a sample is a small (and often free) step you can take as you consider new sustainable options.
By embracing sustainable packaging solutions, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental impact while maintaining (or even exceeding) operational efficiency and meeting regulatory requirements.
Discover how DGeo can help transform your supply chain into a model of sustainability at www.DGeo.com.
