In an era where the words “eco”, “green” and “sustainable” fill shelves, labels and marketing campaigns, the real challenge is not only to make sustainable packaging, but communicate it clearly, honestly and transparentlyAt Teamplast, we often meet with clients who ask us: "How do we effectively explain what we're doing?" And it's a fundamental question.
This article was born precisely from that: from the need to explain to consumers what is being done well, avoiding shortcuts and misunderstandings.
Greenwashing vs. ethical communication
The greenwashing This is one of the most dangerous pitfalls of poorly communicated sustainability. It involves exaggerating, simplifying, or declaring things that aren't entirely true to appear more sustainable than you are.
On our part, we always advise customers to communicate what is verifiableEven small improvements—like thinner materials, using recycled plastic, or designing for recycling—can be incredibly valuable when explained well.
In Teamplast we prefer to use a ethical and measurable communication, even when it comes to simple identification codes or environmental graphics. Because clarity builds trust, and trust today is worth much more than any slogan.
Environmental labels: how to interpret and use them correctly
An often overlooked aspect is labeling. Yet, the label is the first (and sometimes only) contact between packaging and the consumer.
Environmental labelling today must:
- indicate the composition of the packaging (with codes such as LDPE 04, HDPE 02 and PP 5, etc.)
- explain how to dispose of correctly packaging (plastic, paper, glass, etc. collection)
We at Teamplast support companies in graphic choice and correct positioning of this information. The goal is not only to fulfill the regulatory obligation, but also educate visually the end customer, with simple and direct language.
Educating the consumer: virtuous cases
Communicating sustainability is also a cultural issue. Some companies have made this education a strength.
For example:
- Food brands that show the journey of packaging from production to recycling
- cosmetic companies that encourage reuse with motivational graphics on the bottle
- brands that insert QR codes with informational videos on the packaging life cycle
In Teamplast we have participated in several projects where packaging has become a narrative tool, a vehicle for awareness. And the consumer response has always been very positive.We strongly believe that recycling should be encouraged regardless of the material, and for us, who handle recyclable plastic, it's crucial that users understand that disposing of it correctly is the first big step toward helping our planet.
How to Tell Sustainability Stories in B2B and B2C Packaging
In B2C, the challenge is capture attention and trust in a few seconds. In B2B, however, you need to be more technical, knowledgeable, and concrete.
For this reason, sustainable communication changes tone and form based on the audience:
- in B2C we use simple claims, visual icons, emotional storytelling
- In B2B we prefer infographics, technical data sheets, LCA data
We at Teamplast try to mediate between these two worlds, because often the buyer is a company, but the person who uses or throws away the packaging is a consumer. Talking about sustainability well means knowing who are we talking to?.
The role of packaging in branding and corporate reputation
Today, packaging is an integral part of the brand identity even more than it was before. It is not just a container, but a ““dress” that identifies the product or company and tells and teaches something about it. Thoughtful, recyclable packaging, beautiful to look at and touch, sends a clear message of consistency between values and actions.
For many companies we work with, improving packaging has also meant strengthen reputationAn example? The transition from difficult-to-recycle multilayer packaging to a single-material solution, accompanied by transparent communication, has generated increased sales and improved brand perception.
Communicating sustainable packaging isn't easy, but it's essential. And it must start from a concrete truth. At Teamplast, every time we design a package, we also think about how it will be perceived, explained, experiencedBecause well-written packaging is an ally: for the brand, the consumer, and the environment.
Contact us today to find out more.
