--- title: How Can CPG Brands Reduce Waste Through Packaging? description: Consumers are concerned with the environment. Using the right CPG packaging materials helps you reduce waste and achieve true sustainability. image: https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/recycling%20paper%20products.jpeg --- [![PKG Packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/PKG%20Jan20%20-%20assets/pkg-logo.png) ](https://www.pkgbranding.com/) [![Hangar12](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/Hanger%20Image/Hanger-12.webp) ](https://www.hangar-12.com/) [312.870.9101](tel:+1.312.870.9101) # Consumer First Insights ## How Can CPG Brands Reduce Waste Through Packaging? Written by Kevin Keating at PKG ![Recycling paper.](https://mediashower.com/img/5E21FE8C-71D6-11EC-84FB-8617E7180222/AdobeStock_320357510_600x.jpg) Today’s consumers are concerned with sustainability. They make purchasing decisions based on whether a brand’s values align with theirs. Companies are experimenting with CPG packaging materials such as plastic alternatives to reduce waste and preserve the environment. According to a recent [Ad Week Morning Consult poll](https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/77-of-americans-think-its-on-cpg-brands-to-make-sure-their-packaging-get-recycled/), 77% of Americans believe CPG brands are responsible for making sure their packaging is recycled. Here’s what you can do. ## What the Poll Reveals The Ad Week Morning Consult Poll reflects how customers feel about sustainable packaging. Around six in ten consumers say there should be a penalty for businesses that produce CPG packaging that is harmful to the environment. This number is especially significant when you consider the estimated eight million metric tons of plastic per year that wind up in the ocean. Companies are committing to using sustainable packaging and setting long-term goals to [reduce waste](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/reducing-food-waste-one-package-at-a-time). The key is using innovative materials like paper products and bamboo that replace plastics. This can lead to significant growth by opening new partnerships for businesses.  The [Ad Week](https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/77-of-americans-think-its-on-cpg-brands-to-make-sure-their-packaging-get-recycled/) study shows that customers are interested in the entire product, which includes the CPG packaging. Buying decisions are often based on the sustainability of the packaging since it is the first part of a product customers see and touch. It’s also what often gets disposed of first, making recycling that much more important. ![Brown paper product packaging.](https://mediashower.com/img/5E21FE8C-71D6-11EC-84FB-8617E7180222/AdobeStock_289809655_600x.jpg) ## Ways to Reduce Waste There are several ways your CPG brand can reduce waste. Achieving this takes dedication, which begins with setting goals. These goals can include using packaging that is 100% compostable, recyclable, or reusable. It begins with the supply and processing of materials chosen for CPG packaging as well as downstream efforts. The key is coming up with the right [packaging strategies](https://www.packagingstrategies.com/articles/96234-packaging-industry-must-prioritize-strategies-for-eliminating-waste). In 2018, almost 50% of waste in the U.S. wound up in a landfill. Now more CPG brands are focusing on goals that result in zero landfills. Consumers want their communities to be more environmentally-conscious. This has led to regulations for putting recycling programs in place to effectively sort materials. Think of ways to reduce waste from the design concept of your packaging to disposal. Look at options for using post-consumer recovered materials. Create strategies for what you will use as fillers and shrink wrap. Rather than bubble wrap and plastic air pillows, use natural fillers. These materials include wood, wool, and cardboard. If you do use recyclable plastics, use only one type for your product containers. Often, companies use different types for the container, lid, and seal inside. This complicates the recycling process. Plastic-free packaging is more environmentally-friendly and helps you promote true sustainability. Work with partners to create CPG packaging that results in zero waste. Consider reusable or multi-use shipping containers. Think about how your packaging can be recycled and how your CPG brand can reduce the volume of materials you generate. Compare which distribution facilities are reporting the most damaged items. Search for centers that experience minimal damage to products. Look for recycling experts to help you find solutions to these and other challenges. This enables you to choose the best materials for your [sustainable packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/how-you-can-achieve-more-sustainable-packaging) and focus on growing your CPG brand. PKG Brand Design is always on the forefront of new CPG branding and packaging initiatives, please [subscribe to our blog](https://www.pkgbranding.com/subscribe-to-the-pkg-blog) for the latest package design industry news!   - [Facebook Share ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pkgbranding.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-can-cpg-brands-reduce-waste-through-packaging) - [Twitter Share ](https://twitter.com/home?status=How+Can+CPG+Brands+Reduce+Waste+Through+Packaging%3F%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pkgbranding.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-can-cpg-brands-reduce-waste-through-packaging) - [LinkedIn Share ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pkgbranding.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-can-cpg-brands-reduce-waste-through-packaging&title=How%20Can%20CPG%20Brands%20Reduce%20Waste%20Through%20Packaging%3F&summary=Consumers+are+concerned+with+the+environment.+Using+the+right+CPG+packaging+materials+helps+you+reduce+waste+and+achieve+true+sustainability.&source=) - [Email Share ](mailto:?subject=How%20Can%20CPG%20Brands%20Reduce%20Waste%20Through%20Packaging%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pkgbranding.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-can-cpg-brands-reduce-waste-through-packaging) ### Topics - [packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/topic/packaging), - [Sustainability](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/topic/sustainability), - [cpg packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/topic/cpg-packaging), - [CPG](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/topic/cpg), - [eco-friendly](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/topic/eco-friendly), - [environmentally friendly](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/topic/environmentally-friendly), - [food packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/topic/food-packaging) ### Related Posts [![Turning Heads, Filling Carts: How Effective Packaging Fuels Sales](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/how%20effective%20packaging%20fuels%20sales.jpg) Turning Heads, Filling Carts: How Effective Packaging Fuels Sales Kevin Keating at PKG ](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/effective-packaging) [![Why Custom Packaging is Your Untapped Advantage in a Crowded Market](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/custom%20packaging%20is%20your%20untapped%20advantage%20in%20a%20crowded%20market.jpg) Why Custom Packaging is Your Untapped Advantage in a Crowded Market Kevin Keating at PKG ](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/custom-packaging) [![How Unique Packaging Makes All the Difference To Elevate Your Brand](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/elevate%20your%20brand%20with%20unique%20packaging.jpg) How Unique Packaging Makes All the Difference To Elevate Your Brand Kevin Keating at PKG ](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/unique-packaging) ### Subscribe Now! ### Subscribe Now!     **Awarded Top 50** **Package Design ****Blog**   [![Packaging-Design-transparent_216px](https://blog-cdn.feedspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Packaging-Design-transparent_216px.png)](http://blog.feedspot.com/packaging_design_blogs/) - [How Multisensory Packaging Impacts Brand Loyalty](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/multisensory-packaging-impacts-brand-loyalty) - [7 Emotional Triggers That Drive Packaging Success](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/emotional-triggers-packaging-success) - [How Social Media Listening Improves Packaging Design](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/social-media-listening-improves-packaging-design) - [11 Examples of Functional Packaging Features](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/functional-packaging-features-examples) - [Competitor Analysis for Shelf Differentiation](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/competitor-analysis-for-shelf-differentiation) - [Typography Checklist for Packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/typography-checklist-packaging) - [Top Biodegradable Packaging Myths Consumers Believe](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/biodegradable-packaging-myths-consumers-believe) - [Macro Photography for Food Packaging Design](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/macro-photography-food-packaging-design) - [Glass Packaging Benefits for CPG Brands](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/glass-packaging-benefits-cpg-brands) - [Pet Food Packaging: FDA Rules to Know](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/pet-food-packaging-fda-rules) ![Best package design agencies](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/badge-package-design-agencies.svg)   Recognized as a Top Package Design Agency on [DesignRush](https://www.designrush.com/agency/package-design) PKG BRAND DESIGN 2045 W Grand Ave, STE B-27332 Chicago, IL 60612-1576 [312.870.9101](tel:+1.312.870.9101) ![PKG Best Packaging Design Agency in Chicago](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-09-22%20at%2010.33.31%20PM.png?width=722&height=284&name=Screenshot%202025-09-22%20at%2010.33.31%20PM.png) [Request a Free Consultation](https://www.pkgbranding.com/request-a-consultation) [![A Hangar 12 Agency](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/assets/dev/img/a-hangar12-agency-logo-transparent.png)](https://www.hangar-12.com/) © 2026 PKG Brand Design. All Rights Reserved ![linkedin](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=315946&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kevin Keating at PKG" }, "dateModified" : "December 31, 2024, 10:34:11 AM", "datePublished" : "2022-02-09 16:29:50", "description" : "Consumers are concerned with the environment. Using the right CPG packaging materials helps you reduce waste and achieve true sustainability.", "headline" : "How Can CPG Brands Reduce Waste Through Packaging?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/537000/recycling%20paper%20products.jpeg" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/537000/PKG-1.png" }, "name" : "PKG Brand Design" } } ```