Rich Cohen’s Post

Have we found the solution to biodegradable packaging? Maybe. I discovered Notpla this week which is definitely making some impressive claims. I have to begin by saying that I'm definitely in the reuse camp. Ideally we want to reuse takeaway packing and not have to manufacture new all the time. However I think we need to be realistic about the modern world we live in and what society has become accustomed to. Unfortunately reuse isn't always practical. Notpla creates a range of takeaway packaging made from seaweed which is 100% biodegradable in your paper recycling or home compost. (I would be interested to know how long it takes to decompose though, I find a lot of home compostable packaging take a lot longer than your average food waste). My next concern was that we were going to rob the ocean of seaweed, leaving it depleted, but according to Notpla's projections "if we were to replace all single-use plastic with seaweed, only 0.066% of the ocean would be needed, which is well within safe ecological boundaries." I have to say this does seem like a pretty impressive product, my only concern is that is doesn't help change people's mindset about consumption and makes the reuse narrative slightly harder, people will often choose convenience over a more sustainable solution. However this is a much better solution than single-use plastic which is definitely to be commended. I would love to know your thoughts. Jane Martin Eve Warlow Livvy Drake

You’ve hit the nail on the head—true sustainability isn’t just about labels like “compostable” but about creating real solutions that work in the bigger picture. 🌍 At ZhengHua Packaging, we’re proud to focus on molded pulp packaging—a material that’s not only eco-friendly but also designed to naturally decompose in standard conditions without requiring specialized facilities. It’s a practical and effective replacement for plastic, addressing many of the challenges you’ve outlined. 🌿 It’s inspiring to see SOFi Products take the lead in pushing for meaningful change. Together, we can help redefine what sustainability truly means and offer better options for businesses and the planet. Keep up the great work! 💪

I've been reading more about climate change, I've been struck by the significant role that packaging plays in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Like packaging is everywhere. From the boxes our online purchases arrive in, to the plastic wrap around our groceries, it's an integral part of our daily lives. But have we ever stopped to think about the impact it has on our planet? Some few staggering stats: •⁠ ⁠40% of plastic waste comes from packaging •⁠ ⁠The production of packaging materials accounts for 20% of global oil consumption •⁠ ⁠The packaging industry is responsible for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions These numbers are alarming, but they also present an opportunity for us to make a change. So, lets take an initiative by : 1.⁠ ⁠Choosing sustainable packaging materials: Look for biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials. 2.⁠ ⁠Reducing packaging waste: Optimize packaging design to minimize waste. 3.⁠ ⁠Implementing closed-loop systems: Encourage recycling programs and the reuse of packaging materials. I'd love to hear from you guys : what are some ways you're reducing packaging waste in your daily life? Let's work together to create a more sustainable future! #Sustainability #Packaging #ClimateChange #EcoFriendly #ECOMANIA #SWITCHTOECOFRIENDLYHABITS #STARTUPS #NEWCHNAGE #CHANGEISGOOD

The best eco-friendly business ideas promote sustainability by minimizing environmental impacts through products, services, or operational methods. These green initiatives are crucial as they contribute significantly to sustainable development by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and enhancing the quality of life. By integrating eco-friendly practices, businesses help protect the environment and position themselves as responsible leaders in their respective markets. The Importance of Eco-Friendly Initiatives The increasing awareness of environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution drives the shift towards eco-friendliness in business. Consumers seek businesses that reflect their values as they become more environmentally conscious. This consumer demand pushes companies to adopt greener practices, which helps reduce their ecological footprints. Additionally, eco-friendly business practices can lead to cost savings in energy usage, waste management, and materials. They also open up new market opportunities and can innovate product or service offerings. Eco-Friendly Models in Various Industries Retail - Sustainable Products and Packaging: One of the best business ideas in the retail sector is selling products made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Additionally, adopting biodegradable or recyclable packaging can significantly reduce plastic waste. Retailers can also implement take-back or recycling programs for used products, promoting a circular economy. Manufacturing - Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction: Manufacturing businesses substantially impact the environment. Eco-friendly manufacturing involves using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, and optimizing production processes to reduce waste. Implementing systems like lean manufacturing can also minimize waste and increase efficiency. Services - Digital Solutions and Green Consulting: Service-oriented businesses can go green by offering digital alternatives to traditional paper-based processes, significantly reducing paper use and waste. Another best business idea is providing green consulting services to help other companies implement sustainable practices. This can include energy audits, sustainability reporting, and advising on obtaining green certifications. Agriculture - Organic Farming and Permaculture: Adopting organic farming practices avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting healthier soil and ecosystems. Permaculture designs that mimic natural ecosystems can also effectively ensure sustainable land use and crop production. https://lnkd.in/grA3x-eX #EcoFriendlyBusiness #SustainableDevelopment #GreenInnovation #EcoEntrepreneurs #SustainablePractices #EnvironmentalLeadership

Reusables are very much the right direction. I agree the educational factor is the most important factor and we all need to learn the importance of reusables across the board. Cheers

As 2024 approaches, I've been reflecting not just on career goals, but on my role in addressing larger global challenges. While I'm excited about my professional journey toward product leadership (looking at you GitLab 🤗), I keep coming back to a more pressing concern: our climate crisis. While I don't think that individual actions can solve it (we need systemic change), and agree with others that the best action is to speak about it, I was looking for interesting activities to undertake. My starting point? Moving my personal Earth Overshoot Day closer to December 31. Living in Hungary, I currently start overconsuming Earth's resources around June 2. While reaching December 31 in a single year might be unrealistic, I'm committed to making progress. After brainstorming with my partner-in-crime, well-respected idea-bouncer, and beloved wife (all in one, Nikoletta Barka ), we decided to focus on reducing plastic waste. Yes, we already separate recyclables, use reusable bags, and follow basic eco-friendly practices. However, our household still generates significant plastic waste. Our "audit" (looking through our recycled waste and thinking about our regular shopping basket) revealed that dairy products, fruit juices, and pet food account for roughly 60% of our plastic packaging. So we came up with an action plan: - Bringing wax napkins and reusable containers for cheese - Replacing packaged fruit juice (my favourite 😭) with fresh fruits - Shopping more at local markets for package-free vegetables - Currently researching eco-friendly high-quality food options for our four pets (two dogs, two cats) While this isn't a scientific study, and we won't do any measurements, we expect to see a notable reduction in our recycled waste. It's an experiment in practical climate action! What about you? Do you have any climate-oriented resolutions for 2024? I'd love to hear your innovative approaches to reducing environmental impact. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #NewYearResolution

Why Compostables Aren't the Best Solution for Takeaway: The Case for Reusables In the quest for sustainability and facing new plastic bans, many businesses have turned to compostable packaging for their takeaway services. While this shift is well-intentioned, it's important to consider that compostables aren't the ultimate solution. Here's why reusables might be a better choice: 🌿 Environmental Impact: Compostable items still require resources to produce and transport, and they often end up in landfills where they decompose anaerobically, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Reusables, on the other hand, reduce the demand for single-use items and can be used many times over, significantly cutting down on waste and resource consumption. 🔄 Circular Economy: Reusables promote a circular economy by encouraging the continuous use of materials. This system not only minimises waste but also conserves natural resources and energy, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economy. 💡 Consumer Education: Compostables can be confusing for consumers. Many don't realise that these items often require industrial composting facilities to break down properly. Without proper disposal infrastructure, compostables can contaminate recycling streams or languish in landfills. Reusables simplify the process, making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices. 💧 Water and Energy Use: While washing reusables does require water and energy, studies show that the environmental benefits of reducing single-use waste outweigh these costs. 📈 Brand Image and Loyalty: Businesses that adopt reusable programs can enhance their brand image by demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability. Customers are increasingly valuing eco-friendly practices, and offering reusables can foster loyalty and attract environmentally conscious consumers. While compostables are a step in the right direction, reusables offer a more sustainable and impactful solution for takeaway packaging. By investing in reusables, businesses can play a crucial role in reducing waste, conserving resources, and educating consumers about sustainable practices. What is your opinion on compostables? #Sustainability #ReusablePackaging #EcoFriendly #CircularEconomy #Takeaway #GreenBusiness

𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗶𝘅 𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗱? Recently I had a discussion with a friend about how packaging has deeply penetrated our lives, offering convenience but contributing significantly to waste. While discussing sustainable solutions, he passionately argued that biodegradable packaging is the ultimate solution to tackle pollution and save the planet. While his optimism was inspiring, it got me thinking, can biodegradability really be the silver bullet we need or is it just one piece of a larger puzzle? Here’s what I discovered: 1️⃣ Biodegradability doesn’t eliminate pollution. Even materials that degrade faster can release microplastics or harmful chemicals, especially in uncontrolled environments. 2️⃣ It’s not always eco-friendly. Biodegradable materials decomposing in landfills often release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 3️⃣ It’s still waste. The focus should shift to reducing consumption and adopting circular practices like reuse and recycling. 4️⃣ Beware of greenwashing. Many “biodegradable” products need specific conditions (e.g., industrial composting) to break down. Without proper infrastructure, they pollute just like conventional waste. 5️⃣ Infrastructure gaps. Limited composting facilities mean many biodegradable materials don’t decompose as intended, leaving harmful residues. This reinforced my belief that biodegradability isn’t the ultimate solution. The real challenge lies in addressing overproduction, overconsumption, and improving waste management systems. The way forward? A circular economy that prioritizes reduction, reuse and recycling. Biodegradable packaging can play a role but it’s not the silver bullet it’s often portrayed as. What’s your take? Have you seen biodegradable packaging help—or hinder—our sustainability efforts? #SustainablePackaging, #CircularEconomy, #WasteManagement, #ClimateAction

We’ve all seen products boasting "eco-friendly" packaging—but does it really make a difference? The short answer: Absolutely. Here’s why ⬇️ Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face today. Most single-use plastics end up in landfills or oceans, where they take hundreds of years to break down. 🌊 This has devastating consequences for our planet and wildlife. Eco-friendly packaging offers a solution by using materials that decompose faster—or can even be composted. ♻️ Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also lowers carbon footprints, using less energy and fuel in production and transportation. For businesses, it’s a win-win. Consumers are increasingly supporting brands that prioritize sustainability. And for all of us, it’s a step toward a greener, more responsible future. 🌱 Every small action counts. Each eco-conscious choice—whether made by individuals or businesses—adds up. One package at a time, we can make a difference. 💚 https://lnkd.in/eeVjzRhi

The best eco-friendly business ideas promote sustainability by minimizing environmental impacts through products, services, or operational methods. These green initiatives are crucial as they contribute significantly to sustainable development by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and enhancing the quality of life. By integrating eco-friendly practices, businesses help protect the environment and position themselves as responsible leaders in their respective markets. The Importance of Eco-Friendly Initiatives The increasing awareness of environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution drives the shift towards eco-friendliness in business. Consumers seek businesses that reflect their values as they become more environmentally conscious. This consumer demand pushes companies to adopt greener practices, which helps reduce their ecological footprints. Additionally, eco-friendly business practices can lead to cost savings in energy usage, waste management, and materials. They also open up new market opportunities and can innovate product or service offerings. Eco-Friendly Models in Various Industries Retail - Sustainable Products and Packaging: One of the best business ideas in the retail sector is selling products made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Additionally, adopting biodegradable or recyclable packaging can significantly reduce plastic waste. Retailers can also implement take-back or recycling programs for used products, promoting a circular economy. Manufacturing - Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction: Manufacturing businesses substantially impact the environment. Eco-friendly manufacturing involves using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, and optimizing production processes to reduce waste. Implementing systems like lean manufacturing can also minimize waste and increase efficiency. Services - Digital Solutions and Green Consulting: Service-oriented businesses can go green by offering digital alternatives to traditional paper-based processes, significantly reducing paper use and waste. Another best business idea is providing green consulting services to help other companies implement sustainable practices. This can include energy audits, sustainability reporting, and advising on obtaining green certifications. Agriculture - Organic Farming and Permaculture: Adopting organic farming practices avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting healthier soil and ecosystems. Permaculture designs that mimic natural ecosystems can also effectively ensure sustainable land use and crop production. https://lnkd.in/gpsigvnk #EcoFriendlyBusiness #SustainableDevelopment #GreenInnovation #EcoEntrepreneurs #SustainablePractices #EnvironmentalLeadership