"Green" packaging revolution: the sustainable future of the daily FMCG industry

"Green" packaging revolution: the sustainable future of the daily FMCG industry

Driven by the "dual carbon" goal, the daily FMCG industry is undergoing a profound green transformation. From the innovation of packaging materials to the change of consumer behavior, this transformation is not only about environmental protection, but also a new track for enterprises to enhance their competitiveness.

Material innovation: from "non-degradable" to "recyclable"

Daily FMCG companies are accelerating the replacement of traditional plastic packaging with more recyclable or degradable materials. For example: Recycled paper and aluminum bottles: Old Spice & Secret launched an all-paper antiperspirant packaging, and the "push-pull" design made of recycled paper replaced plastic cans, which can reduce 6,800 tons of plastic waste each year. After the "wild little green bottle" of Plant Sense Philosophy was switched to an aluminum bottle, the amount of plastic used was reduced by more than 60%. Glass and lightweight design: OLAY's big red bottle was upgraded to a recyclable glass bottle, reducing 106 tons of plastic consumption a year; P&G razors replaced plastic linings with paper linings to further reduce carbon footprint. Bio-based and recycled plastics: Coca-Cola launched 100% plant-based plastic bottles, while Unilever used 100% recycled plastic (PCR) to produce the bottle of Huamuxingxing laundry detergent, reducing its dependence on oil resources9.

Design optimization: reduction and intelligence

Through scientific calculation and design innovation, enterprises reduce resource consumption from the source: Packaging "slimming": P&G optimizes the load-bearing structure of cartons, saving 21 tons of cardboard each year; OLAY cancels paper instructions and uses QR code electronic version, saving 38.5 tons of cardboard each year. E-commerce channel innovation: Air capsule packaging uses inflatable cushioning technology, reduces materials by 30% and passes the "Double Easy Certification" (easy to recycle, easy to regenerate), taking into account safety and environmental protection.

Circular system: full-chain collaborative construction

The circular economy requires upstream and downstream linkage of the industrial chain: Logistics packaging circularization: P&G develops reusable recycling boxes, which are expected to reduce 3 million cartons and 1,000 tons of paper consumption each year. Closed-loop recycling network: Enterprises jointly establish a closed-loop recycling system with e-commerce platforms. For example, the "Soft Plastic Rebirth" project has been implemented in many cities to increase the recycling rate of plastic soft packaging.

Policy and consumer dual drive

Policy guidance: The National Development and Reform Commission's "Action Plan for the Green Transformation of Express Packaging" clearly states that by the end of 2025, express packaging must basically achieve green transformation and promote recyclable packaging to account for 10%. New consumption trends: 45% of consumers tend to buy environmentally friendly packaging products. Replacement packaging has become a popular choice due to its favorable price and significant plastic reduction effect (a single piece can save 35%-86% of plastic). SK-II's empty bottle renewal event attracts consumers to participate in recycling through point incentives.

Innovation case: Benchmark for sustainable packaging practice

Head & Shoulders plastic-reducing roll-up bottle: The bottle body reduces plastic by 35%, the soft and rollable design helps "empty bottle recycling", and the packaging is 100% recyclable. Meitao low-carbon product line: The bottle body uses 96% recycled plastic, reducing carbon by 314 tons per year, and the label uses washable material to improve recycling efficiency. Listerine PCR application: The bottle contains 30% recycled plastic, and the black masterbatch is removed to optimize the recycling process.

Future Outlook: A Must-Answer Question for Green Transformation

Sustainability has changed from a "multiple-choice question" to a "must-answer question". Brands need to integrate environmental protection concepts into the entire life cycle of products, such as the "three cans, four reductions, and one improvement" goal proposed by Xiaoxiang Zhihe (recyclable, compostable, reusable; reduce weight, usage, space, emissions; improve experience). The collaboration between consumers, companies and policies is driving the industry towards the goal of "zero waste".

Conclusion

Green packaging is not only a technical challenge, but also a business opportunity. With the popularization of innovative materials, the improvement of the recycling system and the awakening of consumer awareness, the low-carbon transformation of the daily FMCG industry will accelerate the reconstruction of the market structure and provide a new paradigm for the win-win situation between the earth and business.