The packaging and trash bag market is undergoing a transformation driven by growing environmental awareness, changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. It is important for entrepreneurs to understand where the industry is headed in order to stay on top of trends and competitiveness.
Remember the days when garbage bags were plain, thin, and without ties? Today, consumers increasingly choose more durable, reliable bags that do not tear when filled, and ties have become an almost mandatory attribute. Innovative materials that are denser and more resistant to bursts have become the norm. There are more and more bags with various additional elements, for example: windows for filling control or inscriptions for waste sorting. Buyers increasingly choose sets of bags of different colors for separating garbage – it is not only convenient, but also corresponds to modern trends of environmentally responsible consumption. Let’s figure out which trends in the production of garbage bags and packaging have already been outlined, and which are already being implemented.
Trend #1
Environmental Innovation: From Biodegradable Material to Recycled Materials
One of the most striking trends in the production of packaging and garbage bags is the transition to environmentally friendly materials. Instead of traditional biodegradable plastic with various additives such as d2w, which promote the decomposition of polyethylene within 2-3 years when interacting with soil and oxygen, manufacturers are now increasingly using biodegradable plant-based materials such as corn and soy. This allows you to reduce the negative impact on the environment, since similar materials quickly decompose in the soil, without contaminating it with microplastics.
But it is not only biodegradability that is becoming a priority. In our industry, secondary processing is becoming more and more important, which determines the wide use of secondary raw materials in production. For example, many businesses refuse to produce garbage bags made of primary raw materials, as it is less efficient and harmful to nature. The use of secondary materials allows to reduce the consumption of primary plastic by 85-90%, and the addition of special additives that promote biodegradation further improves the environmental situation. This trend not only reduces the carbon footprint, but is also economically beneficial, as secondary recycling allows to reduce production costs.
Trend #2
Legislation and the carbon footprint: the new rules of the game
Government regulation in the area of disposal and recycling of packaging in several countries is already forcing manufacturers to think seriously about reducing the carbon footprint of their products. Additional environmental fees for the use of primary raw materials, introduced in some countries, motivate companies to look for alternative solutions and switch to the use of secondary raw materials and biodegradable material.
For example, in our country, in order to encourage companies to use secondary raw materials, additional taxes on primary raw materials have been introduced. Yes, when purchasing polyethylene for the production of products, we pay an environmental fee for the disposal of each ton. Although we do not use 100% virgin raw materials, some formulations still require it, so we do not avoid paying fees.
Trend #3
Technologies: automation and digitization
Modern technologies play an increasingly important role in the production of packaging and garbage bags. Fully automated lines allow you to optimize the production process, increase its efficiency and reduce cycle time.
However, automation, which has already become the norm in production from primary raw materials, is not always applicable when using secondary materials. Secondary raw materials can clog equipment, cause product defects (holes, breaks), which reduces the efficiency of automation. Therefore, for example, we use partial automation, installing the most efficient equipment at each stage of production, in order to use recycled materials as much as possible and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Trend #4
Reusability and biodegradability: a concept for the future
The reusable packaging market is actively developing, especially in the segment of fabric bags and sacks. Their use in shops, for carrying things, products and even for garbage collection (the bag is used several times when thrown out of it) is already a common practice for many. However, it should be noted that biodegradable packaging, despite its environmental benefits, has its drawbacks. The main obstacle to its widespread distribution is the high cost. Buyers, especially in times of economic instability, often choose more affordable options. In addition, there are still no domestic producers of raw materials for biodegradable packaging in Russia, they are mainly imported from China. Despite this, the topic of environmentally friendly packaging is relevant, and we can expect further development in this direction in the near future.
Trend #5
Sorting and recycling: the key to sustainable development
Recycling trash bags and packaging is not only an environmentally responsible practice, but also an economically sound investment. Modern waste processing plants are an example of how waste can be turned into a valuable resource, reducing landfills and protecting the environment. So, in Denmark, a unique waste processing plant (Amager Bakke) was built, capable of turning waste into clean energy. It is so efficient that other EU countries pay for the opportunity to send their garbage there. Unlike traditional landfills, the plant operates without emissions and supplies energy to entire cities. It looks like a ski slope, on which people ski, while the air does not smell anything and no harmful substances are released after the process of burning waste.
This example shows that recycling is not just about getting rid of waste, but about creating new value. Instead of creating landfills, you can build modern factories that turn garbage into energy. It’s important to understand that most of the trash we throw away is the packaging we buy our products in. Plastic bottles, cans, films – all this requires recycling. We need to rethink our approach to consumption and start actively sending garbage for recycling to make our planet cleaner and more sustainable. Creating an infrastructure for efficient waste processing is a promising direction of development for the entire industry.
Trend #6
Global changes: increasing demand for quality
Global economic and social changes also affect consumer demand. The modern consumer has increasingly high requirements for packaging and garbage bags. He wants the packaging not only to protect the goods, but also to be multifunctional, durable, ecological and aesthetic. And the garbage bags would be strong and with ties. In addition, there is a trend away from thin and short-lived packaging towards higher quality and reusable solutions. Consumers began to realize that durable packaging is beneficial in the long run. It ensures reliable preservation of the product, reduces the amount of waste and allows recycling of materials. These requirements stimulate the development of innovative technologies and materials, which leads to an increase in the cost of products.
Conclusion
The Russian market of garbage bags and packaging is rapidly moving towards sustainable development, betting on high-quality materials, environmentally friendly technologies and efficient recycling. Domestic production fully meets the demand for products, however, dependence on imported equipment, which provides high quality and efficiency, remains an urgent problem. Entrepreneurs who are able to offer consumers innovative, ecological solutions, using modern technologies and materials, gain a competitive advantage. Implementation of own developments, which reduce the environmental footprint and increase productivity, becomes a key success factor.