Beyond the Bottleneck: Why Plant-Powered is the Future of Packaging

NextGen Bioplastics Team
Jul 9
3 min read

Welcome to the first edition of NextGen Insights: Bioplastics Unpacked!

In this newsletter, released every two weeks, we'll dive into the world of sustainable packaging, bringing you industry news, legislative updates, and expert insights to help us navigate this evolving industry together. We invite you to join us on our bioplastics journey as we work towards the release of our compostable, hemp-based food packaging line later this year, sharing our unique experiences along the way.

The global packaging industry is at an exciting turning point, with new materials and technologies reshaping how we think about sustainable solutions.

The Plastics Crisis: Why We Need a Packaging Revolution

One million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, according to the World Wildlife Fund. This may sound unbelievable, but even worse, only 9% of all plastics ever produced globally have been recycled. With over 400 million tons of plastic waste generated annually (42 million tons from the United States alone), the scale of plastic pollution has reached a critical point.

The problem extends beyond volume. Traditional petroleum-based plastics can take hundreds of years to degrade, and they often break down into microplastic fragments that persist indefinitely. According to the World Economic Forum microplastics are now found in virtually every ecosystem, from the deepest oceans to our food supply and even our own bodies.

Equally concerning is the environmental impact. Plastics production accounts for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while toxic chemicals can leach from plastic waste into our environment, posing risks to wildlife and raising health concerns for humans.

An Innovative Solution: Plant-Powered Packaging

Packaging manufacturers are major contributors to plastic waste creation. The undeniable and urgent need for change has spurred innovation in traditional industries like manufacturing, leading to the rise of bio-based materials. Unlike traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels, bioplastics are made from renewable biomass sources like corn starch, sugarcane, cellulose or our favorite industrial hemp!

This fundamental difference offers environmental advantages:

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Production typically emits fewer greenhouse gases.
Renewable Resource Dependence: Lessens reliance on finite fossil fuels and fresh water; crops like hemp require minimal water to thrive.
End-of-Life Benefits: Designed to break down into natural elements under specific composting conditions, reducing long-term environmental plastic impact.
Fewer Toxic Chemicals: Contain fewer harmful chemicals compared to conventional plastics.

Catalysts for Change: Consumer Demand and Government Response

The momentum for sustainable packaging is gaining unprecedented speed, fueled by two powerful catalysts: evolving consumer preferences and increasing government regulation. Consumers are actively seeking out eco-friendly products and packaging, driving market transformation.

Governments worldwide are responding with escalating regulations and bans on single-use plastics. The Government of Canada passed prohibition regulations against six categories of single-use plastic products in 2022, and similar legislative measures are being implemented across individual U.S. states and around the globe. These combined market and regulatory pressures are creating an undeniable demand for effective, compliant, and sustainable packaging solutions. Market Analysts have projected the global bioplastics market may reach USD 89.2 billion by 2034, reflecting major industry adoption and supportive government policies.

NextGen Bioplastics: Our Vision for Planet-Approved Solutions

Our mission is to create sustainable packaging solutions that are safe for people and the planet. Building on decades of American paper manufacturing expertise, our founder witnessed firsthand the environmental toll of traditional production processes and recognized a clear market opportunity for sustainable packaging solutions. We are leveraging this insight to replace traditional single-use plastics with high-performance, compostable, plant-based packaging alternatives.

At NextGen Bioplastics, we are committed to contributing to the circular economy, redefining packaging for the future. Our first product line of compostable, hemp-based to-go containers is set to launch later this year, manufactured in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, with locally-sourced plant resources. Plant Powered Packaging. American Made. Planet Approved.

What’s Next

The movement towards a sustainable future for packaging is well underway, driven by compelling environmental needs, innovative solutions, and strong market forces. We believe that plant-powered packaging is not just an alternative, but the essential future for the industry.

Stay tuned for our next edition, where we'll dive deeper into plastic legislation right here in America.

Want to learn more about our sustainable packaging solutions? We'd love to hear from you!