Is sustainable packaging worth the extra cost?

Yes it should. Now-a-days effective packaging is also included in the marketing strategy of the product because it attracts the customers.

"Sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, and what customers want goes beyond using biodegradable packing peanuts,"

Packaging even through it is more expensive. This is well illustrated in case of potato chips which is available over the counter with minimum shelf life as against the sophisticated inert packaging which gives a very long shelf life.

Let us analysis why the customer is prepared to pay RS.200/-per kg for the for sophisticated package as against over the counter pack, which is around RS.120/- a kg.

Sustainable packaging is the development and use of packaging which results in improved sustainability. This involves increased use of life cycle inventory (LCI) and life cycle assessment (LCA)[ to help guide the use of packaging which reduces the environmental impact and ecological footprint. It includes a look at the whole of the supply chain: from basic function, to marketing, and then through to end of life (LCA) and rebirth. Additionally, an eco-cost to value ratio can be useful The goals are to improve the long term viability and quality of life for humans and the longevity of natural ecosystems. Sustainable packaging must meet the functional and economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability is not necessarily an end state but is a continuing process of improvement.

Sustainable packaging is a relatively new addition to the environmental considerations for packaging (see Packaging and labeling). It requires more analysis and documentation to look at the package design, choice of materials, processing, and life-cycle. This is not just the vague "green movement" that many businesses and companies have been trying to include over the past years. Companies implementing these eco-friendly actions are reducing their carbon footprint, using more recycled materials and reusing more package components. They often encourage suppliers, contract packagers, and distributors to do likewise.

Some countries give monetary  incentives for reduction of carbon footprint, and hence cost wise it may be beneficial to the industry to go in for sustainable packaging.