Sustainable packaging: the elephant in the room
Article written by the US member of InterSearch Worldwide (Charles Aris) with additional insights from Ana Ber, Head of the Global Sustainability Practice Group at InterSearch Worldwide.
Sustainable packaging is no longer a compromise for businesses looking to futureproof their operations, it’s a necessity.
Historically, major packaging changes were daunting, especially across large product lines. Extensive testing for product validation made transitions costly and time-consuming.
While simulation and modeling software have long helped engineers test designs virtually before prototyping, the real breakthrough has come from integrating AI and automation.
How the industry is evolving
New AI tools have unlocked predictive analysis and design optimization that were once too expensive and complex. These advancements accelerate development and make innovation more accessible, particularly for legacy products that require long-term durability.
The impact of AI grows even stronger when combined with 3D printing, which enables rapid prototyping and custom tooling. This combination shortens design cycles, lowers costs and ensures that new packaging is sustainable and compatible with modern automated manufacturing.
Beyond AI and automation, high-performance recycled and bio-based materials now deliver near-virgin quality, ensuring strong product protection and shelf life. Nanotechnology-driven barrier innovations allow for lighter packaging without compromising durability. Smart materials provide real-time product insights, such as freshness or temperature, through color changes or other indicators.
These improvements enhance marketability, reduce costs and create better consumer experience, and they’re all becoming more accessible with the advent of AI and automation.
Key considerations
With these advancements, companies will find it harder to justify outdated packaging practices. Modern systems can now accommodate a wider range of materials and designs, making the transition to sustainable options more practical and cost-effective.
New packaging solutions should be designed not only for consumer appeal and protection but also for seamless integration with current and future automation technologies. While shifting to sustainable practices is essential, companies do not need to overhaul everything overnight.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. The same goes for sustainable packaging. It is a big shift, but higher profitability and stronger brand differentiation make it worthwhile. Start small. Launch a pilot program. Consult an expert. Just take the first step.
“The article from our USA partner, Charles Aris, highlights a crucial yet often overlooked challenge in sustainable packaging: while companies race to innovate and reduce their environmental footprint, many struggle with the real elephant in the room—scalability and adoption.” – says Ana Ber, Head of the Global Sustainability Practice Group of InterSearch Worldwide (a worldwide organisation of executive search firms)
Sustainable materials, circular design, and regulatory compliance are pressing concerns, but without the right leadership, even the most ambitious sustainability strategies risk falling short.
This is where talent makes the difference. At InterSearch, we see first-hand how demand for sustainability-driven executives is growing faster than the talent pool. Recruiting for these roles requires a rare mix of expertise—deep knowledge of sustainable materials like bioplastics and bio-based polymers, strong analytical skills to assess lifecycle impact, creativity to develop cost-effective solutions, and regulatory acumen to navigate evolving environmental policies. Just as importantly, these leaders must have exceptional collaboration skills to align suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers around a shared sustainability vision.
How are organizations ensuring they have the right leadership to make sustainable packaging a reality? Many of them call our Sustainability Practice Group experts.
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About InterSearch USA, Charles Aris
With nearly half a century as its foundation, Charles Aris Inc. quickly identifies and delivers world-class leaders who are qualified, available and interested in enhancing your organization.
Clients choose and return to Charles Aris for its expertise, execution, focus on cultural fit and pinpoint deliverables. That’s why Charles Aris is trusted by organizations around the world, from start-ups to Fortune 500 firms.
About the Global Sustainability Practice Group of InterSearch Worldwide
The Sustainability Practice Group at InterSearch leverages our internal experience and deep understanding of sustainability to identify and place leaders who are not only skilled but also passionate about driving sustainable change. Our experts are adept at assessing the leadership traits essential for organizations focused on sustainability, including:
Strategic Vision: Leaders who can craft and execute strategies that align with global sustainability goals and navigate the complexities of the circular economy.
Ethical Decision-Making: Individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical practices, ensuring that business decisions are made with integrity and transparency.
Innovative Thinking: Leaders who can drive innovation in sustainability, whether through technological advancements, process optimization, or new business models.
Partnering for a Sustainable Future
We partner with organizations across industries, helping them to build leadership teams capable of steering through the challenges of sustainability.
Our commitment to sustainability, proven by our internal practices, ensures that we not only understand the importance of sustainable leadership but live it every day.
Whether you’re seeking to integrate sustainability into your organization’s DNA or looking to lead by example in your industry, InterSearch’s Sustainability Practice Group is your partner in achieving those goals.