March 27, 2025

New to sustainable packaging? Seven steps to get started in packaging sustainability

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Sustainable packaging isn’t just good for the planet anymore — it’s become a business imperative. In the past decade, we’ve seen sustainable packaging move from “nice-to-have” to table stakes, with new people joining the industry seemingly every day.

If you’re getting started or hoping to deepen your expertise in sustainable packaging, we’ve mapped out seven strategic steps to guide your sustainable packaging journey. From the basic principles to niche particulars (like, is there a difference between bioplastics and biodegradable packaging?), the Sustainable Packaging Coalition team has gathered seven steps to help you make your mark in an industry that’s changing commerce and the world. Let’s dive in.

 

1. Learn the stakes

The stakes for sustainable packaging are high. There’s the global waste crisis, the carbon-packaging connection, and natural resource depletion. But our movement has momentum. Consumers value sustainability more than ever, and companies are falling in line.

Before you dive deeper into the world of sustainable packaging, you can start with the big picture: Why does this work matter?

To learn more about why thousands of professionals from across the world are working together to build a circular packaging economy, you can check out some of these resources:

 

2. Understand the basics

What’s the difference between compostable packaging and biodegradable material? How do recycling systems actually work? What are the factors we consider in packaging life cycle assessments?

To find your bearings in sustainable packaging, you can check out some of these introductory resources produced by nonprofits in the space:

Check out these introductory resources to get started:

 

3. Dive deeper into your role in the value chain

Now that you’ve got the basics under your belt, you can focus on your corner of the sustainable packaging world. At SPC, we have four key sustainable packaging pillars: innovation, packaging design, recovery, and policy. Across each of these pillars, we root our resources and insights in science and data. Why? Because we know that when our members need to substantiate their sustainability plans, evidence speaks louder than good intentions.

No matter if you’re an engineer or a marketer, working in compostable packaging or plastics, you can find your niche and dive into issue-specific resources here.

 

4. Get involved in working groups

One of the most meaningful parts of the sustainable packaging movement is that people with different backgrounds, jobs, companies, and goals come together to make packaging more sustainable. They have the courage across the aisle and work alongside competitors to advance shared sustainability goals — and that courage is exactly what makes our industry so special.

Across sustainable packaging, working groups deliver targeted support, strategic guidance, industry insights, and collaboration opportunities that amplify your sustainability initiatives. Want to find a team-away-from-your-team in the sustainable packaging space? Become a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and one of SPC’s Collaboratives, which cover everything from packaging EPR to packaging design environmental trade-offs, and meet bi-monthly with experts in your field to tackle specific packaging problems.

And if you need to niche down, you could also join a group like the Association of Plastic Recyclers, which supports design guidance for recyclable plastics. Or, if you’re curious about compostable packaging, you could get involved with a group like BPI. No matter your niche, there’s a Collaborative or working group for you.

 

5. Get up to speed on packaging policies

One of the most challenging pieces of the sustainable packaging puzzle is policy. Several states have passed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, and several more are working toward passing EPR programs — but EPR is just one piece of the packaging policy patchwork across states. You’ve also got to look out for PCR mandates, Truth in Label laws, format bans, and restrictions on things like PFAS chemicals. The list goes on, but these resources will help you wrap your head around which kinds of policies you need to keep up with:

 

6. Learn to set strong sustainability goals

The stakes for setting measurable, attainable sustainability goals have never been higher. Companies walking back their goals are facing backlash, while companies that set science-based targets with transparent reporting are earning consumer trust and market share.

At SPC, we believe in putting courage over fear — and that means letting compliance with different packaging laws be the floor, not the ceiling, for your sustainability goals. Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or looking to refine existing commitments, having clear metrics and achievable milestones is essential. Check out these resources for setting goals that can help you navigate new packaging policies and raise the standard for sustainable packaging:

 

7. Make meaningful connections

One person can make a difference in sustainable packaging. But collective action across our industry will change the world.

That’s why, in sustainable packaging, your network means so much more than a new LinkedIn connection. The people you meet at sustainable packaging events are future collaborators, colleagues, and champions of your sustainability initiatives. They’ll help you overcome technical hurdles, navigate policy puzzles, and amplify your impact. So where can you make these connections?

Each year, SPC hosts events for sustainable packaging professionals and members. Join these events to build your network of people interested in being your extended teammate in sustainable packaging progress. At these events, you won’t just be an attendee — you’ll be a key player in advancing packaging systems that don’t just minimize harm, but actively restore and strengthen our shared environment.

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