Packaging 101: Greenwashing & Sustainability

Some of you may have already noticed our gorgeous new pouches have recently had a make over.

We're so relieved to report that so far, we’ve had no complaints about ripped bags or spilled cacao, which is a win for us and for Rosi, who receives your queries.

Our Packaging Conundrum

At Ritual Cacao, we’ve spent years searching for the most eco-friendly packaging for our ceremonial-grade cacao. Our journey has been anything but straightforward, and in the office we notoriously ‘hate packaging’ hehe.

Like many businesses, we want to make the right choices that benefit the planet, only to be faced with challenges, obstacles, and a whole lot of learning along the way.

From biodegradable bags that didn’t quite meet our expectations or our customer needs, to discovering the truth about “eco-friendly” packaging claims, we’ve come to realise that sustainable packaging is way more complicated than it seems.

The Trouble with Biodegradable Packaging

When we initially used biodegradable kraft bags, we thought we were making the best choice for both our customers and the environment. In reality, we have just been battling packaging obstacles along the way (as many small businesses do).

No matter how carefully we packed the cacao, thanks to the diligent work of Maila, Dana and Rosi, (who handle the orders and customer queries), our customers started reporting issues with the bags ripping during shipping. Even with extra packaging and tape on the bottom, the cacao seemed determined to find its way out!

As well as the ripping issue, biodegradable packaging sounds great in theory, but we soon learned that it wasn’t as “green” as we had hoped. A supplier we were speaking to explained that in order for most biodegradable bags to break down, they need to be exposed to very specific conditions, such as UV light. Without these conditions, the bags don’t fully decompose, and when they do break down they turn into micro-plastics. 

We also discovered that biodegradable packaging with attached labels or stickers cannot be recycled properly because the labels cannot be separated from the packaging, causing the entire package to end up in a landfill.

So, while biodegradable packaging might sound like a good option, they often end up contributing to more waste and plastic pollution.

Hardly the eco-friendly solution we were looking for!?!

Why We Chose 100% Recycled Plastic Pouches

After many discussions with various different suppliers, and a lot of trial and error, we decided to make the switch to 100% recycled plastic pouches. While it might not be the most glamorous or trendy choice, it turns out to be the most practical and sustainable option for us.

Why recycled plastic? Well, for starters, it’s far easier to recycle than many other packaging materials. Our pouches can go straight into your normal recycling bin, or, if you prefer, they can be reused for a variety of purposes once you’ve finished your cacao.

Going the Extra Mile with Eco Inks

We also made the decision to invest in soy-based eco inks for printing on our packaging. Traditional commercial inks are made with petroleum-based chemicals, which are harmful to the planet. 

Using soy-based inks aligns with our commitment to sustainability and helps reduce the harmful effects of traditional inks.

While they are a more costly option, soy inks are a more eco-friendly option, as they are made from renewable resources and produce fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm the environment.

For us, it’s worth it.

Greenwashing: The Bigger Picture of Packaging Sustainability

Greenwashing is an issue that extends beyond our business.

It’s a huge problem in the packaging industry. 

As we dug deeper into sustainable packaging, we learned that many companies, big and small, are jumping on the biodegradable bandwagon without fully understanding the environmental impact.

This is what’s known as greenwashing, when businesses make misleading claims about their environmental credentials to appear more sustainable than they are..

Companies often slap labels like “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” on products without actually delivering on their promises.

In some cases, this can mislead well-intentioned consumers who want to make sustainable choices, only to end up contributing to more environmental harm.

Sustainability isn’t a fad for us, it’s a principle we take very seriously.

That’s why we’ve invested so much time and energy into finding packaging solutions that align with our commitment to the planet, whether it’s using recycled materials, choosing reusable options, or opting for eco-friendly inks.

Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Finding the perfect sustainable packaging isn’t a done solution, it’s the best we can do right now. 

We know that there’s always room for improvement, and we’re constantly researching new ways to reduce our environmental footprint.

Our customers, like you, are a crucial part of that process, and your feedback is invaluable to us. We’re committed to listening, learning, and evolving as we continue our journey toward more sustainable practices.

We’ll keep pushing to make better choices, not just for the planet, but for you, our customers who care deeply about where their cacao comes from and how it’s packaged.

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to continuing to learn and grow with you, and we hope you love our new bags as much as we do.