AeroFlexx Blog

Measuring the Impact: Quantifying Adoption of AeroFlexx Packaging's Sustainability Benefits

Written by AeroFlexx | Jul 3, 2025 4:57:23 PM

This spring, our team was recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for meeting critical design guidelines that ensure packaging can truly be recycled. This recognition is one of several proof points that our liquid sustainable packaging solutions are engineered to help brands keep their sustainability promises, reduce environmental impact, and simplify operations without sacrificing performance.

By designing our packaging with a mono-material structure, cutting virgin plastic use by up to 85 percent, and complying with APR’s guidance for polyethylene (PE) films and flexible packaging, we give consumer product brands a clear, measurable path toward achieving sustainability goals with a low-risk solution that doesn’t compromise on the bottom line.

The Sustainability Standard: Why Brands Need Sustainable Packaging Solutions Today

Today’s brands face more pressure than ever to deliver packaging that’s genuinely sustainable. In other words, they need to prove it—not just say it with the right marketing language. 

Unfortunately, many current packaging formats still fall short. Key challenges brands face include:

  • Virgin plastic dependency: Virgin plastic production continues to rise to meet quality demands, and recycling rates lag behind.
  • Recyclable in theory, not in practice: Many packages are labeled recyclable but are too complex for recycling streams to handle efficiently.
  • Limited high-quality PCR material: The supply of premium post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is inconsistent and costly.
  • Design flaws: Packaging not designed for recyclability adds extra costs for sorting and processing, or it ends up in landfills.
  • Regulatory and consumer pressure: Regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Plastic Packaging Recycling Waste (PPRW) legislation demand actionable sustainability plans. Meanwhile, consumers expect responsible, low-waste options.

AeroFlexx helps brands overcome these barriers by providing packaging to:

  • Minimize environmental footprint with significant virgin plastic reduction.
  • Improve performance against retailer and regulatory sustainability goals.
  • Reduce operational and material costs over time.
  • Meet consumer expectations for sustainability without sacrificing quality or convenience.

Quantifying AeroFlexx’s Sustainability Impact

Don’t just take our word for it—AeroFlexx’s impact is backed by real numbers. Based on projected adoption across 2.5 billion units over the next five years, using AeroFlexx packaging can help save:

  • 981 million pounds of waste
  • 65 million gallons of gasoline
  • 257 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions
  • 599 million kilowatt-hours of energy

Here’s how we deliver these results:

  • Virgin plastic reduction: AeroFlexx uses up to 85 percent less virgin plastic than traditional rigid bottles, caps, and labels by combining source reduction (up to 70 percent) with up to 50 percent recycled content.
  • Lower emissions: Less plastic means lower greenhouse gas emissions across the packaging’s lifecycle.
  • Supply chain savings: Lighter empty packaging reduces transportation costs and carbon footprint while streamlining logistics.
  • Curbside recyclability: Our mono-material PE design meets APR’s critical guidance for flexible packaging and can be recycled alongside other plastic bottles in many curbside programs.

Shipping-Ready and E-Commerce-Optimized

E-commerce puts liquid packaging to the test. AeroFlexx solves common pain points for brands and retailers alike:

  • It’s ISTA-6 Amazon approved for both Prep-Free Packaging and Ships in Own Container programs (now known as Ships in Product Packaging), which means fewer returns, less damage, and no need for wasteful filler or over-boxing.
  • Eliminates secondary packaging, reducing material use, labor, and reverse logistics costs.
  • Prevents leakage and product waste during shipping—a major source of environmental impact and financial loss in the liquid product category.

Durability and Product Protection

Our patented airframe technology gives AeroFlexx packaging the durability of a rigid bottle with the sustainability of a flexible pack:

  • Maintains shape and structure throughout its lifecycle, reducing breakage and waste
  • Extends shelf life and protects products during transit
  • Prevents product losses and waste that drive up costs and environmental impact

The Future of Sustainable Liquid Packaging

At AeroFlexx, our mission is to be the next step in packaging by offering a practical sustainability packaging solution that enables brands to transition away from rigid plastic and complex packaging formats while meeting recyclability standards, cutting operational costs, and exceeding consumer expectations.

Ready to make a measurable impact? Discover how AeroFlexx can future-proof your liquid packaging and move your brand closer to your sustainability targets without the risks associated with making a switch in packaging. Read our free e-book, The Future of Liquid Packaging Is Here.