Nowadays, customers are not only interested in the goods themselves, but increasingly also in what their packaging is made of or how much plastic has been used in the packaging. People care more about the environment and want businesses to do the same. You can start with a small change like switching to eco-friendly packaging. Where to start, what packaging to choose and why?
Benefits of using eco-friendly packaging
Using eco-friendly packaging for your products has several great benefits for your company and the environment.
Improving brand image
Eco-friendly packaging signals your approach to sustainability and enhances your brand image. You can attract new customers who care about the origin of your packaging.
Waste reduction
The average person produces more than 4 kilograms of waste every day, much of which is product packaging. Using less packaging, biodegradable and compostable materials and recyclable packaging helps minimise waste and landfill.
Environmental benefits
Standard plastics and polystyrene can take hundreds of years to decompose and often end up in landfills or pollute the oceans. Biodegradable materials decompose naturally without polluting the soil and water. Recyclable and recycled materials save natural resources and energy.
Cost-effective in the long term
Sustainable packaging may cost a little more initially, but it can save you money over time. Less waste means lower disposal fees. And a strong green brand image can boost sales. Some materials, such as recycled paper, are also very budget-friendly.
Securing your business for the future
Laws on sustainability and waste reduction are tightening. Eco-friendly packaging helps ensure your business stays compliant with environmental regulations.
What is eco-friendly packaging made of?
Corrugated or plain cardboard
Cardboard, also known as paperboard, is made from a mixture of recycled paper. Because of its high recyclability and compostability, cardboard is often considered one of the most environmentally friendly options for packaging materials. It is also affordable and can be used for packaging heavier goods.
Recycled materials
This includes all packaging made from recycled materials, which can be recycled PET bottles, paper or textiles. You can even use a box that was originally used for another purpose or fill a parcel with shredded paper to wrap goods. Such solutions are affordable.
Paper
Such a common material, yet still often neglected. Take paper tape, for example.
What is its environmental friendliness? The water-activated paper tape with natural starch adhesive simplifies the recycling process of cardboard as it does not need to be removed before recycling. It is made from 100% natural ingredients, provides excellent taping strength and cannot be reused once peeled off, which is particularly useful for identifying parcels whose packaging has been disturbed during transit.
Polyethylene film (HDPE)
You can also be environmentally friendly when choosing the material for the box filler, which serves to protect the goods from free movement. Choose air cushions made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Their plus point is also the minimal need for storage space, as they take up only a fraction of the space in their uninflated form.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are plastics made from renewable biomass sources such as corn starch, cassava roots and sugar cane. They are biodegradable and compostable. Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a popular bioplastic used to make jars, containers, bags and other packaging.
Natural fibres
Packaging made from natural fibres such as cotton, hemp and jute is eco-friendly and renewable. These fibres are biodegradable, reusable and help promote sustainable agricultural practices. Packaging made from natural fibres such as cotton sacks, hemp cord and jute sacks are a great choice and also make a good aesthetic impression.
How to get started with eco-friendly packaging?
- Review what packaging you are currently using.
- Ask yourself if each component of the package is really necessary. If possible, you should avoid excess filler material, oversized boxes or plastics where they are not really needed.
- Buy sustainable packaging and shipping supplies from eco-friendly brands.
- Educate your employees on the proper sorting of recyclables and compostables.
- Let your customers know about your sustainable packaging efforts – they will appreciate your transparency and environmental values.
Using sustainable, eco-friendly packaging is good for the planet, attractive to customers, cost-effective and helps secure the future of your business. Switching to biodegradable or recycled materials is easier than ever and is one of the best steps you can take.
