A guide to Sustainable Packaging
It s no secret that our beautiful blue planet is suffering from the increasing waste that comes hand in hand with a growing population. Plastic is a ubiquitous enemy that we constantly battle with, and it would be ever so evident if you noticed the packaging of your online goods. Wrapped in rolls of plastic, we seem to be paying more than what we paid for with the waste we generate with each shopping expedition.
If you are a business frequently handling online packages, you might have noticed that your customers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly products and services. Being planet conscious is no longer a trend, it is a necessity. There are many ways to reduce our carbon footprint, with one of the easiest being using sustainable packaging.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Before we talk about sustainable packaging, there’s something we need to know about life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA is the analysis of the total impact that the material (or in this case, the packaging) would have on the environment, starting from its raw material resourcing to its final possible decomposition.
Sustainable packaging is that which has minimal impact on the environment, throughout its lifecycle. It leaves behind little to no footprint, making it planet friendly, and does not lead to further depletion of limited resources.
Advantages of Sustainable Packaging:
Other than reducing the carbon footprint, and thereby decreasing the production of greenhouse gases, businesses have many other benefits that they can enjoy if they choose to go with sustainable packaging solutions.
Increase brand loyalty
Consumers are choosing to do business with brands that are more environmentally friendly and doing so can help you acquire more customers and boost loyalty. Sustainability is increasingly being considered by consumers when choosing which brands to do business with, according to numerous studies. Consumers were asked if they would be willing to pay 25% more for environmentally friendly products. Nearly 70% of respondents said that sustainability was at least somewhat important, and 47% said they would. In addition, research conducted by Nielsen found that 48% of consumers are willing to alter their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. According to Nielsen, the sales of sustainable products in the United States have risen nearly 20% in the last three years, and the company anticipates that sales will reach $150 billion by 2020.
Improved storage:
Reduced storage of packaging materials and recycled disposal of used packaging would lead to efficient storage solutions. You can either save big on reduced storage costs, or you can benefit from increased storage for more inventory.
Improved shipping costs:
Using smaller packaging for your products will significantly reduce your shipping costs, and also make it easier to deliver your products. The weight of your packaging adds to your total shipping cost and delivering bigger packages for smaller goods will only lead to more wastage.
Traits of Sustainable Packaging:
Sustainable Packing Coalition is a group that brings together the voices behind those rallying for sustainable packaging. The group has identified 8 important traits that define sustainable packaging:
- Throughout its life cycle, it remains beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities.
- Meets market standards for both performance and cost.
- Renewable energy is used for sourcing, manufacturing, transporting and recycling.
- Optimum utilisation of renewable or recycled source materials.
- Is manufactured using only the best practices and clean production technologies.
- Is made from materials that remain healthy throughout its life cycle.
- Is physically designed to optimize materials and its use of energy.
- Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial closed-loop cycles.
Sustainable Packaging Strategies:
There are several educated decisions you can take when it comes to choosing sustainable packaging solutions. Let’s discuss a few strategies that you can easily implement in your business:
Educate your customers:
This might seem like a simple strategy but could be difficult to track and analyze. Clearly label your products as reusable or recyclable and share the recycling tips of the region of delivery. Share the information that is required so that your customers know what to do with the packaging, rather than throwing it as unwanted waste.
Use smaller packaging:
Not only does this reduce packaging waste, but as discussed earlier, it will also reduce your shipping costs. If possible, improve your product packaging so that they can fit snugly into smaller boxes, without requiring filler materials.
Use recycled materials:
Consciously choose materials that have been previously recycled to extend the life cycle of packaging materials. You also have the choice of using materials made from single-use plastics and bottles, which will be reintroduced into the recycling facilities.
Plant-based packaging:
Mushrooms are not only a tasty treat, but they can also be used for packaging purposes! Seaweed, corn, and food waste are other plant-based items that can be used for making packaging materials.
Edible packaging:
Similar to plant-based packaging, this is packaging that is safe to eat! If your products are related to food or food delivery, it would be interesting to deliver your products in packaging that can be consumed.
Plantable Packaging:
These are packaging materials that contain seeds that can be planted by your customers. It can be used as filler materials, or to package small, weightless items.
Biodegradable plastic:
There is a growing demand for compostable or biodegradable plastic, with more and more businesses making use of these environmentally conscious materials. Depending on the quality of materials used, it would take close to 90 days for this material to completely break down.
Avoid over-packaging:
Let your suppliers and vendors know that you follow sustainable packaging solutions, and work with those who follow the same to avoid over-packaging during the entire supply chain. You could also time your deliveries so that you consolidate all your packages to use fewer packing materials overall.
Types of Sustainable Packaging for Home and Business:
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Packing Paper
- Reusable Plastic Tubs
- Mushroom Packaging
- Compostable Mailers
- Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
- Popcorn
- Bioplastics
