There is a shift in the buying habits of consumers when it comes to sustainability.
In a recent study, it was recorded that 75% of consumers in the UK are willing to pay more to support a brand that aligns with their values.
Sustainable packaging is a major aspect of an e-commerce brand’s sustainability efforts as consumers want to reduce waste and feel good about their purchases.
This reflects a growing commitment to reducing environmental impact and in order for your business to stay competitive and build customer loyalty, it is important to consider the consequences of packaging materials and processes and adopt more sustainable solutions.
Traditional packaging is not good enough for the environment or your customers.
Traditional packaging materials and processes, such as plastic wrap, sellotape, excess cardboard, and other non-recyclable items, are no longer good enough for environmentally-conscious consumers.
These materials are not only harmful to the environment, contributing to plastic pollution and deforestation, but also fail to meet the rising expectations of consumers who prioritise sustainability above convenience and familiarity.
It’s not just packaging that businesses should consider being more mindful of. Conventional shipping methods such as transportation by boat, plane and trucks, also heighten environmental impact as they often involve excessive packaging and reliance on fossil fuels which significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Customers are demanding more innovative, sustainable solutions that reduce waste from packaging, prioritise eco-friendly packaging materials and minimise carbon footprints from shipping.
5 ways your business can make packaging more sustainable
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Choosing more sustainable packing materials
To make a difference with the materials you use in your packaging, consider switching from conventional materials such as plastic and virgin cardboard, to options with a lesser environmental impact.
We all know plastic pollution is a huge contributor to global warming and no matter how small your business, each plastic packaging item adds to the plastic pollution crisis. Here are 3 alternative materials that offer a more sustainable packaging solution for your business:
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Compostable packaging
Compostable packaging is made from organic materials like cornstarch or sugarcane, these break down into natural substances under composting conditions. Make sure to include compost instructions with your packaging to ensure customers are disposing of the packing correctly for full benefits.
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Biodegradable packaging
Biodegradable packaging is designed to break down naturally over time through the action of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. This type of packaging decomposes into natural elements such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass without leaving harmful residues that are found in conventional packaging materials such as plastic.
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Plant-based plastic
Plant-based plastics are made from renewable biological sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or algae instead of petroleum. Some are designed to be compostable or biodegradable, breaking down more easily in natural environments, while others are recyclable, reducing waste. Plant-based plastics mimic the functionality of traditional plastic but offer a more eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing performance and quality.
2) Minimising waste
Minimising your packaging waste will contribute to your business providing more sustainable packaging solutions. Here are 2 ways to do this:
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Bulk shipping and ordering
By consolidating multiple shipments into a single larger shipment, your business can reduce the need for more individual packaging such as boxes, tape and padding. This approach also applies to ordering supplies in bulk to minimise packaging waste generated by individually wrapped items. Bulk buying and shipping not only reduces your physical waste involved in the packaging process but it also keeps your costs down and helps lower transport emissions.
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Minimal packaging
You can eliminate unnecessary components in packaging design and use fewer materials without compromising functionality by reducing the size of packaging, removing redundant layers, and opting for lightweight, eco-friendly materials. This not only minimises waste but also cuts costs and appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
3) Opt for recycled / reusable alternatives
Using recycled materials in your packaging, such as recycled cardboard, paper, or plastics, helps reduce the demand for virgin resources and minimises waste going to landfills. These materials often come with lower production costs and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Offering reusable packaging, such as refillable containers, durable shipping boxes, or cloth bags is also a more sustainable option that extends the lifecycle of packaging materials and significantly reduces single-use waste.
Both of these alternatives help reduce the strain on natural resources and can help lower your business’s carbon footprint.
4) Eco-friendly inks and labels
Standard inks use oils that are petroleum-based which is a non-renewable source. The compounds that these inks emit when they dry are hazardous to our health and the environment. However, eco-friendly inks are often derived from natural sources such as soy or algae.
Packaging labels made from non-recycled materials prevent the packaging they are attached to from being easily recycled. This is because components such as plastic-based adhesives, synthetic coatings, and laminated finishes contain hazardous chemicals which contaminate the recycling process.
The combination of eco-friendly inks and packaging labels made from recycled, water-based or biodegradable materials ensures your packaging can be easily recycled and provides a more sustainable option for your business and customers.
5) Switch to sustainable suppliers and shippers
Partnering with suppliers who commit to environmental responsibility is a great way to make your packaging more sustainable.
Shipping companies that use energy-efficient vehicles, offset carbon emissions, and reduce transportation-related waste can help your business minimise its overall carbon footprint. Many shipping companies are now offering carbon-neutral shipping options, where they offset the emissions of each delivery by investing in environmental initiatives.
When choosing suppliers, consider switching to those who implement sustainable practices such as the use of eco-friendly materials, and recycled items or invest in restoration/conservation projects.
Make your business more sustainable by partnering with Leaving a Legacy
There are many different ways you can make your business more sustainable and every action, even the small ones, add up to make a positive environment change!
Are you ready to take meaningful sustainable actions in the fight against climate change?
Check out our free resource guides to help you on your sustainability journey. You can learn about a range of topics such as ESG (environment, social and governance), avoiding greenwashing and community clean-ups that will put you in the right direction to make a healthier future for our planet.