Sustainable packaging is the key to reducing your carbon footprint, saving money, and improving the planet’s health. Many companies now realize the importance of reducing packaging because it makes it easier to transport goods and saves tons of money by reducing the amount of energy required to transport the product. Many industries now use recycled paper or even biodegradable materials to create packaging that can last for years, which means less paper, less plastic, and less environmental impact. But what is it, what are the benefits to our business, and how can it be incorporated into your packing procedures?
Here are the ten most important and frequently asked questions about sustainable packaging…
Why Is Packaging So Important For Businesses?
Packaging is an integral part of logistics. Packaging plays an essential role in the supply chain as it helps establish brand identity and protect products from damage. It also provides consumers with information about ingredients and nutritional information. Hence businesses need to invest in packaging that conveys their identity and creates an impact on their customers. If poorly packaged, products could get damaged during handling by people or machines, which could cause at least a delay in delivery time. It is so vital that many companies continue to innovate to meet demand and cut costs.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainability is one area that has been getting a lot of press lately due to the enormous amount of waste that logistical packaging creates. Packaging is an unfortunate necessity of the logistics industry, but fortunately, some companies attempt to resolve this issue. Packaging supplier Vexel, for instance, has developed an eco plastics factory that allows them to be at the forefront of biro-degradable packaging. It’s an excellent move for all businesses that depend on packing, both financially and environmentally. They can reduce costs and reduce waste at the same time, creating a more sustainable supply chain.
Why Should My Business Use It?
It reduces the negative impact on people and the planet, lowers energy use, reduces waste disposal, and conserves resources. Companies are starting to take notice of this trend as they are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Packaging companies are now focusing more on sustainability to maintain their market share. As a result, sustainable packaging has become one of the most critical topics in business today. Sustainable packaging can be defined as any packaging that does not significantly negatively impact people or the planet.
What Can Sustainable Packaging Do For Your Business?
There is no doubt that logistic companies understand the need for robust packing that is durable, easy to use, and cost-effective, which is why many are wary of changing their existing systems. Sustainable packing offers numerous benefits that can offset the cost of change over time.
Do I have To Use it?
While the short answer to that is no, there is a growing trend towards protecting the environment for PR reasons with many companies implementing ESG reporting into their business practices. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) are more commonly known as ESG. Developing an environmentally friendly company with improved social and ethical performance is achieved by combining these three approaches. This shows that many companies aim to increase their corporate responsibility, and reducing their impact on the environment is a crucial aspect of this.
Do My Customers Expect It From Me?
More often, B2C retailers that sell products to the end consumer act on call from their market and demand that packing become more sustainable. As these calls increase from their customer base, producers will have to keep up with the times and adopt packing that is friendlier to the environment or risk getting left behind.
What If My Company Can’t Afford it?
You should not see the switch to sustainable packaging as a short term goal, or a one-off thing. It’s no good changing one item in your inventory to this form of packaging, you need to do all of them. It’s not just about the kudos of telling your customers your use it, but it is also about future-proofing yourself. This brings me nicely to the next question…
What Might Happen in the Future if I Don’t Switch?
While nothing will happen in the short term in the long term you could easily find yourself being left behind by both your customers and retailers. With the growing trend leaning towards production responsibility changing to sustainable packaging now could well save you losing money and time in the long term because if there comes a time when you are forced to switch you might find there is no-one free to take your order on any more.
What Extra Costs Are Involved With Sustainable Packaging?
It can be challenging to optimize packaging costs, but with careful planning and implementation, you can reduce packaging costs and retain brand values. An essential part of understanding sustainable packing is knowing that it isn’t only about the type of material used and the amount used. A business could save a lot of money by switching to a more robust but thinner kind of packing.
Sustainable products are a good investment for consumers. According to some reports, 42% of consumers in the U.S. and U.K. use sustainable materials and choose recyclable products in their daily lives. While these studies are generally aimed at the product itself, packaging also plays a prominent role. Consumers who care about the environment want sustainable packaging, and they are willing to endorse companies who share their concerns.
What Environmental Friendly Packaging Options Does Your Business Have?
Now that you understand how vital it is to change to a more sustainable form of packaging, you may be curious about which materials are available. Fortunately, there are lots of exciting options that your business can use for various packing purposes.
- Recycling Materials For Air Pillows
A great alternative to bubble wrap or Styrofoam is an inflatable air pillow. You can use them to fill voids in boxes or cushion-packed items and are available in various sizes. You can now use air pillows made from recycled materials.
- Packaging Made From Cornstarch
The organic material cornstarch has been making inroads into the eco-friendly packaging market. Corn or maize is a plant that is derived from and contains plastic-like properties. Many companies that produce packing are seriously looking into this material as an alternative to long-polymer chain plastics.
- Packaging Made From Seaweed
Seaweeds and algae, which are rich in gelatinous substances called agar, are already used in various applications. There are several uses in the food industry, such as thickening and a vegetarian substitute for gelatin. Similar to how cornstarch is being studied, seaweed has a valuable place as an alternative to plastic.
- Recycling Cardboard And Paper
Recycling cardboard has several advantages that include a reduction in paper waste, a saving in natural resources, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Although recycling cardboard may seem like an energy-intensive task, the benefits outweigh the cost.
Businesses need to realize that sustainability isn’t a passing trend. So they need to make an effort. From seaweed to recycling, there are numerous ways a company can utilize sustainable packing.