As more and more companies announce their action plans for moving towards sustainable packaging, it becomes essential for all business owners to follow suit. The delicate act of balancing how we impact the environment while keeping expenses as low as possible has become customary.
Savvy business owners also understand that incorporating low-cost, eco-friendly packaging should never negatively impact the user experience. After all, for most of us, the experience of receiving and opening a package can be more meaningful than the product itself. Customers will consider companies that utilize an overabundance of packaging to be wasteful, tarnishing their reputation.
Likewise, packaging that’s too difficult to open will leave consumers upset before they even get to try the product. Avoid consumer frustration by using eco-friendly packaging.
Product Packaging That Will Reduce Your Company’s Carbon Footprint
Africa, Asia, India, Europe, United Kingdom, and North America all have areas that ban plastic, Styrofoam, or both. The list continues to grow as leaders around the world work to fight against global warming. You can do your part by considering the use of eco-friendly packaging materials for your business.
Consider These Eco-Friendly Materials For Your Product Packaging
1. Paperboard Packaging
Newspaper printers first introduced this eco-friendly product in the mid-1800s. Used for a wide range of products of all shapes and sizes, including food, shoe, and cosmetic packaging, one of its latest uses is quite innovative. Keep an eye out for paperboard that replaces the plastic rings holding drink cans together.
2. Mushroom Packaging
You may think that’s a typo, but I assure you it is not. Mushroom Packaging is taking the world by storm. Simple to make, its only ingredients are mycelium and hemp hurds. Mushroom packaging is a home-compostable option that is water-resistant, thermally insulating, and cost-effective. Not to mention, it’s visually appealing.
3. Returnable Packaging
Remember when the milkman would deliver fresh milk to everyone’s doorsteps and then later return to collect the empty glass bottles so they could be re-filled? Well, this concept has recycled itself. Only this time, returnable materials also include wood, steel, and plastic. This option benefits the environment, the customer, and the company. It’s an all-around win.
4. Mono-material Flexible Polymer Packaging
Mono-material films are constructed from a single polymer type, which makes them fully recyclable. Having only one material eliminates the need to separate before recycling and, in turn, cuts down on plastic associated pollution.
5. Plantable Packaging
If you have a green thumb, you’ll want to listen up right now. Plantable packaging takes compostable packaging to a whole new level. This packaging is not only zero-waste, but it gives back in the form of plants, flowers, trees, or herbs.
6. Soy Ink
Soybeans were first awarded this new-found purpose in 1987 after the Arab-Israeli War of 1973 made petroleum-based ink challenging to find and pricey. Soy-based ink is easier to remove from paper than oil-based inks, which helps with recycling where the paper has to be de-inked.
Double Up With These Eco-Friendly Void Fill Options When Shipping Your Products
Air Pillows
Easy to use for both the distributor and the consumer, air pillows have become a top-pick for eco-friendly void fill options. Their lightweight nature adds virtually no postage expense, and of course, they are recyclable.
Corrugated Bubble Wrap
Corrugated Bubble Wrap is made from recycled cardboard. It works like plastic bubble wrap but without the plastic. The holes and air pockets in the corrugate create the cushion you need to keep your products safe.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
If you require a loose-fill packing material to protect your goods while in transit, biodegradable packing peanuts are full of benefits. These non-toxic, all-natural peanuts are affordable, electronics friendly, and best of all, made from 100% recyclable materials that are biodegradable.
Of course, this list doesn’t even come close to covering all of the eco-friendly packaging materials that are currently available. It does, however, get you off to a good start with your product packaging research.
Are you interested in using eco-friendly packaging for your business? At Moe's group, your product success is our number one priority, and we’d love to answer any questions you may have. Easily connect with us by submitting an inquiry through our website or reach us by phone. One of our specialists is waiting to assist you.