Packaging is one of the major contributors to global waste. As a business owner, finding workarounds to this problem is not easy. Packaging is one of the most essential parts of selling and shipping products, and there aren’t many practical, environmentally friendly options.
That said, the number is not zero. In this article, we’ll go over some of the sustainable packaging solutions for businesses that you can implement right away.
Benefits of Sustainable Packaging
Before getting to your options, let’s discuss why you should opt for sustainable packaging in the first place.
Aside from helping the environment, businesses can also benefit from improved customer loyalty. More and more people are becoming conscious about their choices when it comes to the environment. By positioning yourself as a “green” company, you can gain loyal customers.
Sustainable packaging can also improve shelf life, meet government regulations, create a better brand image, and even reduce costs in the long run when it comes to disposal fees.
There are many reasons to go for sustainable packaging. So, what are your options?
5 Environmentally-Friendly Packaging Alternatives
From cardboard to seaweed packaging, here are five environmentally friendly packing alternatives you can go for!
1. Cardboard
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to become more sustainable. Sometimes, the solution you’re looking for is right in front of you!
Switching from plastic packaging to cardboard is one of the most effective ways to become a more sustainable business. Unlike plastics, cardboard is biodegradable. So, where it ends up after being used is not as big of an issue.
Not only that, but cardboard is already very common. No matter what product you’re selling, there’s bound to be a box made specifically for it. Whether you’re looking for kraft paper packaging for your handmade sweaters or a cardboard wine box to ship your bottles, you can easily find it ready-made for you.
2. Corrugated Bubble Wrap
If you have a fragile product, a simple cardboard box might not be sufficient. Bubble wrap is the traditional solution for fragile products. But for environmentally-conscious businesses, the damage bubble wrap does outweigh the convenience it provides.
The good news is that there’s an ingenious solution to this: corrugated bubble wrap. Corrugated bubble wrap is made from recycled cardboard and adhesive. The design allows for a thin ¼” bubble wrap to withstand up to 10 lbs of force, while a thicker ¾” board can take up to 30 lbs.
Corrugated bubble wrap is not the best packaging by all means, but it’s innovative, environmentally friendly, and readily available for businesses looking to make sustainable choices.
3. Cornstarch Packaging
Although cardboard and corrugated bubble wrap are good options, there are a few reasons why they’re not the greatest when it comes to sustainability. While most cardboard is biodegradable, not all are compostable. Some people also have concerns over the toxicity of cardboard, with some cardboard containing harmful chemicals.
Because of these, you might consider another alternative: cornstarch packaging.
Cornstarch packaging might sound strange at first, but it’s quickly gaining popularity due to its compostability, renewability, and the fact that it’s free from harmful chemicals. It is also food-safe, which is not always the case for cardboard.
Cornstarch packaging is also durable and cost-effective. The only real problem with this type of packaging is availability. Getting your hands on cornstarch packaging is still a challenge nowadays. But if you have a reliable supplier, this is an excellent way to go green.
4. Organic Textiles
Another option you can go for is organic textiles.
Organic textiles are made from various plant materials like cotton, hemp, linen from flax plants, jute, and many more. The type of material used has some effects on the overall quality of the packaging, but these are usually not too noticeable.
Like cornstarch packaging, organic textiles are also compostable, made from renewable resources, non-toxic, and food-safe (depending on the fiber). The main reason people prefer organic textile packaging is due to its reusability.
Despite cornstarch packaging’s compostability, it’s a single-use material. Textiles, on the other hand, can be used over and over again without having to throw them away. Organic textile packaging is also more durable than cornstarch, which is prone to tearing.
Finally, one of the biggest appeals of organic textile packaging is its appearance. Unlike cornstarch, which can sometimes look industrial, textiles give a very elegant look and feel to your packaging⏤something you should never underestimate when selling.
5. Seaweed Packaging
Let’s say you’re looking for something that not only works as packaging but is edible as well. That’s where seaweed packaging comes in.
Seaweed is a newer packaging solution. It’s still being developed further, so now it’s one of the more expensive and less widely available types of packaging. It’s also not as durable as your other options.
Despite being in its infancy, many businesses are already turning to seaweed packaging for its low carbon footprint, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and, of course, the fact that it’s highly compostable and renewable.
Saving The Planet Through Sustainable Packaging
There’s a saying that goes, “The single raindrop never feels responsible for the flood.” In the world of sustainability, it can sometimes feel like your efforts aren’t making the change you want, and that what you do now might be a waste of time. But the truth of the matter is that it takes hundreds and thousands of raindrops to make a flood.
So whether you choose to make small improvements by going for cardboard or are willing to take a bigger leap and go for seaweed, moving to more sustainable packaging is a step in the right direction, even if it feels small at the moment.