The number of businesses converting to environmentally friendly packaging is constantly growing – especially amid today’s political climate. Consumers want eco-friendly packaging too, in fact, it’s often the difference between choosing one company or choosing their competitor. Eco-friendly products are favoured because more often than not they are cheaper than the more traditional forms of packaging.
Apart from the inexpensive aspect, the other benefits of using eco-conscious parcels include lowering your company’s carbon footprint, improving your eco-credentials, and building respect from your customers. Here at BiGDUG, we take the part we play in caring for the environment seriously, which is why we’ve expanded our eco-friendly packaging options, so businesses can send items in the post whilst also having regard for the ecosystem. In this blog, we will be explaining what sustainable packaging is along with not only our favourite eco-friendly packaging products but our customers’ favourites as well!
What is Sustainably Designed Packaging?
Ecological packaging consists of materials that have been designed, transported, and disposed of with the safety of the environment in mind. Eco-friendly materials are usually made out of recycled materials and are reusable, compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable.
When it comes to green packaging, the design of the parcel matters just as much as the materials used to make it. To ensure that the manufacturing of packaging is climate-friendly, designers should use as little material as possible so they do not waste space during transit. Other features should include that the packaging can be easily repurposed, refillable and returnable. The container should be designed in a way that ensures it can protect a variety of different items so it can be reused easily by customers.
Speaking of protection, manufacturers of eco-friendly packaging should also create containers that can efficiently safeguard their contents. This is because, if impaired, items will be sent back to the sender. Therefore, the production, picking and packing processes will be wasted, and as a result, so will a significant amount of energy. All of which will hurt the environment.
Recycled Cardboard Boxes
One of our customer top picks is our 100% recycled postal boxes. Cardboard and paper are two incredibly popular materials when it comes to manufacturers making packaging products. Corrugated cardboard boxes have been the standard packaging choice for companies wanting to successfully ship their products for decades. Cardboard is a sturdy, durable and crush-resistant form of packaging that can keep items protected from damage, dust, and moisture. What is also good about cardboard and packaging is that it is made using renewable resources, so the sustainability of the substances starts at the very beginning of their production. A lot of cardboard boxes already consist of over 75% recycled materials and are completely recyclable and biodegradable, so you will be using less energy by incorporating this form of packaging into your packing process which will enhance your business’s eco-credentials. Professional, reliable, and eco-conscious, recycled cardboard boxes are a great choice for many companies looking to boost their sustainability.
Paper Bubble Wrap
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, paper is a common and cost-effective choice for manufacturers making environmentally sound packaging, and for outlets searching for green ways to protect their stock during transit. Paper bubble wrap is a favourite for companies dealing with fragile items that need to be in one piece when they arrive at their destination. When cardboard is disposed of, it is given a new lease of life by being made into this cushioning form of protective packaging. Our paper bubble wrap has a hexagonal pattern with small perforations to provide similar shock absorption properties as traditional plastic bubble wrap. With a 50% better yield than flat paper, this form of bubble wrap will securely protect delicate or irregularly shaped items during transit. Cost-efficient and made from 100% recycled paper, this bubble wrap is a great choice for anyone looking to reduce damage costs and boost their eco-friendliness!
Eco-Friendly Loose Fill
Using polystyrene chips became the norm for protecting fragile items during transit as they can provide high levels of cushioning and shock absorption to the contents of the parcel. However, new options have become available on the market to enable you to protect electronics, jewellery, glassware and so much more whilst also protecting the environment.
Biodegradable loose fill is the closest eco-friendly alternative to regular polystyrene packing peanuts. Formed to a similar shape as packing chips, the difference with them is that they are made entirely from starch material. Meaning that every piece is water soluble and completely home or garden compostable and biodegradable. If you want to go further than biodegradable loose fill, there are also void fill options available such as eco-friendly loose fill. Constructed from either paper or cardboard depending on which one you choose to use, you can revolutionise the way you protect your items. With the eco-friendly loose fill, each piece interlocks with one another to form a tight, compact, and secure surrounding for your goods to minimise movement during transit. Safeguard your products today with non-polluting void fill to enhance your customer’s shopping experience and save the environment.
Paper Tape
Incorporating paper tape into packing processes is an effective way to heighten your business’s eco-credentials. 100% recyclable and made from renewable resources, paper tape is an efficient way to seal parcels and protect them against damage or pilferage. Paper tape has a strong adhesive that can stay in place throughout varying temperatures and withstand dust, dirt, and moisture. Secure, smooth, and stylish, paper tape is guaranteed to hold your parcels in one piece whilst providing a professional look to your customers.
So there you have it…
Sustainable packaging is an ever-growing hot topic within industries and for good reason. Using eco-friendly packaging is one way for businesses to utilise their local supply chains. By incorporating climate-friendly packaging into your packing process, you open up a large sector of potential new consumers, lower packaging costs, reduce energy waste and lessen your company’s impact on the environment.
Customers now look for companies that offer products in compostable and biodegradable packaging, so it is a no-brainer to make the switch to sustainable packaging today!
To read more useful advice from us here at BiGDUG, click here to go to our blog page. We can help your business thrive.