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Why should you choose Eco-Friendly Packaging Supplies?

In a word, sustainability, it’s good for you, it’s good for the plant and it’s good for business. The world’s resources are being pushed harder than ever but we can do our bit to help by finding ways to re-use the things we’ve already made. Eco-friendly packaging materials make it possible for us to do just that. This blog post aims to shed light on the importance of eco-friendly packaging supplies, what to look out for and how to find reliable suppliers that promote sustainability. By adopting eco-friendly materials for packaging, you can make a huge impact on the environment and your customer will love you for it too.

What exactly is Eco-Friendly Packaging?

The world produces around 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging each year, mountains of plastic that is going nowhere fast. It can take up to 1000 years for a plastic bag to disintegrate completely. This is the opposite of eco-friendly. To combat that science has made some fantastic breakthroughs, and we can now produce packaging materials that minimize the harm to the environment throughout their lifecycle.

Eco-friendly packaging basically falls into three categories:

  • Compostable – it will break down into soil over time.
  • Recyclable – can be turned into raw materials that can be used to make new packaging without using new resources.
  • Paper products – are one of the easiest materials to break down and remake into similar products.

Form and function

Packaging is a functional piece of design, it should:

  • Be economic
  • Durable – it should protect the contents
  • Ease of use – it should be easy to pack and unpack
  • Labelling – what information does it need to carry?
  • Appearance – does it reflect the qualities of your brand?

These are all considerations for any packaging; any eco-friendly packaging needs to fulfil these considerations. However, many people want to be seen doing the right thing. They still want to shop but lessen their impact on the environment, so using eco-friendly packaging materials will help them do that, so your brand gets the kudos. Research from Greenprint shows that 64% of Americans are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials

Today there are lots and lots of options. Various eco-friendly packaging materials are available, each with unique properties and advantages. Biodegradable materials break down naturally, so this helps control the build-up of waste in landfills. Biodegradable eco-friendly materials are also free of toxins and are often reusable or recyclable, so can be cost-efficient. Biodegradable is not the same as compostable materials though.

  • Compostable materials can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost when disposed of properly. These bio-plastics are often made from plants like sugarcane and cassava.
  • Recycled materials reduce the demand for virgin resources.
  • Renewable materials are derived from sustainable sources, ensuring long-term availability.

Sustainable materials consider the entire lifecycle, from sourcing to disposal. By using these materials, you can minimize your ecological footprint while maintaining product quality and protection.

Eco-friendly packaging examples

Paper Carry Bags.

Single-use plastic bags were banned in New Zealand in 2019 but people still need to carry things. Paper carry bags provide a green solution as well as looking very classy.

Corrugated bubble wrap

Fragile products need a little more care and protection. Instead of either plastic bubble wrap or polystyrene shells, you can use corrugated bubble wrap. Made from 100% recycled cardboard paper, it is reusable and biodegradable.

Recycled Cardboard boxes and rolls

Durable, affordable, reusable, and recyclable – cardboard boxes and rolls tick lots of boxes.

Finding Eco-Friendly Packaging Suppliers

A good eco-friendly packaging supplier will give you options, so you can get the packing that serves its purpose. Your supplier should be able to give you information about the products so you can ensure the authenticity and quality of the materials. Look for certifications and eco-labels that validate their commitment to sustainability. Transparency in supply chains is vital, as it helps trace the origin and sustainability of the materials. You have to be able to trust what is says on the packet.

Buying Eco-Friendly Packaging Supplies

When purchasing eco-friendly packaging supplies, you should take several things into consideration. First, assess what your packaging needs to do – is it sturdy enough, is it durable, and can you store it? Once you are sure the form will do its job, you can then consider the material to use. Cost-effectiveness is another aspect to consider, as sustainable options may require a higher upfront investment but can lead to long-term savings. Durability and functionality should not be compromised, as quality packaging ensures product safety and reduces waste. Another thing to note is to make sure the recipient of your package can see that it has been packed with eco-friendly material, so they feel good about it and also know how to dispose of it correctly. That way you’ll keep that cycle of recycling going round and round.

That’s a wrap

Eco-friendly packaging supplies offer a promising avenue for reducing the environmental impact of packaging. With every day, it gets more important to your customers. By understanding the significance of eco-friendly materials, finding a reliable supplier, and making informed purchasing decisions, we can all do our bit toward a more sustainable future. Let's embrace eco-friendly packaging practices, support responsible suppliers, and make conscious choices that protect our planet for generations to come. Together, we can create a greener and more sustainable world.