Manufacturers of packaged goods and businesses that supply materials to the industry have adopted many basic sustainability practices, such as “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Packaging can pose a challenge to these practices because they involve so many elements, from inks to plastics to metals. Here are three sustainable packaging strategies your business should try.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Goods and materials must have protection from damage and contamination in transport and while on store shelves. Additionally, considerations for the well-being of both humans and the environment go into creating sustainable packaging. These considerations include materials, biodegradability, and the impact of production methods on ecosystems. Manufacturers of this packaging must consider the amount of energy and water they use and the level of greenhouse gas emissions that come from their processes. Sustainable packaging attempts to protect products while minimizing the depletion of natural resources and damage to the economic and social structures of the communities it touches.
Strategy 1: Use Less and Educate Consumers
Perhaps the most obvious strategy for sustainable packaging is to simply use less of it. Ship products in smaller containers that require fewer packing materials.
When your packaging arrives in the consumer’s hands, will they know how to perpetuate your sustainable practices? Clearly label boxes and bags as recyclable or compostable. This way, consumers can complete the cycle of sustainability for your packaging.
Strategy 2: Source Pacakaging Locally
The fewer trains, planes, and trucks your packaging must travel on, the lower the carbon footprint of that packaging. Where possible, use local suppliers of sustainable packing. If you can’t find a local supplier for the packaging you need, work with your supplier to devise a plan to minimize fossil fuel use and emissions in manufacturing.
Strategy 3: Recycle and Use Recycled or Compostable Materials
You’ve probably already instituted recycling protocols at your business to comply with local waste disposal regulations or to contribute to sustainability efforts.
Consider the other end of the supply chain as well. Ask how your suppliers source the materials for our packaging and exactly what’s in it. This can include the inks and chemicals they use to break down wood pulp to make paper for multiwall paper bags or cardboard for boxes. If you use lined or coated paper bags, find out what materials the linings are and whether they’re recyclable.
Many new compostable options have emerged, from mushroom- to seaweed- and cornstarch-based packing materials. All are good sustainable packaging strategies your business should try.