Depending on the quality and materials, a commercial compost facility can break these packages down in 90 days, while domestic compost conditions can do it in days. Packing materials are abundant in the retail supply chain. Products are bagged, baled, or bundled before they get to you, often using additional packaging.
As such, you need to optimize how merchandise moves across the chain so you can minimize these materials — and the waste that comes with them. Work with your suppliers and vendors to optimize your supply chain practices. Some of the things you could try are:. Choose to work with manufacturers that prioritize sustainability.
Do your research. Before signing an agreement with a supplier, ask about their manufacturing processes and practices. Do they use sustainable materials? What are they doing to minimize their ecological and carbon footprint? If possible, check out their premises to get a first-hand look at their facilities, equipment, supplies, etc. From there, you can make an educated decision on whether or not to work with them.
Ready to transition to an eco-friendly packaging solution? Here are some pointers on how to implement sustainable packaging correctly.
But this approach can do more harm than good. For starters, introducing new materials and ways of doing things requires research, testing, and even trial and error. To make your sustainable efforts… well, sustainable , take things slow.
Rather than replacing all your supplies with greener alternatives, start with one or two things. For example, if your boxes or mailers come in different sizes, kick things off by replacing one size first to see how it goes.
Depending on the results of your efforts, you can move on to other sizes. There are plenty of companies that offer eco-friendly packaging. The best way to figure out which one is right for you is to get your hands on some samples. If the vendor agrees to provide them for free, then great. Otherwise, place a small order so you can evaluate their products. Compatibility with your merchandise — See to it that the packaging materials are a good match for your products.
Place your items inside then evaluate how well they fit. Does the package showcase your products in the best possible way? Would it be easy for your customers to unbox or remove items from the container? These are some of the questions you should be asking when evaluating your options.
Durability — Do a stress test with the packaging. Place your products inside then try to recreate what a package would go through during a typical shipping journey. If possible, bend the material, apply some pressure, or even throw it around to see how well it can protect its contents. Weight and size — As mentioned earlier, a few grams and inches here and there can add to your shipping costs. Choose packaging with just the right dimensions and weight — i.
Here are examples of sustainability principles and packaging guidelines for four major brands. The brands vary in how fundamental sustainability is to their business, but all have put resources into this process, particularly as it relates to sustainable packaging. These examples are meant to illustrate different approaches and perspectives, and to inspire you to take the next step not to suggest that any are superior to the other. Method is a home and body soap brand created by founders who set out to change the world by creating beautiful cleaning products that are as kind to the planet as they are tough on dirt.
They have a variety of resources on their site and blog discussing their sustainability principles, including:. An overview of the ethical philosophies that drive their business. A visual depiction of how Method Home defines sustainability. I'm a huge fan of Method's philosophies and approach, and am particularly struck by the clear prioritization they have made versus trying to assume "sustainable packaging" means everything eco-minded. In particular, they are focused on minimizing waste through their: 1 cradle to cradle philosophy that aims to make bottles from bottles by designing packaging that can be easily made from recycled bottles and then be easily recycled back into bottles.
It is, therefore, no surprise that Patagonia has detailed policy and implementation guidelines for the packaging and merchandising of its products. Like everything Patagonia does, they take a very measured, researched and thoughtful approach to their packaging standards.
Their focus starts with minimizing the amount of even the most sustainable packaging materials used, then on ensuring reusability or recyclability, and then on sourcing as much recycled content in particular, post consumer waste.
They have banned specific chemicals from their packaging that are known hazards to human, land and water health. They have also taken the unique step of banning compostable bioplastics PLA in particular , a stance that is very well researched and rooted in their principles of doing the least harm and focusing on recycled content and recyclability but is not common in the world of sustainable packaging today.
We are using our strengths to not only further work in our own operations, but to also help create a more sustainable value chain. As is highlighted multiple times in their sustainability statement, Walmart has decided to focus largely on the eco impact it can have is by influencing their vendors to be more sustainable.
To that end, they have an extensive set of resources to guide the operations of their vendors including their Sustainable Packaging Playbook. Companies are asked to assess the sourcing of packaging materials, manufacturing, distribution, use and end of life. This Life Cycle Analysis approach makes sense for a company like Walmart. The diversity of products they sell and customers they serve means it would be difficult to put forth the level of specificity that Patagonia has in place. Instead, they see a Life Cycle Analysis as a common way to guide all vendors towards the most sustainable options possible.
As you might expect, we have numerous sustainable packaging resources available throughout our site- our sustainable packaging resource center is a great place to start.
And who says shipping boxes have to be boring? EcoEnclose is your source for all things eco-friendly packaging- reach out if you want to buy sustainable packaging or have any questions about our process! Resources Sustainable Packaging and Your Business Have you and your company made the decision to move to more sustainable packaging to become a more earth-friendly company overall?
What is Sustainable Packaging? Tips on Designing Environmentally Sustainable Packaging: The number one function of packaging is to protect your product in transit. Avoid damages and unnecessary returns, which have a very negative environmental impact. As such, choose the packaging style that best achieves this goal.
For some, this will mean that a box is essential and for others, a mailer would be ideal. Select packaging that supports and strengthens your company's brand a second critical function of packaging , helping your eco-minded company flourish and thrive. Use as little material as possible and ship as little excess air as possible, while still achieving the above two goals. This can take the form of engineering corrugated cardboard boxes to eliminate plastics and polystyrene and other void fill.
But, it can equally be creating a long lasting, reusable supply chain solution from plastic. Or eliminating high volumes of damaged items and the environmental impact this has through bespoke foam inserts. It could even be helping you to comply with UK Packaging Waste Regulations, or advising you on the correct recycling symbols to use on your packaging. In other words, you can rely on GWP to identify, design and manufacture the most sustainable and eco-friendly packaging relative to your specific business requirements.
Saying that, we design and manufacture using recycled packaging materials wherever possible and always follow stringent, environmentally friendly processes. Besides this, we work to ISO accredited environmental management standards and, on a more practical level, have installed automatic waste collection throughout our manufacturing processes. Ultimately, we take pride in offering an environmental advantage to each and every one of our customers.
Returnable ian. Mon — Fri Search for: Go. Single Source All your packaging, one supplier. Custom Design Tailored to your requirements. Environmentally Friendly Packaging Taking a holistic view of your packaging and supply chain to ensure true sustainability Even before the popularity of Blue Planet and its focus ocean pollution, it was common for the packaging industry and the products themselves to get a bad press.
On this page Sustainable packaging options Sustainable packaging definition Business advantages What is eco friendly? Recyclable Packaging Corrugated cardboard products Corrugated cardboard packaging is rightly regarded as environmentally friendly. This is why there is now such a focus on — and drive towards — sustainable packaging.
But what does this really mean? However, there are a number of significant benefits of switching to sustainable packaging. So how does this apply to what the media are pushing as environmentally friendly packaging?
Besides this, current biodegradable plastics cannot be recycled, as other plastics can. Despite getting a bad press, plastic packaging can be sustainable. The bottom line? It is important to take holistic view of the environmental impacts of your packaging. For many businesses, it makes economic and environmental sense to become truly sustainable.
What is meant by sustainable packaging? Are there different types of sustainable packaging? Why should my business care about sustainable packaging? What are bio-based plastics? Can GWP help my business with sustainable packaging? Quotes, Technical Info, Advice Get your no obligation, tailored quote or impartial product advice now. Additional Info Telephone optional Company Name optional.
Your information will not be shared with any third party. Ian Cook Returnable ian. Would you like advice on the best form of sustainable packaging for your business? GWP Group. Monday to Friday. GWP Group use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you relevant content. To find out more, please read our privacy policy and cookie policy. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.
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