As consumers become more aware of their role in protecting the environment, packaging used by businesses can become a concern. If you’re considering switching to an eco-friendly packaging alternative because of this, you’ve come to the right place! Below, there are some reasons to do it, suggestions to help you make the transition smoother, and tips to make a huge difference. So, keep reading! ✨😉🌵
🌳 What You’ll Find:
- Why You Should Switch to Environmentally Friendly Packaging
- 6 Best Practices to Follow Your Eco-Friendly Packaging
- Enjoy the Benefits of Switching to Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Plenty of companies have been making changes that benefit the environment. Whether this is due to new regulations and penalties or because they want to do their part is a whole other question. What we do know is that consumers care about their carbon footprint a lot.
Why You Should Switch to Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Switching to an eco-friendly packaging alternative might have more benefits than you think. This strategy will not only help take care of our planet but also will make your brand shine. Let’s get into each of the benefits:
⭐ 1. Your Brand’s Reputation
Do you sell environmentally friendly products or designs? Then, your packaging should align with that. It doesn’t make sense to push an ideology with your products and designs only to fall short on things like your packaging and manufacturing.
Instead of getting burned by consumers, impress them with packaging that makes sense for your brand and fits completely with your brand’s values. This will help you develop a great brand reputation while turning you into an example for other brands to follow.
🚀 2. Pique Consumer Interest
Switching to an eco-friendly packaging alternative might be just the beginning.
Concerns about the environment and reducing our carbon footprint have been hot topics for a while now. Many businesses are doing their part to protect the environment, and you wouldn’t want to be left out. This change will not only benefit the environment but can also be advantageous for your business. Looking for ways to reduce waste in your production and packaging of goods, switching to recyclable materials, and using renewable energy are just some of the changes you can make in your business.
✨🌱🤗 If you’re a print-on-demand seller, keep reading our latest blog to discover 5 eco-friendly print-on-demand companies that actually care for the planet.
Therefore, consumers may be more likely to purchase from you than from other similar product sellers because of your commitment to making a positive difference. So it’s a win-win for both your business and the planet!
🤑 3. Cost-Effective Strategy
It may sound like switching to eco-friendly packaging options will cost more, but this isn’t always true. In some cases, you may find that you’re actually saving money by using materials that are easier to recycle or have already been recycled.
If eco-friendly packaging options do end up being more pricey than your current favorites, keep in mind that consumers are more environmentally conscious and are often willing to pay a little more for something they know is more eco-friendly. A small price adjustment with a justification won’t be a big deal if you spend a bit more.
💙 4. Show You Care
Many consumers aren’t shy about voicing their concerns, and they may start to request more environmentally friendly options when it comes to packaging and even production. If you’ve already gotten messages asking about your packaging, materials, and production, switching to recyclable packaging is a great way to show consumers you hear them and that you care about their concerns. However, don’t make it all about their concerns either; a genuine interest in protecting the planet will be authentic and promising.
6 Best Practices to Follow With Your Eco-Friendly Packaging
As you start contemplating how to make the change to more eco-friendly packaging the best way, there are some best practices to consider. It may all seem pretty straightforward, but you may come across some questions and concerns along the way. To help you be a bit more prepared before diving in head first, check out these tips!
🌟 1. Reduce the Amount of Packaging Materials You Use
If you sell items of different sizes, it doesn’t make sense to package all of them in the same size box or mailer. Look for smaller options that make sense for your smaller items or even smaller packaging if your current options are much larger than your items. This will help you drastically reduce the amount of waste you’re creating with those large boxes, bubble wrap, and stuffing needed for every package.
If your boxes have branding elements on them, you don’t have to lose this completely. Simply adapt these elements to your new packaging and make sure it fits the different size options you now have available.
💡 A great example of this is Amazon. They started getting tons of complaints because of the huge boxes they used and that some of their sellers used to mail tiny items. This led to tons of waste being produced due to the plastic bubble stuffing that had to be used in these boxes. Amazon listened to its customers, changed its mailers, and even made new regulations that penalize sellers who use excessive packaging.
🌱 2. Use Sustainable Materials
You may have the size of your packaging down perfectly, but what are your mailers and boxes made of? Many sellers think their options are all eco-friendly and recyclable, but upon further review, they realize that the plastic in these makes them impossible to recycle.
Look into what you’re currently using and then research some environmentally friendly alternatives that can work just as well. For example, if you currently use bubble wrap-lined mailers or bubble wrap in your boxes, this will just go to a landfill. In some cases, the bubble wrap isn’t even necessary and can be replaced with newspaper or kraft paper. If bubble wrap is a must because your items are fragile, then biodegradable bubble wrap and other similar alternatives are great options.
🪴😊 Pro tip: If you don’t know where to look for options, check out forums like Reddit’s r/Zerowaste and ask about other people’s experiences or suggestions. They’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
🌵 3. Stick With Durable and Reusable Packaging Options
Packaging that can be repurposed, recycled, or reused is a great option for a few reasons. Sturdy boxes that can be reused to store other items are a win for customers because they get more than just the item they purchased. If the box is also made of recyclable material, then it can be recycled once it’s reached the end of its life.
Using burlap bags to wrap items instead of tissue paper is also a great option. These burlap bags can then be used in place of grocery bags or when plastic bags are needed.
If your business is more oriented towards food, offering reusable packaging for customers can even help turn them into loyal customers. For example, selling reusable cups that customers can get their to-go coffee orders in at a discounted price can turn these customers into more loyal patrons. Similarly, offering customers who are staying in your shop their coffee in ceramic mugs at a discounted price can make the experience cozier while also helping reduce waste.
Many sellers are also developing packaging that can be composted, planted, or made into another item. Since consumers love getting a little something extra, packaging that can be repurposed is a great surprise. It’s even better if it’s useful in their everyday life or helps them feel like they’re making a difference.
🔎 4. Select a Packaging Company Wisely
The materials you use when packaging your items are important, but there’s more to it than that. It’s also important to do some research on your packaging suppliers. Are they working on reducing the waste they create? Are they doing something to offset their environmental impact?
Do your best to work with packaging suppliers who are also environmentally friendly or actively working towards becoming more sustainable. This doesn’t just mean they produce eco-friendly and recyclable packaging but also that their manufacturing processes are sustainable.
This doesn’t end at just your packaging, either. It’s important that the materials and manufacturing processes you use are eco-friendly and that they fit with your brand’s values.
🌱🌎✨ You might like Printify Review: Creating a Sustainable Brand
✏️ 5. Consider Your Ink Usage
Believe it or not, ink can be the most costly and wasteful part of your packaging. There are alternatives, but there isn’t a clear solution to the ink issue just yet. For now, good alternatives include water-soluble and biodegradable inks, like soy ink.
One of the best things you can do to reduce the issues caused by ink is to reduce your use of it and only use ink when it’s really needed. The ink that can be de-inked easily will also be better for recycling because it’s easier to remove from otherwise perfectly recyclable packaging. It’s also best to stick to digital printing over offset printing since it uses less ink and fewer supplies.
If you’re trying to reduce your use of ink, this is a great opportunity to update your branding and make more environmentally friendly changes to your brand image. If you do decide to create a more sustainable brand and update your aesthetic, use packaging mockups to show off your new look. With Placeit by Envato, you can find all sorts of mockups, from food packaging to packaging for household products. If you don’t find what you need, let us know so we can include it in our library!
🤓 6. Include Recycling Instructions
The fact of the matter is that even if your packaging is recyclable, it doesn’t mean everyone will recycle it. Sometimes, people are overwhelmed by all the different materials in a package and aren’t sure if they’re all recyclable. Instead of trying to figure it out, they just toss it all in the trash and problem-solving.
In these cases, a simple insert can be included in your package with more specific recycling information. Make it as easy as possible for people to dispose of your different packaging materials properly so that they actually follow through and do it.
If your packaging can be planted, composted, reused, or if it needs to be dropped off at a specific type of recycling center, let your customers know all of this in your insert. It goes without saying that your insert should also be recyclable.
🌍🌳🌻 You might like reading: 20+ Earth Day T-Shirt Ideas to Bring Your Store to Life
Enjoy the Benefits of Switching to Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Make your brand more enticing by taking steps towards becoming more environmentally friendly. These tips are just a start. There are many other ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and make a real change in your business and in the world. Let us know what some of your favorite eco-friendly alternatives are in the comment below!
🔥 Hey, cannabis enthusiasts! Take a look at some cannabis packaging trends to market your products like a pro!
FAQ Eco-Friendly Packaging
