ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING ALTERNATIVES
Your customers notice how products are packaged.
So how do you use plastic-free packaging, keep waste to a minimum and improve your environmental credentials without driving up the cost? Simple changes such as eco-friendly, paper-based protective or reusable packaging can make a significant difference. Here’s our latest free guide to reducing your environmental impact while still protecting your products in transit and maintaining quality packaging.
1. Consider the packaging lifecycle.
From the materials used to manufacture it through to reuse, recycling or disposal, Australia is moving towards a circular model with an emphasis on packaging that can be recovered, reused, recycled or safely reprocessed.
Instead of asking, "Is this packaging biodegradable?" think about if it can be reduced, reused or recycled effectively where your customers live.
2. Cardboard instead of plastic
Corrugated cardboard boxes provide excellent protection. Where possible, choose ones with a high proportion of recycled content. To reduce your transport costs, select a size that snugly fits the product.
Consider reusing good-quality cartons from your suppliers instead of a new box. Several of Australia’s largest businesses are now offering this as a customer option.
3. Eco-friendly paper mailers
Paper mailers with their natural appearance and high recyclability are a quick and easy alternative to conventional plastic satchels.
Check exactly what it’s made from, though. Some paper-looking product contain plastic layers, coatings or mixed materials will see it end up in landfill. A genuinely recyclable paper mailer should have clear information about its composition and disposal.
4. Honeycomb paper and paper-based protective packaging
Honeycomb paper is an attractive alternative to plastic bubble wrap and air pillows. It uses air to create a cushion around fragile goods and stop them moving about. It makes the unpacking experience feel more considered and reflects well on your business.
Other options include:
Kraft paper void fill
Crumpled recycled paper
Shredded paper
Corrugated cardboard inserts
Moulded fibre protection
5. Is ‘compostable’ a reliable alternative?
Packaging that’s marked as compostable can need commercial or industrial composting facilities instead of a home compost bin. If those facilities aren’t readily available to your customer, they’ll also end up in landfill. Check that it’s labelled as ‘home compostable’.
A recyclable paper or cardboard solution may be easier for customers to dispose of correctly.
6. Moulded fibre packaging
The thicker moulded fibre packaging is generally made from recycled paper, newspapers and tissues. The thinner moulded fibre packaging is often made from plant-based materials such as sugar cane or bamboo fibre.
These mouldings hold products securely inside a box with little to no movement. It’s particularly useful for electronics, cosmetics, food products, bottles and other items requiring a custom-fit insert.
It also provides a more premium presentation than loose protective material because the insert has a bespoke appearance for that product.
7. Design it to be reused
Recyclable packaging that’s also designed to be reused says a lot about your concern for the environment. It speaks of a business that takes the time and resources to do that bit extra.
Have you thought about?
Reusable delivery boxes
Returnable shipping containers
Fabric produce bags
Reusable product bags
Refillable containers
Microsoft created reusable packaging for their XBox that uses recyclable paper tape that won’t damage the box on opening. The tape has a large hole in one end to make opening easier for everyone.
That’s clever thinking.
8. Plastic-free packing tape and labels
Paper packing tape, paper-based labels and paper documentation help position a package within the circular economy.
It’s particularly relevant when using cardboard boxes. Any plastic stuck to it from tape, plastic sleeves and stickers, laminated cards or too much adhesive makes the recycling process more difficult. Too much will see it taken out of the recycling process.
9. Use less packaging
Could a smaller box protect the product just as effectively? Are there inserts that can be removed or combined? Does this product really need an individual plastic bag?
Packaging optimisation starts with the reduce, reuse, recycle principle. There’s no single best sustainable packaging alternatives for every Australian business so be open to exploring your options.
10. Be careful not to greenwash
In Australia, environmental claims must be truthful, accurate and supported by reasonable grounds. Broad statements such as ‘eco-friendly’, ‘green’ or ‘100% sustainable’ can create a misleading impression if they are not properly qualified.
Be specific. "Made from recycled cardboard and designed for kerbside recycling" is better than just stating this is "environmentally friendly packaging".
See also CUSTOMERS PREFER CARDBOARD, 7 WAYS TO DO MORE WITH LESS, and HOW PAPER CHOICE AFFECTS RESPONSE.
The best eco-friendly packaging alternatives are not necessarily the most complicated or expensive. Often, the smartest solution is a well-designed cardboard box, a recycled paper mailer, paper-based cushioning or a reusable container, combined with less packaging overall.
Trust your local print professional to be up to date with what’s available and what’s right for your needs. Talk to Glide Print about your ideas and budget.
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