Think of ordering your favorite product from the comfort of your couch, only to be excited when it shows up at your door. You are thrilled to receive the package but go through many layers of plastic, bubble wrap and cardboard (the mortal enemies of value) to finally get to the product. Getting to the product is frustrating and shows the perfect reason why sustainable packaging has gone from a buzz word to a requirement in today’s e-commerce.
In continued growth of e-commerce, packaging is more important to not only the way customers experience the product as well as its eco footprint than ever before. More and more consumers are beginning to ask: ‘Is my purchase harming the planet’?
More brands are recognizing that making packaging more sustainable contributes not only to the greater good of the planet but also to business development, trust and long-term viability.
The Evolution of Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging consists of materials and designs that are less harmful to the environment, using recyclable, compostable and biodegradable materials, looking at reducing packaging to limit waste.
Packaging traditionally often has a disposable perspective on unpacking and it looks at the entire lifecycle, production and transportation packaging to prepare for disposal.
There has been a dramatic shift which shows that consumers are putting a lot more value to brands that are aligned with their values. Studies also show that most consumers would even pay more for an item with an environmentally friendly package. Therefore, having an awareness of packaging sustainability is not only an ethical decision, but a credible point of differentiation for business.
Reasons Why Brands Can No Longer Dismiss Sustainable Packaging
1. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscientious.
Evidence shows that consumers are staying loyal to brands using more sustainable materials to package their products. Whether that’s recyclable mailers, reusable boxes or compostable pouches, sustainable packaging is in a way a promise that a brand cares about something beyond profit.
2. Complying with Legislation
All around the world, legislation is being amended or new laws are being added to regulate single-use plastics. For that reason, as brands wait to make a change, they will lose even more money in the future in terms of fines or regulatory redesigns. Eco-friendly options should be invested in early to allow brands to stay ahead of legislation.
3. Long-Term Cost Savings
Although eco-friendly packaging may come with a cost multi-pack in the long-term the benefits exceed the costs. Lighter, smarter is costing less to ship and fewer broken goods with more durable materials. These savings also grow over time, while at the same time, helping to reduce the carbon footprint for brands.
4. Developing Increased Brand Loyalty
Nowadays consumers often showcasing their unboxing experiences on social media, turning packaging into a powerful marketing tool. If the positive first impression sticks by using environmentally sustainable packaging, the likelihood of social media recommendations is higher too and the social media recommendations are bound to happen with our story.
The thoughtfulness of a reused product concerning consumer driven replication of a reusable cloth bag or recycled kraft box can, based on my experience, create a long-term buyer for the life of your product.
Current Trends in Green Packaging
Online shopping brands are creatively using green packaging. Here are some of the trends listed below:
- Custom biodegradable packaging – A great option for brands that want to show off their environmental responsibility while maintaining a high-quality appearance.
- Minimalist design – With less layers, less ink and simpler branding, not only looks fashionable but reduces waste.
- Recycled materials – From recycled plastic to recycled cardboard, these products can repurpose materials.
- Reusable solutions – Some companies now make packaging that is returned or reused by customers creating a closed loop.
These examples show Sustainable packaging goes beyond reducing waste, it’s about reimagining the entire way products are delivered to customers.
How Businesses Gain
Sustainable packaging is not just a good idea, it’s good for business. The benefits of sustainable packaging include:
- Better brand reputation: Green packaging instills trust and helps your brand feel progressive.
- Customer loyalty: When value alignments occur customers are more likely to repurchase from brands.
- Cost savings: Better design and smaller packages can lessen inventory costs and logistics costs.
- Market differentiation: Green packaging can sometimes create an opportunity to differentiate in difficult markets.
What Eco-Friendly Packaging Looks Like for Businesses
If your business is thinking about moving to eco-friendly packaging, we compiled ways to help you transition:
- Make an inventory of your current packaging – Find out what’s recyclable and how you can cut back on waste.
- Seek out green packaging companies – Some companies have creative strategies and great options for various industries.
When you’re prepared to transition to sustainable packaging, contemplate these useful suggestions:
- Begin small – Create and launch unique biodegradable packaging for one product line first and grow the initiative later.
- Educate your customers – Make sure when you have recyclable or compostable packaging that it can be easily identified, but also let purchasers know where they can take their packaging once they are done with it.
- Don’t forget about design – Just because you are going sustainable packaging doesn’t mean to be boring, you can still have creative designs that are still on brand for sustainable packaging.
Sustainable Packaging FAQ’S
1. What is sustainable packaging?
Sustainable packaging is a concept that encompasses materials and designs that create less waste and necessity to replace packaging materials and actively reduce negative effects to the environment. Sustainable packaging may refer to recyclable, compostable and/or biodegradable packaging.
2. Is sustainable packaging more costly?
It can be a little bit higher cost for the start, however in the end, companies save more money overall with new shipping costs, reduced damaged goods and building greater customer loyalty
3. Can small companies implement sustainable packaging?
Absolutely! Most suppliers have cost-effective environmentally friendly packaging solutions that small businesses can increase volumes as they expand.
4. Why should consumers be concerned about purchasing eco-friendly packaging?
In today’s world of commerce, consumers usually like to buy something from a company whose values align with their own. Eco-friendly packaging provides the consumer with that “feel good” about their purchase to come back and shop again.
5. How can I find trustworthy, sustainable packaging companies?
Look for suppliers that have clear certifications and reviews. Most companies have groups now who specialize in only custom biodegradable packaging products and green alternatives.
Final Thoughts
As a viable option, eco-friendly packaging does not just already exist as a trend, it is the movement that is shaping the future of e-commerce, from aiding in saving the environment to developing customer loyalty, there is no shortage of positive opportunities. Green companies today do not only provide an overall greener planet but recognize companies to partner with, since these companies were essentially going to buy it anyways, do it with your cardboard and packaging that can become projects in the end.
So, the question is: Is your brand ready to adapt your sustainable packaging and create better customers for tomorrow?
