How Can Small Businesses Navigate the New Sustainability of Packaging?

No matter how much the world and technology progress, our first and last home will always be the planet Earth. Every large- and small-scale business has taken action to promote sustainability. And not only the business owners, but the general customers are also making most of their purchases from brands that value sustainability. According to an estimate, it was found that more than 60% of Americans are only willing to buy from ecological brands. Running a small business means limited resources. So, worry no more.

Factors to Consider for Sustainable Packaging 

All of us have seen the massive changes in the climate, ranging from global warming to the climate crisis. It is time we understand the necessity of sustainability and join hands to save our planet. Today, as an owner of a small business, you can give intelligent and eco-friendly packaging solutions to your consumers. However, let's first know about the 3 R's of sustainable packaging.

• Reduce 

Reducing means minimizing the use of packaging material. Now, we see products being packed in multiple layers of packaging. Sometimes, a single packaging box is made of several layers of paper. So, to play your part as a responsible brand, you need to let go of packaging that is made of dense materials. A high-density packaging material will take a long time to fester. That’s why you need to use single-layer packaging. 

• Recycle 

Recycling also ensures you utilize the older products. For example, you can utilize older containers and jars rather than dispose of them. Continuing, recycling enables you to reuse the same packaging several times. This helps you reduce wasteful packaging impacts.

• Rethink

Before throwing the old boxes and extra packaging materials, you need to stop and rethink their uses. You need to come up with creative solutions that will allow you to use them again. These solutions should be solid enough to pack your products securely. 

Read to Know! Cost-effective Packaging Solutions for Startups

Types of Sustainable Packaging

Firstly, let us discuss the three important types of sustainable packaging. These packaging options will help you understand the basics of sustainability: 

• Biodegradable Packaging

This type of sustainable packaging can easily be biodegraded. The best part about this type of packaging is that it doesn’t leave any chemical remains while breaking down. 

• Recyclable Packaging 

This type of packaging is reprocessed. This method is highly cost-efficient, as you are using the old packaging again. 

• Reusable Packaging 

This type of packaging ensures the use of old containers without recycling or decomposing. They can be used in their original state.

Choose Green Packaging Materials!

You need to reuse and recycle. Reusing your packaging can be cost-effective and also help you minimize your packaging's impact. There are different types of sustainable packaging materials; it is optimal to use the one that has the lowest carbon footprint. Here are a few of the options: 

• Paper Packaging

Paper is one of the top packaging choices among sustainable materials. As paper can be recycled and reprocessed, it comes in various forms. 

• Cardboard

Cardboard is a prime example of paper packaging. It is flexible and can be used to store and sell a large variety of products. This material is highly cost-effective, easily available and offers great printing results. Cardboard boxes are also perfect to pack heavy-duty products. You can use this material and customize it according to the requirements of your products. 

• Kraft 

Kraft is a biodegradable packaging medium that is commonly brown in color. It is made from the natural wood pulp which makes it an ideal candidate to support sustainability. Kraft packaging is extremely strong in nature that it can withstand the heavy load of your commodities. It is also a strong material that prevents heat, moisture, and humidity from reaching your commodities.

• Biodegradable Plastic Packaging

You must have heard about PLA-based packaging. It has become quite common in the food and cosmetic industry. The plastic used in this type of packaging is easily compostable. Therefore, this sustainable packaging trend is being preferred over the use of standard plastics.

• Edible Packaging

Here comes another top example of sustainable packaging. Edible packaging is derived from the materials such as sugarcane, rice, and plants. This type of packaging is best used for food products. 

Benefits of Green Packaging for Your Business!

There are endless advantages of sustainable packaging. Here we have listed a few:

• Attract Ecologically Sound Customers 

The only way that you can increase your sales is by targeting your audience the right way. Right now, sustainable packaging is the biggest trend being followed everywhere. That’s why you need this type of packaging to stay ahead of the competition. The sustainable image of your brand will portray you in a positive light in front of customers. 

• Falls into the Legislative Regulation

The government has made new laws and implemented new policies to ensure that every business owner uses environmentally safe packaging for their products. One example of such a law is Extended Product Responsibility (EPR), a code of conduct that is being executed in the US. As per these codes of conduct, the companies are required to be held accountable for product waste because of their business practices. Moreover, by minimizing the packaging waste that ultimately reduces the packaging costs, we can make more profit and gains. 

Conclusion!

How important sustainable packaging solutions are can not be overstated. Hence, select packaging for your products sensibly. If you are searching for a destination to order green packaging at wholesale prices, do not hesitate to get in touch with Boxit Packages. We provide all forms of sustainable packaging solutions, ranging from cardboard to food-grade materials.