Shipping is an integral process of many small businesses and ensuring that it’s carried out in the most efficient way possible is necessary for business owners. Business owners need to be on the constant lookout for new trends in the market and follow them to ensure their business doesn’t get left behind.
One of such trends that many small businesses seem to be adopting is eco-friendly packaging. Eco-friendly packaging means packaging your items in such a way that it doesn’t harm the environment in any way even after the shipment is delivered. According to Luchtkussengigant, as signs of global warming and climate change become more apparent, so has the need for turning to eco-friendly alternatives has become more clear.
In today’s world, opting for eco-friendly packaging can not only save the environment but can save your business as well! Studies have shown that small businesses that have started opting for eco-friendly packaging are now receiving more sales than before. There are countless people out there who are genuinely worried about the environment and will thus support any business organization that chooses to adopt eco-friendly practices.
That being said, how do you transition into eco-friendly packaging exactly? What are the various environmentally safe alternatives to traditional non-safe packaging? In this article, we will answer exactly that with our extensive list of various alternative options that you can opt to choose if you wish to become an eco-friendly business.
1. Starch-based packing peanuts
Everyone is aware of foam peanuts as the most preferable option for filler material. It provides the perfect amount of insulation and force absorption and is the right size to occupy just enough extra space. However, for all their benefits, they also have one major flaw and that is their non-biodegradable nature.
These standard peanuts are made from styrofoam, which is a non-degradable plastic. It is extremely lethal for earth’s soil and it can be a long while before these peanuts disintegrate into the soil. That’s why there exists a much better and environmentally friendly alternative to normal foam peanuts – starch-based packing peanuts.
These peanuts are created from the wastes of agricultural ventures. The most amazing thing about them is that they are so biodegradable that they will melt up at the slightest contact with water. Essentially, using these peanuts should be the go-to solution of small businesses in maintaining environmental awareness.
2. Corrugated cardboard
Have you ever wondered what happens to the cardboard that you dispose of at recycling? It gains a lifeline and comes back as a better and safer version of its original self and is called corrugated cardboard. Corrugated cardboard is great because by supporting this cardboard, you support the essential process of recycling and all the industries that practice it.
Corrugated cardboard can both be used as a recycled cardboard box with added strength or used as insulation that can protect your items from the inside from getting damaged. Both alternatives are amazing.
3. Paper envelopes
Many people incorrectly think that envelopes are only meant for letters, not for packages or deliveries. It couldn’t be further from the truth because envelopes have the capacity to carry small lightweight items as well. These envelopes not only deliver your package in a personal way, but also attach a vintage and classic feel to it.
You can even go a step further and make envelopes that can be sent back to you, the business store, once your customers receive your product. Paper envelopes can give your business the creative edge it needs so that your sales are boosted even further than before. Since paper is reusable and degradable, it wouldn’t be too much of a worry even if your customers throw it in the ground after receiving the product.
4. Biodegradable air cushions
One of the most exciting things about recyclable materials is their degradability factor which is so high with biodegradable air cushions. These are generally made for use and throw but you can continue to utilize them as long as you wish. These air cushions are eco-friendly and healthy which is why they are used by many delivery companies.
These are an essential option if you want to ensure security for your package. You can simply cover your item with these cushions all around and they can act as damage absorbing balloons for you. Once they can’t be used anymore, they can be eventually degraded into soil.
5. Biodegradable plastics
It is unavoidable, we depend on plastic one way or the other and have built too much reliance on plastic packaging products from major manufacturers. There can be a million alternatives to plastic but sometimes only plastic packaging can be the perfect option for your customers. There is no denying that fact and escaping reality. The best you can do is ensure that the plastic that is being used by your business is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
When your shipping details are made from organic materials like organic boxes, organic plastic packaging that doesn’t degrade in the soil right away but is the product of old recycled plastic, etc., it makes an impact on your customer that you truly cherish the environment.
6. Organic fabric cloths
One of the most simple and intuitive replacements for plastic bags is bags that are made from various cloth materials like jute, hemp, and cotton which are much better options for your customers. These cloth bags are amazing for carrying almost anything, look classy, and can be used in a variety of ways.
Organic fiber easily degrades in the soil and after a few years completely disintegrates, leaving no traces that you even had a fiber cloth bag once. If you choose the right cloth, the right texture, and the right color, you can end up with a packaging result that is quite stunning. Such packaging only serves to astound your customers and make them permanent customers from temporary customers.
It is crucial that you use organic cloth for this because while normal cloth is degradable and a pretty good choice too, the fiber it’s made is completely new. With organic fiber, you get a cloth that has been recycled once before and can be recycled multiple times again in the future, thus supporting sustainability.
Conclusion
There are several eco-friendly packaging alternatives to the traditional packaging method especially for small businesses. We hope this article provided you insights on these alternatives and if it did, please consider following our website for regular updates as it will help us out immensely.
