Sustainable Packaging Options for Small Businesses
Use these eco-friendly packaging materials to reduce your company’s impact on the planet.
Using sustainable packaging materials to ship your products is good for the planet, but it also gives you a competitive edge. According to the 2021 Global Sustainability Study, sustainability is rated as an important purchase criteria for 60 percent of global consumers. In the US, this number is 61 percent, and one-third of customers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. About 64 percent of consumers said they’d be more likely to make a purchase from a retailer that offered compostable packaging, especially if it didn’t cost them extra. Fifty-two percent said they’d be more willing to make repeat purchases or sign up for a subscription from a company that offers more environmentally friendly packaging or shipping options.
Sustainability is becoming the norm, not just a trend—using eco-friendly packaging can set your business apart from competitors in your industry who turn their nose at any mention of greener products.
What Is Eco-Friendly Packaging?
Sustainable packaging can either be recyclable, compostable, or reusable:
Recyclable: Can be sent to recycling facilities and has the potential to be made into new raw materials.
Compostable: Degrades within a certain timeframe and is made from organic materials.
Reusable: Can be reused once a product is opened or finished.
Sustainable Packaging Alternatives
It’s easier than it ever has been for businesses to get their hands on eco-friendly packing materials. There are some exciting products out there, like styrofoam replacements made from mushrooms and biodegradable packing peanuts.
Here are some alternatives to traditional packaging that are friendlier on the environment and accessible to small businesses:
Eco-Friendly Boxes
EcoEnclose offers fully customizable corrugated shipping boxes made with 100 percent recycled content and 95 percent post-consumer waste. They have 8 box styles that can be ordered in almost any dimension, and can be custom branded.
These cardboard boxes are made from 100 percent recycled and recyclable materials, and are biodegradable. They come in 7 sizes, and can be bought in quantities ranging from 1-10,000 or more. Plus, they’re customizable to match your branding.
Tissue and Wrapping
This tissue paper is 100 percent home compostable, recyclable, made from recycled materials, and customizable. Tissue is printed with soy-based inks and the paper is FSC-certified.
Customizable tissue paper that’s made from 100 percent recycled and 20 percent post-consumer waste. The paper is FSC-certified, recyclable, and compostable.
Bio-Based Polybags
Waste Based poly bags are a biodegradable alternative to plastic packaging that dissolve in boiling water. They’re made from Hydropol, a modified polymer similar to polyvinyl alcohol, the material used to coat dishwasher and laundry tablets.
These poly bags are made from corn starch with a man-made binding agent added for flexibility. They can be composted and come in several different sizes.
Mailing Bags
These compostable mailing bags are made from renewable bioplastic film. They are home compostable, industry compostable, and printed with nontoxic inks.
These compostable mailers are partially made from plants, and come in 8 sizes with 5 color options. They are certified home compostable.
Noissue mailing bags are certified compostable, and will break down in a home compost in 180 days, or in a commercial compost in 90 days. They feature a second adhesive strip so they can be reused again. They come in 4 sizes and can be bought in quantities ranging from 100-5,000.
Padded Mailers
Papermart padded mailers are made out of 77 percent recycled paper fibers and 62 percent post-consumer materials. They are available in 8 sizes, and can be bought in small to large quantities.
These recycled, padded mailers are made from recycled plastics and have a bubble inner that provides an extra layer of cushion. They have a double adhesive strip that makes them reusable, and can be recycled where soft plastics are accepted.
Fillers
ULINE is a leading distributor of shipping, industrial, and packing materials. Not all of their products are sustainable, but some are, like their crinkle paper and biodegradable packing peanuts that can be used to fill empty space in boxes.
Protective Mailers
Ecovative makes structural packing from hemp hurd and mycelium. This kind of packing is great for protecting wine bottles, skincare products, candles, and other fragile items—it’s a replacement for styrofoam. Their packaging is home compostable in 45 days.
Green Cell Foam protective packaging is made from US-grown corn that dissolves in water. It can also be composted or burned safely in fireplaces, firepits, and powerplants.
Marketing Sustainable Packaging
Start where you can. Even one small change to your packaging can make a difference for the planet. If you do decide to switch some of your packing, show your efforts in your marketing. Making the switch to compostable packaging materials or recycled packaging? Let your customers know! Post about it on your company’s social media platforms and website. If you decide to customize your packing, have it say “I’m compostable” or a similar phrase to let consumers know your business cares about the planet.
Need help marketing your company’s sustainability efforts? We can help with that! Our team of overqualified creatives can help you celebrate your achievements accurately, without falling into the trap of greenwashing.