Eco-friendly packaging and shipping options

Are you a small business owner looking to make your business practices more eco-friendly and sustainable?

In today’s world, being environmentally conscious is crucial, especially when it comes to packaging and shipping.

Sustainability is essential for small businesses, as it ensures long-term viability while positively impacting the environment and community.

If you’re an online seller aiming to be more environmentally conscious, focusing on your packaging is key. The rise of ecommerce has led to a surge in packaging materials and more waste ending up in landfills. For example, a study by Oceana found that Amazon alone, produced 709 million pounds of plastic packaging waste!

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, we produce 300 million tons of plastic each year worldwide, half of which is for single-use items. That’s almost equivalent to the weight of the entire human population.

In the landscape of online commerce, awareness around environment and sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Consumers are more attentive to companies’ sustainable practices, including the impact of shipping and packaging. It is not just about selling your products, but being aware of the process you are implementing.

Let’s explore some simple, yet effective ways you can reduce your environmental impact, while still delivering your products safely.

Have a look and choose which options best suit your business needs. 👇

Biodegradable packing peanuts

These packing peanuts protect fragile items during shipping while also being environmentally friendly. Traditional peanuts can take centuries to decompose and contribute to pollution. Biodegradable packing peanuts are made from natural materials that break down in the environment, and decompose without harming it.

They are made from substances like wheat starch, which are biodegradable and compostable.

This means that they can be disposed of in compost bins or industrial composting facilities, where they will decompose into organic matter. Ever thought about how much plastic waste you could reduce by switching to these peanuts?

Recycled cardboard

Recycled cardboard packaging is an eco-friendly option that is ideal for larger items. It is made from waste material such as old cardboard boxes, newspapers and magazines, that have been collected, processed, and turned into new packaging materials.

By using recycled cardboard, businesses can reduce the demand for new raw materials, conserve natural resources, and minimise the environmental footprint of their packaging.

Recycled cardboard is sturdy and durable, providing excellent protection for goods during shipping while also being easily recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

Mushroom Packaging

Also known as mycelium packaging, mushroom packaging is a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials that offers excellent insulation properties. It’s made from agricultural waste mixed with mushroom roots.

The result is a lightweight and strong material that’s great for protecting your products during shipping. Mushroom packaging is biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally over time without leaving any harmful residues. Plus, it can be grown at home using DIY kits! How cool is that?

Plantable packaging

Imagine packaging that turns into plants! Typically made from biodegradable paper embedded with seeds, plantable packaging can be planted directly into the soil after use. As the packaging decomposes, the seeds germinate and grow into plants, creating a natural and beneficial cycle.

Plantable packaging helps to reduce waste by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials that end up in landfill. It also promotes biodiversity and green spaces, by encouraging people to grow their own plants and gardens.

Edible packaging

Edible packaging is made from natural, edible materials such as seaweed or rice paper.

Edible packaging can be consumed along with the food or beverage it contains! This eliminates the need for additional packaging disposal and reduces overall waste generation. Edible packaging is often used for items like snacks, candies, or single-serve beverages, where it provides a convenient and environmentally friendly way to package and consume products.

Have a look and choose which options best suit your business needs. 👇

Encourage the 3R’s

Businesses can turn to the 3R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle, for sustainable shipping options, by implementing programs where customers can return or recycle packaging materials. Offering discounts for returning packaging can help reduce waste, and educating customers about these benefits can foster a culture of sustainability.

Partner with eco-friendly suppliers and carriers:

Collaborating with suppliers and carriers that prioritise eco-friendly practices can reduce environmental impact. Choosing suppliers who use sustainable materials and carriers with low-fuel consumption or zero-emission options can significantly contribute to sustainable shipping efforts.

Reducing the environmental impact of shipping and packaging is a challenge that requires constant and innovative commitment. By adopting eco-friendly packaging and shipping options, your small business can significantly contribute to environmental conservation, while continuing to provide high-quality service to your customers.