There has been a growing awareness of climate change in recent years. As a result, individuals and organizations are actively taking part in avoiding activities that harm the environment.
For example, businesses are getting into impact investing to generate more positive environmental and social impacts while still making profits. Companies are also buying carbon credits to offset their carbon footprint. Another way businesses are taking part in reversing climate change is by switching to eco-friendly packaging.
In the past, packaging was solely made from plastic and Styrofoam. These materials take years to disintegrate, and they are mostly not recycled. Therefore, their waste quickly contributed to waste pollution. In addition, producing these carriers requires a lot of energy, meaning there will be more carbon emissions. Traditional packaging wasn’t sustainable, and firms sought better alternatives.
Enterprises have since moved to renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable containers. Here are some of the best environmentally friendly packages for shipping businesses.
11 Durable And Eco-Friendly Packaging Options For Shipping Businesses
1. Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC Bags)
As the name suggests, FIBC bags are industrial carriers that transport products in large amounts. These totes are made from flexible polypropylene and are used to haul dry and flowable items.
The polypropylene resin material is molded into tapes firmly woven to make the FIBC containers. As such, bags made by reliable FIBC bag manufacturers have proven to be sturdy and durable. How they’re designed is also why they’re used for bulk shipping.
Moreover, these durable bags are a perfect fit for reuse, making them environmentally friendly. Secondly, the resources used to make these sacs are few, which means there’s less carbon and waste released to the environment. Finally, when these containers are damaged, recycling centers can collect and reprocess them into recycled bags.
The reusability and recyclability of FIBC bags are also good for business since you reduce the production cost of purchasing or manufacturing these carriers.
2. Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
Corrugated cardboard boxes are one of the most used forms of packaging. They’re very light yet strong enough to withstand shipping without damage. It makes them ideal for businesses looking for durable hauling containers.
Additionally, you can reuse these boxes multiple times before needing to be replaced, which helps reduce waste and save money in the long run. They’re also recyclable and can be broken down and absorbed naturally by the earth, reducing their environmental impact.
3. Reusable Plastic Containers
The next option offers an excellent alternative to traditional, single-use plastic packaging materials. These plastic containers are designed to be used over and over again. To achieve this, they’re usually made from plastics or composite materials that can withstand harsh conditions.
They’re also long-lasting, with little or no signs of wear and tear from repeated use. Not only does this save cash, but it also reduces waste since there is no need to dispose of the used packaging material.
4. Biodegradable Corrugated Bubble Wrap
Traditional bubble wrap is frequently used by businesses as a packaging material today, especially for protecting fragile items. This wrapper has air pouches that provide soft cushions, making the wrap the best solution for shipping delicate items. However, environmentally responsible companies prefer the bio-degradable alternative.
This sustainable option works just like traditional bubble wrap but has an added advantage. It can break down in soil or water over time without leaving any toxic residue behind. It makes it a much more eco-friendlier option than its counterpart, which can take hundreds of years before decaying.
5. Recycled Paper Mailers
Recycled paper mailers are made from post-consumer paper waste and processed into usable packaging material. This type of carrier bag is highly durable and weightless. The quality of the mailers helps protect items during transit or storage without exceeding weight limits and incurring extra shipping costs.
Other than that, these containers can be reused and recycled. Should the bags be disposed of, they’re also bio-degradable because they’re made of paper. These qualities make paper mailers some of the best environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
6. Foam Packing Peanuts
Foam packing peanuts are an excellent alternative to Styrofoam. They’re made from polystyrene foam which is highly durable and resistant to crushing or tearing. Unlike Styrofoam, polystyrene foam packing peanuts are biodegradable. They also don’t contain any hazardous chemicals that could harm people or animals if ingested accidentally.
These tiny foam pieces fill empty spaces in boxes or other containers so that goods don’t shift during transport. It protects delicate items to ensure they arrive in perfect condition at their destination. However, they have some drawbacks, such as less cushioning and more difficulty cleaning up if spilled.
7. Air Pillows
Inflatable air pillows are a great way to protect products during shipping and storage. Air pillows are made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly choice for businesses. You can use them as cushioning between items or as void fillers to prevent movement during transit.
The air pillow’s flexibility makes it ideal for protecting fragile items, such as electronics or glassware, from damage due to shock or vibration when hauling. They’re also light and don’t add much extra weight compared to other packaging material forms, such as bubble wrap or foam peanuts.
8. Kraft Paper Bags
Kraft paper bags are another great alternative for your shipping business, especially if you want to go green and still provide secure and attractive carrier bags.
These customizable brown bags are made from Kraft paper, a material produced with wood pulp during the Kraft process. The material is recyclable and biodegradable.
Please note that these paper containers have a double layer, making them thick and strong. Therefore, they’re durable and can transport products safely, protecting them from harsh conditions like moisture.
Kraft paper bags are used to ship items like books, cans, and other heavy items. It’s also extensively used by restaurants and catering companies that need to transport food safely and securely.
9. Cornstarch Packaging
Packages from cornstarch have also become a preferred option among many e-commerce businesses. Since cornstarch is a derivative of corn plants, there are no concerns over diminishing resources.
It’s also non-toxic and reusable, making it possible to reduce reliance on traditional plastic packaging materials. Its reusability demonstrates its long shelf-life
Cornstarch is often used as an additive in paper and cardboard packaging to improve its strength and durability. However, you can also use it for loose-fill applications. However, it competes with the human and animal food supply for resources, which could raise food prices.
Additionally, some businesses find that the cost of developing and producing products from this material is higher than the other alternatives. The manufacturing process is more complicated and technical.
10. Mushroom Packaging
Next is an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. Mushroom packaging is made from agricultural waste fused with mushrooms’ mycelium. The waste is then made into whatever shape is desired and dried out.
The result is custom packaging that’s biodegradable and compostable, ready to use for shipment or storage. It’s also lightweight, which reduces shipping emissions and increases cost efficiency. Furthermore, this type of packaging bypasses the controversy related to cornstarch because the raw material can’t be used as food.
11. Biodegradable Packing Tape And Stickers
Finally, these are the practical options to seal off your eco-friendly packages. Made from natural materials such as paper, or plant-based polymers and adhesives, they decompose quickly, leaving no waste.
They’re also strong enough to bear the rigors of shipping without breaking or tearing. Additionally, these tapes and stickers come in various colors, so you can use them to add a decorative touch to packages while remaining friendly to your surroundings.
Summary
Eco-friendly and long-lasting packaging options have become all the more essential, given the environmental implications of traditional materials. Businesses must demonstrate an environmentally conscious shipping attitude to remain competitive in today’s market.
In today’s world, more and more customers are demanding eco-friendly and sustainable packaging options for their purchases. This has resulted in a shift towards more durable and eco-friendly packaging options for shipping businesses.
Many companies are now opting for sustainable packaging materials that are made from biodegradable materials that pose no harm to the environment. Additionally, these packaging options are designed to withstand even the most rigorous chemical transport requirements, making them an excellent option for businesses that require safe and secure transport of their goods.
Fortunately, the above eco-friendly packaging options reduce your carbon footprint while still ensuring your products arrive safely at their destination.
Read Also:
- Why Your Business Should Switch To Sustainable Product Packaging
- How to Use Packaging Inserts to Enhance Customer Loyalty
- 5 Things To Check Before Selecting Pick And Pack Fulfillment Services
