Sustainable Packaging: Practical Tips for Eco-Friendly Businesses

Small steps toward sustainable product packaging

Most businesses agree that taking steps toward sustainability in their practices is essential. We only get one planet, and we each have our responsibility. Packaging is a great place to start for businesses in the eCommerce sphere. When you consider the earth with your packaging choices, you also make it easier for your customers to feel good about doing their part. And by being greener—and genuinely so—you can also build a brand that people will remember and support.

Unfortunately, picking the perfect sustainable packaging solution off a shelf (or out of an online catalogue) is not as simple as it seems. The possibilities are myriad, from biodegradable mailers to eco-infill, recycled cardboard and cardboard made from recycled materials. Packaging design is at its best when specific to the product being shipped.

So, how can you achieve the best sustainable packaging eCommerce for your products while ensuring that it's also effective and makes an impression on your customers? There's no one correct answer, but we have some tips and principles that could steer you in the right direction.

Cut down on your packaging.

The first conscious choice to make with packaging is finding ways to REDUCE. Can you choose a smaller box to reduce the need for more infill? Does it need a box and an additional outer mailer? Is there a way you could use less packaging tape? More often than not, the answer is yes.

At NEON, we can support this principle of reduction for the sake of planet Earth—it's no longer a trend; it's our present. Take a look at your packaging box design. What can be removed without increasing the possibility of damage during shipping? Can you simplify and combine components?

Pared-down packaging means less rubbish, fewer resources used to make it, and less space and weight for transportation. This principle applies to all aspects of packaging—these self-locking boxes, for example, help reduce the need for additional packaging tape, which is often made of plastic and very difficult to remove for recycling. 

Consider your supply chain

Thinking sustainably is about looking more profound than your brand and eCommerce store. Sustainability is about assessing your supply chain and choosing to work with suppliers who share your outlook. Giving custom and business to sustainable suppliers will promote and support the ethos.
Have you talked to your current suppliers about lower-waste options? If you and others request it, they may be willing to adopt new ways of packaging or producing your products. Keep the conversation going!

Nix mixed materials

This is a simple tip but an effective one. Product packaging made from mixed materials is often prioritised for its functionality, yet destined for the landfill. These mixed-material bags, cartons, and wrappers usually combine plastic, paper, and metal for lightweight durability and adequate water or airproofing. However, they score low points for recyclability. The materials that are easiest to recycle are generally made from one material. Mixing materials in one piece of packaging made for one-off use is a sure way for it to end up in the landfill.

For now, there are plenty of simple ways to avoid mixed-material packaging. Use compostable mailers if your product needs to be in a watertight bag. Do a little research to find out which materials can be easily recycled in the general recycling collection and opt for those because most customers will need more time or commitment to take extra steps to recycle their discarded packaging. Easily recyclable packaging can include something as simple as a primary packing carton, which is lightweight, durable, and made from 100% recyclable cardboard. Our cartons come in various sizes and are locally manufactured in Australia.

Choose a carbon-neutral freight provider

It's not just the packaging that affects the planet! We mentioned earlier that you should be aware of the other businesses that form part of your supply chain, and the same applies to your freight providers. The good news is that Australia has some sustainable, carbon-neutral freight and delivery services, like Australia Post and Sendle.

No sustainable product packaging concept is perfect, but there are now so many ways for eCommerce companies to reduce their footprint and cut down on landfill waste. Combine the ideas above in a way that works for your product, and you'll bring your customers along the journey to a more planet-friendly future. Small changes add up to big effects.