The most ubiquitous packaging materials are of course bubble wrap and peanuts. The pros and cons of both are well documented, but the most important thing to know is they are typically made from plastics (as in oil) and are not bio-degradable. With the amount of bubble wrap and peanuts used around the world each day the problem is pretty self evident.
These products are made from some pretty nasty stuff Polyethylene, Polystyrene and Polyurethane (which consists of all sorts of harsh chemicals including acetone, eco friendly boxes methylene chloride and fluorocarbons).
Aside from the toxic chemicals used with most plastic based packing materials and the huge energy resources that going into creating them; the amount of landfill taken up after they are discarded is significant.
Here are some ideas for alternative packaging options to consider using when preparing your customer orders for shipment.
Soy based expandable foam products are a more eco-friendly option. Derived from soy, and therefore renewable and biodegradable, this product conforms precisely to the shape of your products. This maximizes protection by minimizing movement on the inside of the carton. The product is also very light weight, reducing the additional shipping expense of heavier materials. Realistically expandable foam is best for larger operations due to the space the specialized equipment and process will require.
Consider using old newspapers as they can also be a good option as well. Shredded or balled up newspaper has decent cushioning ability. My opinion is that shredded paper has a neat look in the box and adds some "eco-cred" to your products. Aesthetically the balled up news print leave a little to be desired, and there is no efficient way to "ball up" enough paper to keep up with a high volume fulfillment operation. Shredded paper, although requiring an extra step (to shred) does led itself to a higher volume set up.
Again, it's not as pretty, but old cardboard boxes can be cut into strips and then rolled tightly. Place the rolls vertically into the packing box around the item in the box, the rolls will then expand providing a cushion. Similar to newsprint, if some care is taken up front to cut or prepare the boxes neatly the end product could work in a way that looks good to your customers.
Reusing something like paper or cardboard for packaging is always preferable to recycling, and of course, MUCH better than throwing those items away. Cushion packaging is sold that is made from one hundred percent post consumer waste paper - give that a try if you don't like the look of used newspapers.
Biodegradable packing peanuts are available, made from grain sorghum and corn starch. For environmentally friendly soft foam in rolls, starch-based products such as GreenCell have the added bonus of being anti-static which is great for cushioning computer parts and electronic equipment.
For wrapping and packaging inside the box, use or reuse something. And the same goes for the cartons you are using - go for boxes made from recycled cardboard. The options these days for recycled corrugated boxes are very diverse and any place selling boxes will likely provide these product options as well.
A WAY TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS ECO-FRIENDLY While STILL MAKING A PROFIT.
In today's globalized world a lot of clients are concerned with the impact that companies they regularly give business to are having on the environment. This has resulted in a lot of companies changing the way they conduct their business to sustain the environment and to do their part in combating global warming.One way to show your business' commitment to the environment is to package your product in boxes that are eco-friendly and to ensure that their manufacturing process is also within the guidelines prescribed by bodies that regulate environmental concerns when it comes to manufacturing processes.
Here are a few ways to ensure that your business reaches that goal;
1. Recycle
Using used material to manufacture the boxes is a highly resourceful way to both benefit and be eco-friendly at the same time.
2. Encourage your customers to recycle
Custom made boxes can be used to convey the message to clients that after they have used the boxes rather, than to throw away the box, they should recycle the box. If they cannot recycle, they should just utilize the box in other useful ways like using it to pack other items or burning the box and using it as compost material.
3. Using biodegradable material
Manufacture your boxes by using biodegradable material that will quickly rot and decay and reintegrate into the environment. Also encourage your customers to dispose of your boxes in ways that are safe and responsible.
4. Market yourself as eco-friendly
Make sure that your customer base knows that you are committed to doing your part in helping the earth stay habitable for humankind.
A few misconceptions to debunk about being eco-friendly
• The material will result in an ugly product.
That is a lie and can be easily dispelled by looking closely at the product that you buy that are made of recycled material. You might not even know that you have purchased a product made of that material because there is barely any discernible difference.
• That the box won't be strong enough
The material will not be strong due to being overused. It will be just as useful and even just as strong. A request to view boxes made of recycled material from your manufacturer will put your mind at ease.
• That it will be expensive
There are a lot of manufacturing businesses out there that offer eco-friendly products for the same price or even cheaper. All it takes is just enquiring after the kind of product you want, and you will get a quote, while that might turn out to be less expensive.
Put yourself out there this year and design custom boxes that are both useful and
Eco-friendly. It's time make a diff whiles till making a profit. Present and future generations will thank you for taking the time to care. Show you care-make eco-friendly customized boxes for your products.