The excessive rise in online shopping plays a significant impact on the growth of e-commerce packaging and had also led to increased waste in landfills. Eco-Friendly Packaging has prominently helped in making a more sustainable and greener environment. A research study conducted by Oceana in 2019 revealed the fact that Amazon single-handedly produced 465 million plastic packaging wastes. To put things into a meaningful context, the number of pillows used by Amazon could encircle the globe 500 times.

These statistics clearly show and emphasize: how urgently businesses need to adopt more environmentally conscious practices. To assist you in which packaging material is more environmentally friendly. Examine the following choices carefully and determine which ones align best with your business goals.

Biodegradable Packaging

The packaging materials can break down organically and return to the earth: without leaving any harmful byproducts behind. These kinds of materials are typically derived from plant-based sources (such as corn, sugar cane, or bamboo) and are usually used to make biodegradable packaging materials.

It’s important to remember that material must be decomposed organically at home for 180 days. For the commercial compost, 90 days time limit is good to go.

Using biodegradable packaging materials gives a responsible and environmentally beneficial method of creating personalized packaging. Because they come from sustainable plant-based sources, these materials degrade naturally without producing any negative consequences. Respecting the suggested decomposition time restrictions makes it possible for these items to be properly processed for composting at home or in a business, returning to the ground and assisting in natural cycles. By utilizing biodegradable packaging, you cut down on waste and promote your brand’s dedication to sustainability, luring customers who care about the planet while bringing about constructive change in the market.

Environment-friendly Packaging

 Such packaging materials, considered to be a good fit for a greener and sustainable environment and can also recycle easily are considered to be environment-friendly packaging materials.

The use of recycled materials gives you the chance to preserve natural resources more, by cutting down the quantity of waste material in landfills and being able to 

By using recycled materials, you’re able to conserve natural resources, reduce the amount of waste in landfills, and play an important role in averting pollution.

Cardboard Packaging

Cardboard packaging encompasses boxes made up of fibers that are primarily derived from trees and recycled corrugated containers. As stated on corrugated.org these materials can be easily recycled and reused for the creation of new packaging materials almost 7 to 10 times. Furthermore, the excessive quantity of cardboard packaging can recycle as compared to any other packaging material.

This kind of packaging is widely accepted and used extensively in numerous industries, with various online retailers using it to package and deliver their products.

Fiber-Based Packaging

This kind of packaging has been used for so long in the packaging industry: hemp, wood, and cotton are some of the natural materials that are usually used to make cellulose fiber-based packaging. The main advantage of using this packaging material is its biodegradable nature. It gives us a good eco-friendly packaging substitute for plastic packaging. Fiber-based packaging is highly preferred by Food businesses, due to its remarkable resistance to moisture. 

The packaging business has been using cellulose fiber-based packaging materials made from natural resources for quite a long time. They are a great alternative to plastic packaging due to their biodegradable nature and environmentally friendly features. Fiber-based packaging’s resistance to moisture, particularly in the food business, protects the quality and freshness of the product. These materials’ adaptability enables customized and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions, which further improve brand recognition. Businesses that choose to package made of cellulose fibers support sustainable forestry practices and trash reduction, which benefits the environment and their brand’s reputation.

Packaging Made up Of Cornstarch

Packaging that is made up of corn flour; is usually referred to as cornstarch packaging. It comes from renewable sources and doesn’t contain any harmful contamination. Furthermore, it can also be used in making biodegradable packing peanuts and can be used as an alternative to bubble wrap and Styrofoam.

Mycelium Packaging

Mycelium packaging is also known as mushroom packaging. It is widely used and considered to be a great alternative to Styrofoam. It is the combination of mycelium, a kind of fungus that is normally found in mushrooms. That kind of material is strong enough to retain things and uphold them in place.

Brown Paper or Sack Paper

Brown paper (Kraft paper) is made up of wood pulp and stands apart from conventional paper production. It integrates numerous wood types, comprising resinous pine, which is normally excluded in the manufacturing of regular paper products. A significant feature of Kraft paper is its high reusability that all the chemicals involved in the whole procedure can be reused again to make the whole manufacturing process more sustainable

Cornstarch Foam or Biodegradable Foam

The foam material that is derived from corn grown in the United States, proposed a bio-based substitute. This material can be easily disposed of through dissolution in water or composting, both of which can be conveniently carried out at home or in industrial facilities.

It is also known as green cell form as it exhibits foam-like properties, creating it a suitable choice for brands who seek cushioning materials at the shipping time of their products.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, as an online retailer, you have the potential to improve the environment through thoughtful changes to your packaging and shipping practices. Enhancing the tailored packaging of your product and lowering your environmental impact requires including eco-friendly packaging options, optimizing packaging design, and investigating sustainable transportation methods. By integrating sustainable ideals into your brand, you not only help create a more sustainable future but also draw in and keep the interest of customers who are concerned about the environment and appreciate companies who put sustainability first. Take advantage of the chance to influence eco-aware change with your customized packaging, creating a lasting imprint on the environment and your clients.