In recent years, the environmental impact of plastic waste has become impossible for businesses to ignore. With consumers actively seeking eco-friendly brands, ecommerce companies are now prioritising alternatives to plastic packaging that reduce environmental harm while still protecting products in transit.
As a supplier of sustainable eCommerce packaging, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impacts that switching to plastic packaging alternatives has, not only in supporting sustainability goals but also in strengthening brand reputation and customer loyalty.
There are now more alternatives to plastic packaging than ever before, and many of them work just as well (if not better) for shipping, protecting and presenting products.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular plastic packaging alternatives that businesses are turning to more and more.
Why Brands Are Moving Away From Plastic
Most plastic packaging is designed to be used once and thrown away. Unfortunately, it sticks around for centuries. As online shopping continues to grow, so does the amount of packaging landing on our doorsteps and eventually in our bins.
Customers do notice this. In fact, packaging is often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with a brand so when it feels wasteful, it can leave a bad impression before the product is even opened.
We want to make it more common knowledge that switching to sustainable packaging isn’t just about doing the right thing for the planet anymore, it’s also about meeting customer expectations and staying competitive in your industry.
What Are The Alternatives To Plastic Packaging?
So, if plastic is out, what are some of the best alternative materials? Let’s take a look.
Paper-based Packaging
This is the most popular switch for most businesses. Paper has been one of the best substitutes for plastics in packaging for centuries but modern designs have made it far more versatile and durable than it’s ever been.
Today, we use a range of different paper-based materials for packaging including moulded pulp, corrugated cardboard and paperboard, to fabricate packaging solutions that are both eco-friendly and resilient.
It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most widely used plastic packaging alternatives. Paper is renewable, widely recycled and breaks down naturally. Plus, customers instantly recognise it as the more eco-friendly option.
Whether it’s paper mailing bags, paper tape or padded paper envelopes, SR Mailing can cover all of your paper-based packaging product needs.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are a pretty cool alternative material as they look and feel like traditional plastic, but they’re made from renewable materials like corn, sugarcane, or potato starch instead of fossil fuels. This means a smaller carbon footprint and less reliance on non-renewable resources.
However, not all bioplastics are the same. Some of them are compostable while some are biodegradable (or some are both, like our compostable & biodegradable packing peanuts), but either way they are helping bridge the gap for businesses that still need flexible, lightweight packaging.
Recycled Plastic Packaging
We know that completely removing plastic isn’t always possible straight away, so for many eCommerce brands, a more realistic first step is switching to 100% recycled plastic packaging.
Instead of creating new plastic from fossil fuels, recycled packaging gives existing plastic a second life. This dramatically reduces carbon emissions and keeps waste out of landfills and oceans.
For shipping in particular, products like 100% recycled mailing bags are a popular choice. They offer the same durability, waterproof protection and lightweight benefits as traditional mailers but with a much smaller environmental footprint.
Plant Based Packaging
Another exciting area of innovation is packaging made from plants. Crops like hemp, bamboo and bagasse (sugarcane fibre) are being used to create strong, protective packaging that can safely replace plastic.
What makes these materials so appealing is how quickly they renew. Unlike fossil fuels, they can be grown again and again which makes them a far more sustainable long-term solution.
These materials can create many different packaging products, from food packaging to cushioning materials, offering a good sustainable substitute to conventional plastic packaging.
Edible Packaging
This is one of the most exciting developments in sustainable packaging which eradicates waste entirely. Made from seaweed, starch and edible films, edible packaging can be eaten or composted after use
It’s still emerging, but it shows just how quickly the packaging world is evolving. For single-use food packaging in particular, edible materials could play a big role in reducing waste in the future.
Why Switching Packaging Matters More Than Ever
Choosing plastic packaging alternatives isn’t just about reducing waste, it sends a message about what your brand stands for. We know that customers increasingly want to support businesses that take sustainability seriously and something as simple as changing your packaging can improve brand perception, build loyalty and even influence repeat purchases.
What we’re trying to say is sustainable packaging isn’t just good for the planet, it’s food for businesses too.
Let us unite in embracing sustainable packaging materials and fostering a positive influence on our environment, one package at a time. If you’re looking to phase out your plastic packaging and swap it for environmentally friendly alternatives but aren’t sure where to start, get in touch with SR Mailing. We can advise on the best packaging solutions for you.
