The Cambridge Dictionary defines sustainability in an environmental context as “the quality of causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time.”
Sustainable packaging can be defined as the development and use of packaging that results in improved sustainability. Businesses across the UK and world, especially those in the ecommerce and retail sector, are looking for ways to make their packaging more sustainable and minimise their impact on the environment.
As a leading sustainable packaging supplier based in Manchester, we at SR Mailing are here to tell all on what sustainable packaging is, why it’s important to adopt and how your business can make the shift to eco-friendly packaging and materials.
Understanding Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging is packaging made from materials that are designed with minimal environmental impact. Instead of using harmful materials like certain plastics, sustainable packaging is made from recyclable, biodegradable and plant-based alternatives.
On top of using eco-friendly materials like recycled cardboard, paper and biodegradable plastics, sustainable packaging also involves the overall design to minimise waste, support reusability and ensure the packaging’s lifecycle is increased.
What Is Sustainable Packaging Made Of?
Sustainable packaging can’t be narrowed down to just one material. Many different materials can be classed as sustainable; you’ll likely know about common materials businesses use like corrugated cardboard, but there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on industry, products and the supply chain.
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Recyclable packaging - the most common materials include cardboard, paper and even some plastics like HDPE.
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Compostable packaging - certified materials such as cornstarch, wood pulp and mycelium that breaks down fast into nutrient-rich compost without harmful residue
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Biodegradable packaging - these also break down naturally through microorganisms, but typically take far longer to degrade and can release some harmful toxins, depending on the material.
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Reusable packaging - recycling involves breaking down materials to create new products, but reusable packaging involves materials that can be used again in its original form, reducing the need for further processing and energy consumption.
Material choice will affect how sustainable the packaging is. Of course, you will have to choose the right type of packaging materials to suit your products and logistics, so some materials won’t be as sustainable as others. But even materials with a lower sustainability score are helping businesses do better for the planet.
Sustainable Packaging vs Traditional Packaging
There are some stark differences between sustainable packaging and traditional packaging. The biggest difference is the impact both have on the environment, as sustainable packaging will have a lower carbon footprint, thanks to recyclability, biodegradability and designs that minimise waste. Traditional packaging will use non-renewable materials like plastic and styrofoam, which end up in landfill and cause pollution.
Traditional packaging materials, like plastic wraps that are typically made from low-density polyethylene, can’t be processed by recycling systems. Non-recycled cardboard may be technically recyclable, but if it gets contaminated with food, for example, it will likely end up in landfill.
In contrast, sustainable packaging is designed with recyclability in mind from the start. Using mono-materials and compostable alternatives ensures recyclability can happen.
What happens to packaging after use? Traditional options like single-use plastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. Sustainable packaging aims to minimise this impact, as well as support a circular economy, where materials are reused rather than discarded.
Why Sustainable Packaging is Important
More and more businesses are seeing the importance of adopting sustainable packaging. In terms of benefits for a business, using sustainable materials for their packaging, void fills and tapes helps reduce environmental impact and waste. Cutting back on waste also helps a business save money through minimal material usage. Transit costs can also be reduced thanks to less materials and volume.
Organisations that use sustainable solutions often see an improved brand image and trust among their customer base, and it helps the business seek new, unique markets and partnerships with others who share the same sustainable values.
There is also a growing pressure for businesses to adhere to green incentives and regulations, focusing on a circular economy with mandatory recycled content and strict waste reduction. The earlier a business implements changes to become more sustainable, through new eco-friendly packaging and other green efforts, the better chance these other benefits will come to fruition sooner.
How to Make Packaging More Sustainable
Businesses can make their packaging more sustainable through several key methods. First, assess your existing packaging including the type of materials used, packaging sizes and how much you can currently recycle or compost.
Next, research and choose sustainable alternatives where you’re seeing gaps, whether it’s using recycled cardboard for boxes or making the switch to compostable fillers.
As well as choosing better materials, you can also optimise the design of the packaging, creating minimalist options that eliminate unnecessary void space, reduce the need for printing and branding, and support your products’ size. A minimalist design approach will not only reduce waste but also lower shipping costs.
Your business should also promote reuse and recycling as much as possible, and consider sustainable inks, labels, tapes and other products that make up your packaging.
What Is the Most Sustainable Packaging?
So what real-life examples of the most sustainable packaging your business can use?
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Recycled mailing bags - made from 100% recycled LDPE, these mailing bags are durable, moisture resistant, available in a range of colours and can be reused.
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Compostable bags - these will decompose completely within 90 days, can be purchased in a range of sizes for different mailing needs and sets your company up with a greener option compared to traditional materials.
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Cardboard boxes - an obvious choice for good reason; cardboard boxes support sustainability massively thanks to reuse, recyclability and the ability to adopt minimalist designs, perfect for businesses with different types of products that need storing, shipping and packing.
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Honeycomb envelopes - materials used for these envelopes include two-layer recycled kraft paper and honeycomb paper that provides durable storage for CDs, cosmetics, spare parts and other components.
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Kraft paper - recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, kraft paper is the high-quality wrapping and packaging material that’s perfect for packaging and presentation.
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Kraft tape - the perfect sustainable alternative to plastic tape, kraft tape is strong, practical and eco-friendly and provides a long-lasting seal for any type of package.
The Role SR Mailing Plays in Sustainable Packaging
At SR Mailing, we began business back in 2014 with sustainability taking centre stage with our range of packaging products. We supply locally in Manchester and across the UK, helping businesses make the transition to sustainable packaging, and we’re more than happy to offer guidance on how this can be achieved.
With sustainable packaging supplied by SR Mailing, your business gains not only a wide choice of packaging options but the added convenience of fast, reliable delivery and solutions to comply with the UK’s green legislation.
Take the Next Step Towards Sustainable Packaging
If your business is looking to explore sustainable packaging options, explore our product range and get in touch with the SR Mailing team to discuss orders or get your questions answered with expert advice.
