Greta Thunberg staged her first climate protest in 2018. She shone a light on the climate emergency facing our world.

Sustainability in all areas is becoming a high priority for consumers. Environmental credentials are no longer optional.

Sustainable packaging is an area for improvement. Around 165 billion packages are sent and delivered within the US every year. That number will no doubt be higher thanks to coronavirus.

With so many packages, we need to find new materials and solutions to cut down on the waste.

Looking for sustainable packaging ideas customers will love? Read on to learn more.

What Is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable packaging works to reduce the environmental footprint needed to make it.

That might involve the production process, using fewer steps to get it made. It may be reusable so it has a longer lifespan.

It could also involve the materials used, whether they’re raw or recycled. Products based on wood should come from sustainable sources. 

Avoid hazardous chemicals such as PVC or phthalates in any of the materials. These can cause issues if the packaging ends up in landfills.

Designers need to take all parts of the process into account. There’s no point in choosing a special material that needs more air miles to get to you. 

Why Should Packaging Be Sustainable?

Choose eco-friendly options because it’s the right thing to do for the environment. Yet it’s also a sound business decision thanks to newer buying behavior.

Consumers want brands to be environmentally minded. They need to show social responsibility. It’s a simple way to show a commitment to your ethical principles.  

Millennials in particular prefer to use ethically minded companies. Choosing sustainable options helps to increase brand loyalty among these discerning customers.

What Packaging Options Are Available?

Sustainable packaging should provide a function while reducing environmental harm.

There have been a lot of breakthroughs in sustainable packaging. Some companies now use ‘plastic’ wrappers made from corn or potato starch. These wrappers break down in compost heaps.

Others use plastic that fully biodegrades. A type of single-use plastic made from red algae also breaks down in landfills.

These options function like their non-sustainable counterparts during use. 

Recycle or Reuse

Recycled materials can usually be recycled again. Or choose packaging that customers can reuse for a different purpose.

For example, Monday’s Child sells girls’ clothing. Its customers can reuse the packaging as a doll’s house.

Corrugated cardboard is one of the most eco-friendly forms of packaging. It’s lightweight yet strong to protect whatever is inside.

The cardboard is also sustainable, and reusable for storage. They’re easy to customize, too. Print your logo on the box and avoid generic packaging.

Make Sustainable Packaging Your Next Design Decision

Sustainable packaging shouldn’t be a choice because it’s fashionable. It should be a choice for the ethical direction of your business.

The price of packaging options has come down in recent years. You can find packaging forms that suit your products and shipping patterns.

If you’re searching for sustainable packaging companies then look no further. Check out our full range of boxes to safely take your products to their new homes.