Are you planning to start your own business? Have you been researching the best ways to reduce your package waste? If so, it may be time to consider using more eco-friendly packaging materials.

Whether you’re sealing your products with state-of-the-art machines or you’re using basic heat sealers, it’s important to know that there is always a way to do it in a more eco-friendly way. Keep reading as we explore the benefits of using your packaging to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

What is Green Packaging?

These days, there seems to be more emphasis on doing everything in the most green way possible. Companies are changing production processes, using renewable energy, and constantly looking for more sustainable ways to do business. This also includes the way traditional packaging is done.

The concept of green packaging refers to using packaging materials that have been specifically designed to minimise their overall environmental impact throughout it’s entire lifecycle. This often includes the following:

• Reducing waste
• Using biodegradable or recyclable materials
• Employing renewable energy in the production of the packaging materials

Green packaging, sometimes called sustainable packaging, can include everything from the paper wrapping to the last layer of sealing tape. Common examples of green packaging include the following:

• Recycled PET, which includes plastic bottles and containers made from recycled PET
• Compostable bags made from bio-based materials that break down in compost
• Cardboard and paper which have been made from renewable raw materials
• PLA-based bags, which can be heat-sealed during packaging and then composted
• Bio-degradable heat seal adhesives

Let Your Packaging be Your Ambassador

One of the most effective ways to let current and potential customers know that your brand supports a green initiative is by using sustainable packaging. This will go a long way toward boosting your brand image. Here are a few more top reasons why switching to sustainable or eco-friendly packaging is a good idea.

1.      Allows you to create a Sustainable Process for Your Business Model

If you want your brand to be relevant to consumers, then you need to be on board with adopting renewable or sustainable practices. This can be in the actual creation of your products or in the way your items are packaged.

Adopting sustainable packaging means you’ll be using materials that can fit into the three R’s of general sustainability. These are:

• Reduce: Focus on using fewer materials to do the same job. Why use three layers of plastic when one durable cardboard can offer the same?
• Reuse: Add a special, eco-friendly coating to your boxes to make them tougher. This allows your customers to reuse them.
• Recycle: Use recycled materials that can be recycled continuously in their lifetime, reducing the need for fresh resources. You can link this to initiatives where you have used packaging returned to you or dropped off at designated recycling facilities. A good example of this is the local supermarkets that have special bins for plastic or cardboard recycling.

2.      Can Reduce Your Overall Shipping Costs

The overall cost a customer pays for getting your product also includes shipping, which can be considerable if you’re selling bigger items. Using fewer packing materials also means your shipping costs can be reduced.

This not only benefits you but makes your overall cost to the customer cheaper. With many other businesses competing for the same customer, this could be the deciding factor for your target base.

3.      Expands Your Customer Base

There was a time, not so long ago, that the average person didn’t give much thought to your packaging material. However, the demand for eco-friendly, sustainable products and brands is growing significantly every day.

This means that green practices will make your brand more appealing to customers who factor sustainability into their buying decisions. Becoming a green company will also see more customers returning for repeat business.

4.      Eco-Friendly Packaging is Flexible and Versatile

Whether you require specialised packaging or just rely on basic plastic and cardboard, eco-friendly alternatives are versatile enough to be used in any industry. This means you can use sustainable packaging for anything from food to jewellery or electronic devices. Since sustainable packaging can easily be used in heat sealers, you’ll have no issue finding the best materials.

5.      Boosts Your Brand Image

A positive brand image isn’t just about creating a stellar product and investing in top-notch marketing. These days, it’s also about the impression you create about your community and environment.

Using green packaging tells anyone who’s listening that your company not only cares about the future but also the local environment where your customers live. This goes a long way to highlighting your brand as responsible and relevant.

Final Thoughts

Opting to use green packaging has many advantages that not only benefit your profit margins but also the environment. Sustainable packaging is biodegradable, can be easily disposed of, and can even expand your customer base. More good news is that you can use recycled materials in your heat and vacuum sealers, which means you’ll easily be able to create a streamlined packaging process.