Packaging waste is one of the top concerns that most businesses are facing today. However, to promote sustainable packaging, more and more companies are using materials that are eco-friendly throughout the packaging life cycle. Commercial, residential, and institutional users generate tons of container and packaging waste each year, but only half of the waste is properly recycled. Here are some ideas to help you reduce waste.
When you use recyclable and reusable materials, you are reducing the amount of packaging waste that ends up in landfills. Left-over cardboard boxes or paper for packaging can be converted into products that can be used effectively for another purpose. For example, left-over cardboard boxes can be used to store office equipment. Some businesses have gone a step forward to incorporate packaging materials that do not need recycling at all.
Invest in developing an attractive but minimalistic packaging design that doesn’t use up large amounts of packaging materials. Minimal packaging not only reduces material use but also decreases the product cost because you will be using less energy to manufacture them and less fuel to transport them.
Turn to sustainable raw materials to fulfil your packaging needs. Source wood from sustainable forests/farms to manufacture packaging materials like cardboards or paper. Consider other sustainable raw materials like new man-made fibres and cotton from sustainable farms.
It is a good idea to invest in an industrial shredder. The shredder can shred almost anything made of fibre, and that includes paper and cardboard. The shredded material can be used to fill packaging boxes. The shredded paper material is an eco-friendly way of packing and shipping your products. They can do a great cushioning job, protecting the corners of the cardboard boxes.
Use biodegradable packaging materials like corn-based plastic. These types of materials can be easily broken down in a commercial composting facility. When you are using biodegradable packaging material, you are ensuring that none of the packaging material ends up in landfills.
Reducing waste and disposing of it in an eco-friendly way will not only help keep the earth green, but also help your organization economically, both long and short term. Implementing sustainable packaging and encouraging your workers to adopt healthy behaviours aimed at packaging waste reduction throughout the packaging lifecycle will promote sustainability and ensure corporate responsibility.