The Most Common Sustainable eCommerce Packaging Myths Debunked

Virginia Miller

August 31, 2023

As the popularity of eCommerce rises, so does the amount of discussion. You've probably heard many myths and facts regarding paper packaging, its recycling capabilities, and its carbon impact compared to plastic. With recent and continuous news about the present status of our environment, the possibility of climate change and global warming, and the steady buildup of non-biodegradable trash and packaging in our landfills, sustainable packaging is gaining prominence. Indeed, sustainable packaging and the usage of eco-friendly materials are becoming increasingly common across different industries, with a CAGR of more than 5% expected by 2020.

‍

Both industry clients and end customers are showing a preference for contemporary, ecological packaging. Consumers across various industries are ready to pay more for items if they know the materials used in their packaging are renewable, which is terrific news for the environment. Unfortunately, with greater awareness comes myths and misconceptions about sustainable packaging. We've created a list of the top five, which we'll go through and refute in depth to clear up any misinformation.

‍

But what is true and what is false? We're about to debunk some prevalent paper misconceptions, and the truth may surprise you.

‍

What Is Eco-friendly Packaging?

Presently, it is likely that the majority of the packaging material you need to deliver your products may be acquired responsibly. The degree of use of eco-friendly packaging may vary by industry; however, eco-friendly packaging often pursues the following goals:

- Be cost-effective while being environmentally friendly.

- Reduce waste.

- Utilize green energy in manufacturing.

- Is entirely recyclable.

On the other hand, Green marketing is more expensive, which is why some E-Commerce businesses are still reluctant to include eco-friendly packaging into their workflow. We feel that the moment has come to act. However, to ensure that you understand our point of view, we have included our ideas below.

Myth 1: All Plastic Is Harmful To The Environment

One of the most common misconceptions about environmentally responsible packaging is the usage of plastic. Because of well-publicized concerns, such as the number of water bottles and single-use plastics found in our landfills and seas, plastics of all types have earned a poor image among ecologically aware customers. Some plastics have acquired their terrible idea, while others offer crucial use cases or novel manufacturing processes that may change our minds.

‍

Many people don't realize that plastic has gone a long way over the years, and many new plastic companies have redesigned production to be more ecologically friendly. As a result, numerous efforts have been taken to enhance the management of plastic, making the materials more robust and contributing significantly to green projects. Many businesses, notably food and beverage, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, rely on the continued manufacturing of single-use plastic. As a result, practical usage of sustainable plastics may have a beneficial impact, such as lowering food waste by increasing the shelf life of specific foods and products.

‍

Myth 2: Concern For The Environment Is Only A Passing Fad

When it comes to environmental stewardship and the use of sustainable packaging materials, some individuals continue to believe that the notion is nothing more than a fad among younger generations or small populations. This notion is far from correct, as shown by the rise of the sustainable packaging business. Across all ages and demographic subgroups, sustainability appears to have gone well beyond the scope of a fad.

‍

This is fantastic news for eco-friendly businesses. Even for firms that produce items for elderly populations, showing eco-friendly materials and highlighting the sustainable resources in your product and its packaging may assist convince customers that they are taking a modest step toward saving the world. This outreach is essential for engaging consumers who are already devoted to preserving our environment by buying eco-friendly products and attracting customers who are unfamiliar with the notion of sustainability. You may develop your business while reducing your environmental effect by employing innovative marketing to educate and entice buyers.

‍

Myth #3: Sustainable Packaging Isn't Eye-catching

While the term "green packaging" may conjure up images of raw materials and boring packaging design, the fact is that you can be as creative with green materials as you can with any other. Several sustainable packaging materials are available, and they may be made as visually attractive as you wish. You may tailor products varying from biodegradable plastic to flexible cardboard full of eco-friendly recycled void fill to almost any demand with a bit of ingenuity.

‍

Sometimes little is more, and the package design reflects the material's purity. Whatever path you take, sustainable products react to labeling and other marketing techniques just as effectively as standard packaging. Sustainable adhesives are an excellent addition to your sustainable packaging since you may utilize them for various functions, such as connecting design components or more discreet behind-the-scenes packaging concerns.

‍

Myth #4: Sustainability Is Only About Recycling And Reducing Waste

It is undeniable that recyclable items and zero waste are vital concerns when it comes to proper packaging. However, the notion that these are the only notions that matter is incorrect. To begin, the idea of recycling and zero material waste focuses on the product's end-of-life. However, it is much more crucial to evaluate the product's whole lifetime, including how it is made, delivered, packed, etc.

‍

Glass is an excellent illustration of how a preoccupation with the recyclability of packaging items may lead to additional environmental issues. Despite being recyclable, glass has a higher carbon footprint than plastic in some circumstances due to the extra fuel required to carry glass items due to their size and weight. Many customers fail to dispose of glass items correctly, resulting in their ending up in the actual dumps and seas as plastic products. For environmentally aware organizations and customers alike, a focus on the whole life cycle of each packaging element is essential.

‍

Myth #5: Ecological Packaging Is Expensive

While it is clear that sustainable green packaging is not always the cheapest choice, dismissing sustainable materials because they aren't inexpensive is neglect to see the larger picture. Implementing a fully sustainable materials and packaging strategy may appear to be more expensive at first. However, in the long term, sponsoring green activities that many people are interested in may result in a successful marketing strategy that boosts profitability.

‍

Furthermore, many ecological packaging items are pretty inexpensive compared to inefficient packaging techniques that aren't tailored to your company's needs. When considering how to include eco-friendly materials into your packaging, the first step should be to reduce the quantity of the extra fabric. Limiting packing and fill decreases top-line expenses while also lowering fuel costs due to the lower total weight of the package. Then, create a unique, sustainable product solution that provides maximum flexibility, such as a pallet stabilizing system or reducing waste procedure.

‍

Make Sound Design Decisions

Eco-friendly packaging is commonly assumed to be more costly than conventional packaging. Unfortunately, this is not always the case! Changing your package design may frequently have a beneficial influence on your bottom line and demonstrate to your consumers that you care about your company's carbon footprint.

‍

Take Into Account The Weight Of Your Packages

The weight of your goods has a significant impact on the entire environmental impact and cost of your deliveries. This is why you should weigh the importance of each packaging material you want to employ for your items - sometimes less is more!

‍

Weight and cost are typically driven by boxes (either cardboard or other materials). Removing packages from your packing material lists can not only spare you money but will also help to reduce the total carbon impact of your products. Consider utilizing mailing bags rather than boxes, for example!

‍

Consider The Size Of Your Shipments

Assessing your product line and determining the appropriate packing size for the average purchase may get you a lot of money on shipping and storage while also increasing the overall eco-friendliness of your store. Using the proper box sizes will help decrease the requirement for many filler materials, which are typically difficult to recycle.

‍

Not All Links Are Made Equal

Inks are a crucial but frequently neglected component of the packaging supply chain. The selection of ink is essential when printing a unique design on your packing boxes since it impacts the durability of your packaging. Inks that are often utilized include the traditional petroleum-based inks as well as eco-friendly options like soy-based inks. Petroleum-based inks are the byproduct of various chemical processes that are highly polluting in and of themselves. Eco-friendly options, such as soy-based inks, are less expensive and produce considerably brighter colors.

‍

Conclusion

So, don’t let the myths about sustainable packaging dissuade you from making a switch. Eco-friendly eCommerce packaging can be simple and cost-effective – and it’s better for the environment, too. If you need help with pick, pack, and shipping, get in touch with our team. We’d be happy to assist you in making your business more sustainable!

‍