4 simple ways to make your packaging more eco-friendly

Whilst many individuals have made positive changes in their daily lives, businesses carry a larger responsibility wherever eco-friendliness is involved.

Though, for companies looking to go green, it can be hard to find ways that make a positive environmental difference, without effecting business processes. That is, unless, you’re yet to explore eco-friendly packaging.

So, here are four simple ways to make your packaging eco-friendly, so that your business as a whole can follow suit.

1. Choose a local packaging supplier

An often-forgotten issue when it comes to eco-friendly packaging is not with the actual packaging material itself, but where it comes from. Even if the packaging is 100% recyclable, easily compostable, and made from sustainable materials, the eco-friendly benefits are quickly overshadowed if the packaging must travel thousands of miles to reach your business.

In order to avoid this, businesses can begin their eco-friendly packaging journey by patterning with a local packaging supplier. This way, you can have sustainable packaging products delivered directly to your business, without the carbon footprint that comes with using overseas suppliers.

Not only will reducing long distance inbound shipping create a positive outcome for the environment, but you’ll find it benefits your business from an economical point of view too. Shorter delivery times means easier smoother operational management, increased efficiencies, and lower transit fees. Who knew choosing a local supplier had so many benefits?

2. Reduce the volume of packaging materials

As much as the shipping of packaging products contributes to our planet’s health, a lot of the potential to make a change comes with reducing material usage. Through clever design and manufacturing techniques, packaging can be shaped to fit closely around your products, eliminating any excess material.

In addition, opting for a minimalist and custom-made packaging solution for your product will do more than just support your environmental goals as a business. By using a closely fit package, your products will benefit from greater protection for less chance of damage during transit, which results in happier customers and better business all round.

3. Use innovative packaging products

If the above tips have already been applied to your business’ packaging, that’s great, but there’s plenty more to consider when it comes to eco-friendliness. Especially with technology.

An interesting movement that has become more and more widespread in the industry is innovative/smart packaging. This experimental market has, and still is, developing plenty of useful additions to the packaging world. From smart labels that indicate the freshness of perishable goods, through to scannable instructions for recycling, packaging is now more interactive than ever before.

This poses many benefits for the environment, including:

• Extended shelf life of food and drink products
• Reduced package waste across all industries
• Boosted customer engagement with recycling

4. Offset your packaging waste through planting trees

In order to maximise the eco-friendliness of your packaging, you have to think beyond the packaging itself, as well as where it was purchased from. By thinking outside the box (pun intended), you can get creative in the ways that you better the environment.

For example, planting trees to offset any waste your packaging produces. At Swiftpak, we do everything we can to support the environment. So, we've made it easier for your business to make an impact too.

Our partnership with Ecologi allows your business to offset its paper packaging waste in just a few clicks. From inside your Swiftpak account area, you have the ability to plant trees, grow your very own forest, and make a real impact on atmospheric CO2 levels. All of which can be done to support your environmental goals.

Eco-friendly packaging solutions from Swiftpak

As a Certified B Corporation, we take pride in helping other businesses reduce their waste and implement eco-friendly packaging solutions without breaking the bank. Our packaging expertise, wide range of products, and in-house design team, allow us to suggest the very best solution to suit your requirements.

If you’re looking to enhance your brand with eco-friendly packaging, contact us today. We’d love to be apart in helping your business achieve its goals.