Whilst packaging is an essential piece to the multifaceted puzzle of logistics, to achieve a sustainable packaging operation, it is essential to look at the three key elements of sustainability: preservation, reduction and circularity.
In this article, we explore the true performance of sustainable packaging to help your business stay ahead of the game.
Three key elements of sustainable packaging
Sustainable packaging can be broken down into three main categories: preservation, reduction, and circularity. Let’s explore each in further detail to help us understand how sustainable packaging can make a difference.
Preservation
This refers to any packaging materials that help conserve the environment, such as where renewable resources are used. This eliminates the need for any materials that leak into the environment, causing damage to our planet and life that inhabits it.
For example, Styrofoam packaging takes around 500 years to decompose and is commonly used in the form of packaging peanuts. Whilst it has the potential to be somewhat sustainable, this depends on everyone playing their part in the recycling process. That’s why many opt for sustainable alternatives.
Made from natural, nontoxic sources, paper alternatives to traditional plastic packaging fillers are a great sustainable solution. Solutions such as honeycomb paper wrap, are designed to be recycled after use, and provide complete protection for fragile parcels.
Reduction
Reducing packaging materials is a fundamental part to increase sustainability. This can be achieved with the redesign of your packaging solution, aiming to cut down on material usage while still protecting your valuable products.
For example, introducing a custom-fit box that results in minimal void is an efficient use of material.
Similarly, the adoption of a stretch wrap that is either pre-stretched or stretched through the machine will significantly reduce the amount of material needed to wrap your pallets efficiently.
Circularity
Circularity involves the use of recycled content and reusable products to help close the loop on unsustainable material usage. This means using packaging products that can be widely and easily recycled to be used again, as well as packaging that can be re-used as packaging or can be turned into something practical after use for maximum return on the material.
For example, corrugate packaging that can be folded into a clothes hanger, or a cardboard pizza box that can be turned into a projector.
