Packaging supplies are essential to your customer service when running an e-commerce business. With the rise of e-commerce, businesses need to consider providing more sustainable packaging options. However, some companies don’t want to invest in more eco-friendly options due to myths and misconceptions.

This guide will explore some of these myths and why sustainable packaging is a key selling point in the e-commerce industry. Keep reading to learn more about eco-conscious choices for your e-commerce brand.

What Are Sustainable Packaging Supplies?

Sustainable packaging supplies are an option that is better for the environment than other packing alternatives. Packaging might be considered sustainable for many reasons:

  • It is sourced ethically – using waste materials, sustainable sources, and recycled materials to make the packaging.
  • It is recyclable – making your packaging recyclable to allow the materials to be reused, extending their lifecycle.
  • It is sustainably manufactured – sustainable manufacturing processes that lower carbon emissions make packaging products less damaging to the environment.

Customers have shifted their purchase preferences recently, choosing sustainable brands to shop more ethically. Since ordering products online results in more waste, customers can reduce their carbon footprint by choosing environmental packaging brands. With the increased demand for these packaging options, you can make your brand more attractive with the advantages of sustainable alternatives.

Sustainable Packaging Supplies: The Myths

Let’s explore and dispel some myths to help you understand the truth about ethical and environmental packaging.

It Is Expensive

Many e-commerce sellers avoid sustainable packaging because they think it is more expensive.

The traditional packaging materials in the industry, like plastic packaging materials, have been around for much longer than sustainable packaging types. Companies have found efficient ways to make their products cheaper and offer lower prices. Therefore, traditional materials are more affordable in some instances.

However, with sustainable packaging solutions, the manufacturer uses fewer raw materials, meaning the product can be cheaper than traditional options. Reducing the environmental impact of your packaging does not need to increase the cost of your daily business practices.

It Is Not Customizable

Choosing eco-friendly product packaging doesn’t mean your products won’t align with your vision. You can customize your product’s recyclable packaging, opting for a wide range of different materials, such as:

  • Bamboo
  • Algae
  • Mushrooms
  • Seaweed
  • Cotton

The options are limitless, and you’ll find the right packaging to suit your products. Products like cosmetics need specific packaging to protect product quality; sustainable cosmetics packaging can accommodate these needs.

You can also use water or soy inks to customize your products. Colouring ensures they are designed in alignment with your branding, logo, and image. You can use custom labels, custom tissue paper and custom food paper to add your branding to the details of your packaging – which really makes a difference when it comes to creating a professional feel for your brand.

It Isn’t High Quality

Your packaging doesn’t simply advertise your product and your brand. It serves a more important purpose, allowing you to keep your products safe and prevent them from spoiling. When you choose packaging materials for your product, you must know they will keep it secure and unspoiled.

While many assume that environmental packaging is lower quality and less robust than traditional materials, this is untrue. Fluting allows manufacturers to make high-quality packaging products with sustainable materials.

The fluting provides more support for packaging boards, ensuring the material is not compromised during transport or duress. Protective padding, like packing peanuts, is also replaced with paper alternatives, crafted to keep the product secure.

Recyclable Means Sustainable

Sustainability refers to the whole lifecycle of the product. This means that if a product is recyclable, this doesn’t necessarily make it sustainable.

How you dispose of a product is just one element in the lifecycle. How the product is made makes an impact on its sustainability. It will increase its carbon footprint if it requires heat and lengthy manufacturing processes. The number of raw materials needed for the product’s design also affects its environmental impact.

To consider a product sustainable, you must observe all processes, materials, and disposal methods in its life cycle. That is why recyclable is different from sustainable.

Summary

Sustainability should be top of mind for any business, particularly in the e-commerce industry. The impact of your products leads to waste, increased carbon output, and failure to meet customer demand for environmental products. Now that you know more about sustainability in product packaging, it could be the right time to make a change. Why not reach out to The Packaging Company to find your custom packaging?