Plastic is one of the most harmful single-use materials in our world. Not only does it end up in our waterways and landfills, but it’s also a major contributor to ocean pollution.
With this in mind, it makes sense for ecommerce business owners to take sustainable packaging practices into consideration. Here are eight founders who embraced this approach and how they’re shipping and fulfilling their orders with the environment in mind.
1. Reusable Bags
Reusable bags can reduce the amount of waste your brand produces, while also extending your product’s life. Some options are biodegradable, while others can be recycled.
The biggest downside of reusable bags is that they can be expensive, but it’s worth it to decrease the environmental impact your brand has. Reusable bags also help to prevent plastic waste from entering the environment.
Another issue with reusable bags is that they often take a long time to decompose. While paper bags may biodegrade within a few weeks, plastic bags take hundreds of years to break down.
Other eco-friendly packaging alternatives include cotton bags, which are biodegradable and reusable. However, one study shows that to have the same environmental footprint as plastic bags, cotton bags need to be used 131 times.
2. Paper Bags
Paper bags are a popular packaging alternative, both for businesses and consumers. They’re a great way to reduce environmental impact, especially when you consider that paper bags can be recycled several times.
They’re also a great option for retailers, as they can help to increase brand awareness and promote your business. Plus, they can be customized to fit your company’s brand image.
Unlike plastic bags, paper bags are biodegradable, which means they will eventually break down and return to the earth without harming it. This is an important step in protecting the environment and slowing climate change.
In addition to being biodegradable, paper bags are made from wood, which is a renewable resource. This helps to prevent environmental issues like eutrophication, which causes algal blooms that kill fish.
3. Kraft Paper Bags
Kraft paper is a strong, environmentally friendly material used for packaging. It can be used in a variety of industries, from food to cosmetics to household cleaning products.
It is a recyclable, biodegradable, compostable paper made from wood pulp. Typically, the pulp is harvested from pine and bamboo trees, although it can also be recycled waste paper.
This eco-friendly paper is a popular choice for businesses that want to make their packaging eco-conscious and more sustainable. It can be used to provide inner shipping protection for packages, and is a great alternative to plastic bags.
It is a non-toxic, odorless, pollution-free paper that meets national environmental standards. It is currently one of the most widely used environmental protection materials in the world.
4. Kraft Paper Boxes
Kraft paper boxes are a popular and eco-friendly packaging alternative that’s easy to recycle. They’re also affordable and durable, making them a great choice for shipping and storage.
Choosing the right packaging for your products can make all the difference in attracting customers and increasing sales. And while traditional product containers like plastics are not the most environmentally friendly, a wide variety of packaging alternatives have been developed to help brands go green while still delivering great products.
One of the most common eco-friendly options is void fill paper, which is often made from crinkle paper or strips of kraft paper. However, if you’re looking for a more sustainable option, there are other paper options that are more biodegradable and less wasteful than foam or plastic.
5. Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is a popular kitchen packaging alternative that many people use to wrap their food, retain moisture and prevent browning. It can also be used for grilling and storing food in the refrigerator or freezer.
There are a number of eco-friendly alternatives to aluminum foil that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment. Some of them are reusable and biodegradable, while others are non-toxic and safe for use in the microwave, oven, and freezer.
Aluminum foil is a form of aluminum alloy and is manufactured by a process called “melting and casting.” This method uses bauxite ore and other substances to create ingots that are melted and rolled into sheets. It is then annealed to improve its workability.