The demand for sustainable packaging has been rising for the protection of the environment. Owing to environmental awareness, Eco-Friendly Packaging has become the need of the hour. Moreover, the growth of the e-commerce business predicts that the demand for packaging will increase manifold in the coming years. But it will be the sustainability of the material that consumers look for.
There are various options that provide eco-friendly solutions. Sustainable materials will prove the right choice for your business shipping. Look at the ten best examples of environmentally-friendly materials.
1- Compostable Packaging
Compostable is the organic or biodegradable materials that are recyclable. They have the added benefit of soil improvement. Because they easily decompose into the soil. In 2020, a company made boots from a hundred percent compostable material of potato starch.
The biggest issue that most consumers face is the decomposition of the used material. Because after the use of the packaging, waste should be an issue especially if it is not eco-friendly. Most houses have dustbins. But you can handle it to waste products companies too. Ensure that the waste must be decomposed properly.
2- Edible Packaging
Have you ever heard about the Eco-Friendly Packaging that consumers can eat? Maybe it seems strange how one could eat the wrappers. But it is true that some renowned companies have taken the initiative to make edible packaging. The advantage of it is that it eliminates the cycle of waste. For example, edible cups, straws, rice paper for candies, etc. The famous hot chocolate powder company sells its product in pouches. These pouches easily dissolve in water. Another example is Bob’s Burger, a Brazilian food chain whose burger packaging is edible.
3- Corrugated Packaging
One of the most popular choices is corrugated packaging due to its customizability and strength characteristics. It is a renewable material source from the forests. The procedure of corrugation is that the cellulose fibers of the wood are mixed in the pulp of water. Then they pressed hard to get their dry form. Moreover, you can choose the thickness according to your needs. In this way, you will provide the protection that is essential during shipping.
The advantages of corrugated packaging are numerous. They are recyclable, lightweight, reusable, good for branding, and cheap for shipping. However, the disadvantages are that they are not waterproof and not suitable for heavy materials.
4- Compostable Packaging
The plant-based materials used in compostable packaging are sugar cane, bio-poly mailers, bamboo, and corn. They have the ability to decompose on Earth naturally. The plus point is that they do not leave any toxic residue. One of the important things is that the material of the Eco-Friendly Packaging should be compostable. Normally they take 90 days in commercial composting and 180 days in house composting.
5- Recycled Paper and Cardboard
They use fifty percent less water than that of virgin paper. The properties of recycled paper and cardboard are that they are renewable and recyclable with repurposed waste. Both are kerbside recyclable that after collection are sent to the paper mills to process them into large rolls of cards or paper. Manufacturers create products like cardboard boxes and writing paper. This procedure reduces the emission of carbon dioxide by twenty percent less than that of incineration.
6- Cornstarch Packaging
Cornstarch is a renewable material that makes the packaging sustainable. It is biodegradable material free of any kind of toxic components that are harmful to the environment. Biodegradable cornstarch is the perfect alternative to styrofoam and bubble wrap.
7- Mycelium
Dell and Ikea, renowned retail giants, have switched to sustainable solutions from polystyrene to mycelium. Studies show that polystyrene makes up 90% of marine litter and 30% of landfill space. Moreover, it releases harmful toxic components during its decomposition and takes five hundred years of its breakdown. In this regard, mycelium is a cost-effective and renewable replacement. It is a network of underground root mushrooms that do not require water or light. Mycelium grows in less than a week and can be shaped in protective molds and snug fields.
8- Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is the most trusted sustainable packaging for plastic. It is a hundred percent natural material that decomposes easily without releasing any toxic components. They come in different varieties from paper mailer bags to gummed tape. Moreover, its natural color is eco-friendly which will help in strengthening the concept of sustainability. Its properties are that kraft paper is renewable, cheap, and lightweight.
9- Glassine Paper
Glassine paper is greaseproof and translucent and made of wood pulp. This paper is good for sensitive products like cosmetics, books, and food. It provides protection against environmental conditions, water, and air due to its low permeability. They are the right alternative to single-use plastic bags.
10- Cellulose Packaging
Cotton, hemp, and wood are natural sources that make cellulose packaging. Its material is compostable and biodegradable which makes it the perfect alternative to single-use plastic. Now vendors use cellulose packaging to sell their products in response to adopting green solutions. Its moisture-resistant properties make it the favorite packaging for food brands.
Bottom Line
Last but not least, all the mentioned above Eco-Friendly Packaging options are good for your business shipping. Consumers’ interests and government steps have led businesses to adopt sustainable solutions. Moreover, it is the need of the hour regarding the worsening situation of the environment. The lightweight property of these packaging boxes also reduces the shipping cost which is beneficial for the companies.
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