Our brands wanted to go green and reduce waste. That is why packaging manufacturers rely upon eco-friendly corrugated packaging. At first, we were unsure how it would perform. But our experience surprised us in the best way.
These boxes were strong, reliable and looked great. They protected our products during shipping and made our customers happy. Many even praised the new packaging. It felt good to know we were helping the planet too.
Switching to sustainable packaging was more than just a trend. It became part of our brand story. In this post, you will learn what we learned. If you’re thinking about eco-friendly packaging, our experience can guide you. Let’s dive in.
The Truth About Cardboard: Eco-Friendly Boxes
Did you know that over 90% of all products transported in the United States are packaged in corrugated boxes, totaling over 400 billion square feet of cardboard? While corrugated cardboard is one of the most widely recycled materials, not all cardboard is recyclable. Fortunately, there are numerous eco-friendly packaging solutions and wholesale packaging firms that provide items that are both environmentally friendly and strong enough to carry products of all sizes, shapes and weights.
Corrugated Packaging vs Sustainability
Corrugated packaging was already on the upswing when Covid-19 struck, but the subsequent boom of e-commerce boosted its popularity even further. The increase in internet shopping highlighted a critical need for customers, but getting their products safely delivered to them during pandemic limitations was not their only issue; sustainability remained a major theme throughout.
Corrugated producers are currently looking for more eco-friendly packaging options and techniques. Are you curious about how this may affect your manufacturing and corrugated testing processes? Here you have a fast rundown of everything you need to know.
When looking for a box supplier, make sure to evaluate all criteria. You aim to reduce the environmental imprint of boxing and shipping which can be accomplished in a variety of ways:
Why Switch to Sustainable Packaging
Sustainability has become a primary focus for both consumers and businesses, and packaging is at the center of this transition. Eco-friendly packaging was formerly a small issue but it is now a common expectation and a major factor in purchase decisions.
According to Trivium Packaging’s 2023 Global Buying Green Report, 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for items packaged sustainably. This figure rises to 90% among Gen Z shoppers, demonstrating the younger generation’s increased environmental commitment. According to the same survey, 71% of worldwide shoppers chose a product in the last six months based solely on its sustainable packaging.
The Growing Demand for Cardboard Packaging
If your company is ready to lessen its environmental impact, understanding how to transition to sustainable packaging is an important first step. It is not enough to simply use greener materials; it is also necessary to develop a packaging strategy that combines sustainability, cost, performance, and customer experience.
This move demonstrates a greater understanding of how everyday decisions, such as what customers buy and how things are packed, may help safeguard the environment. For firms, this is no longer a trend, but rather a strategic requirement. Brands that use green packaging like custom folding cartons or pressure sensitive labels help reduce their environmental impact. This also builds stronger customer loyalty and trust. Plus, it keeps them ready for new rules and a greener future.
Corrugated: An Increasingly Sustainable Packaging Material
There are various factors that combine to make corrugated a wise investment decision for enterprises looking for more sustainable packaging options.
A 100% Recycled Raw Material
The appropriate manufacturing process and supply chain: Choose a source that minimizes the manufacturing process and operates a sustainable supply chain.
Corrugated cardboard is typically created from a variety of papers, some of which have already been recycled and others from “virgin” fibers. Once consumed, corrugated board packaging can be recycled and reused in a range of other sustainable packaging goods including corrugated.
Compostable
Corrugated packaging, which is made from natural fibers such as birch or pine pulp and contains a high percentage of recycled content, can be composted. It should be broken into little pieces first but can then be added to a compost bin.
Increasingly Lightweight
Manufacturers are producing more efficient corrugated boxes than ever before by utilizing novel recycled and lightweight paper composites for liner papers and fluting. The lighter the packing, the more gasoline and energy it saves during transportation and use.
Reusable Packaging
Because of their lightweight and robust nature, many forms of corrugated packing can be reused. This means that consumers can repurpose and prolong their packaging’s lifecycle to meet their own demands.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Packaging
Using eco-friendly packaging offers more than just environmental benefits. Furthermore, it can give businesses a competitive advantage, such as:
Positive Environmental Impact
The primary benefit of eco-friendly packaging is that it has a lower environmental impact. Using eco-friendly packaging materials can help companies reduce waste and material consumption significantly. Businesses can reduce waste and pollution by using recyclable or biodegradable packaging options.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Traditional packaging is made by burning fossil fuels. As previously stated, fossil fuels are hazardous to the environment and a nonrenewable resource that takes millions of years to form underground before being extracted.
The ecological initiatives of corrugated boxes extend beyond the materials utilized. Organizations that move to eco-friendly packaging make every effort to use alternative power sources, such as solar or wind energy, which is beneficial to the environment and sustainability programs.
Longer Shelf Life
One of the most crucial motivators for producers to employ sustainable packaging is to obtain consumer favor. Food goods have a longer shelf life when packaged in sustainable materials. For example, low-density perforated polyethylene packaging can improve the shelf life of crops like bananas by 30 days. Using environmentally friendly products adds value to consumers while reducing landfill waste by 20%.
Improving Brand Reputation
Sustainability is a virtue that is more than just a trend. Eco-friendly brands are typically perceived as more trustworthy and responsible. Companies can improve their reputation and attract environmentally conscious clients by utilizing eco-friendly packaging. This could lead to more sales and greater customer loyalty.
Long Term Cost Savings
Despite the higher initial cost, businesses can save money in the long run by using eco-friendly packaging. For example using reusable packaging options can minimize the need for repeat purchases while lower trash disposal costs can also result in financial benefits. Furthermore, numerous governments provide tax breaks or other incentives to enterprises that adopt sustainable practices.
Corrugated Boxes: The Future of Sustainable Packaging
Corrugated cardboard manufacturers who invest in FEFCO standardized boxes can reduce the amount of packaging material used in the retail, e-commerce, medical and food and beverage industries.
Of course, the introduction of novel composites and architectures necessitates new testing and quality control strategies. Learn more about the most important elements influencing paper quality test techniques in our special publication, ‘Your Guide to Quality Corrugated’.
