It is predicted that e-commerce sales will double again by 2026, following a double in the last five years. As a result, packaging will increase. However, many companies are looking for a more sustainable packaging solution.
We picked our top 10 eco-friendly solutions that create sustainable packaging. These materials are from cornstarch packaging or recyclable and use less plastic. These materials can be your eco-friendly shipping methods that use less fuel. This helps to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
You can choose the best materials for your packaging based on these 10 more environmentally friendly alternatives.
What Is Eco-Friendly Packaging?
An eco-friendly package is hard to define because it depends on the context in which it is used. The term eco-friendly can refer to any packaging less harmful to humans and the environment than an alternative.
However, this packaging type includes materials made from renewable, sustainable, and recycled materials. It can also be packaging designed to be easy to open and consume, reducing waste and emissions.
The concept of eco-friendliness is determined by the individual describing the material. This means that eco-friendly packaging can vary greatly from one person to the next. Therefore, it is important to consider the buyer’s specific needs when determining eco-friendly packaging.
Companies should also consider how their packaging can be recycled or reused, which is an important factor in sustainability.
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions – Suitable For Every Size Of Businesses
Here are the top 10 eco-friendly packaging solutions to meet your business needs.
1. Flow Wrap
Flow wrap or form-fill stick pack packaging is one of the best eco-friendly packaging solutions with a roll of stock or tubing. Wrappers for candy bars are excellent examples of flow packaging or form-filling sticks.
This type of packaging is efficient, as it requires less material and energy than traditional packaging methods. It is also cost-effective and easy to recycle.
Flow wrap packaging is highly flexible and can be used for various products. Your company may benefit from flow wrap or form fill if it produces thousands or more small packages.
2. Corrugated Bubble Wrap
Almost every kid has used bubble wrap packaging at some point. Packaging like this protects fragile items from damage during shipping. Due to its plastic composition, this material is not eco-friendly.
However, you can easily recycle them. Companies now use biodegradable bubble wrap made from cornstarch, cardboard, corrugated materials, and other sustainable resources. Corrugated materials add extra protection and durability while being environmentally friendly. This reduces the environmental impact of this type of packaging.
3. Cornstarch Packaging
A natural organic material, cornstarch has been making inroads into eco-friendly packaging. In addition to its plastic-like properties, corn starch is derived from the corn or maize plant. Though, making it an ideal alternative to plastics in many contexts – from bottles to loose-film packaging.
Cornstarch is also biodegradable and non-toxic, making it an attractive choice for many. It is also more cost-effective than plastic, making it an attractive business option.
4. Seaweed Packaging
The journey begins with corn, then mushrooms, and then seaweed. A gelatin substance, Agar, helps to prepare this green packaging solution. However, you can find this substance in seaweed.
Agar is biodegradable and compostable and does not contribute to the plastic pollution problem. It is also a renewable resource, making it an attractive alternative to plastic packaging.
5. Recycled Paper & Card
Recycled content makes up 80% of paper and cards in the UK. Once they collect them, these recycled paper and cards go through a process in a paper mill. Once the process is done, they turn up into large rolls of paper or cards. After that, the manufacturers make them into new products like cardboard boxes or writing papers.
Big companies can use these new products for their various purposes like packaging, shipment, gift wrapping, or office supplies. Recycled paper and cards are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than non-recycled alternatives.
6. Starch Adhesive
Corn, potato, and wheat are plants that produce starch. Mixing it with water produces an adhesive paste that bonds together paper products, such as corrugated cardboard boxes.
The decomposition of this natural product does not release harmful toxins and does not impact the product’s recyclability. It is also a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, making it a popular choice for many industries.
7. Kraft Paper
Paper made from kraft pulp is a renewable resource. The decomposition of Kraft paper does not release toxic chemicals, making it a more sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.
Kraft paper is also biodegradable, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice. It is also strong and durable, making it a reliable choice for packaging products.
8. Carton board
This packaging, also known as Cardboard, is one of the finest eco-friendly packaging solutions for every business size. The benefits of cardboard include protecting products from light, moisture, and other external factors.
It is also lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport. You can easily use it as a recycle while a relatively inexpensive option.
9. Sugarcane Pulp
A byproduct of the sugar industry, sugarcane fibers make sugarcane pulp. The sugarcane pulp inserts are a form of mold to fit a variety of components and products by blending the fibers. As a result, products are safe during transit and unboxing, eliminating the need for standard plastic inserts.
This helps to reduce plastic waste and create a more environmentally friendly packaging solution. Additionally, sugarcane pulp inserts are biodegradable and compostable, making them a greener alternative to plastic inserts.
10. Mycelium
Mycelium-based packaging is biodegradable and compostable, making it a more sustainable alternative to polystyrene. It also eliminates the need for additional processing or toxic chemicals.
You can replace polystyrene packaging with mycelium, a renewable and cost-effective alternative.
Conclusion
More businesses use eco-friendly packaging and recognize its benefits. However, this packaging solution offers much more competitive prices. Therefore, smart business owners are embracing technology today to stay ahead of tomorrow’s competition.
Eco-friendly packaging reduces waste and is cost-effective. It is also durable and perfectly customized to fit any business’s needs. It can be the best solution for companies to help build customer trust as consumers increasingly seek businesses with sustainable practices.
These top 10 eco-friendly packaging are the best solutions to stay plastic-free and safe for humanity. Eco-friendly packaging can also help to protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and preserving biodiversity.