We only have one planet to inhabit unless NASA tells us otherwise. Being attentive to taking care of the environment, individually and corporately, is the key to preserving the planet’s resources. Identifying the environmental impact of daily shipping packing materials is a good place to start.
Benefits of eco-friendly packing materials
The most apparent benefit of eco-friendly packing materials is the positive contribution to the environment. Eco-friendly packing materials are composed of recycled materials, reducing the waste of natural resources in production and helping businesses fulfill their commitments to the environment and consumers. Consumers are looking to support companies that promote social responsibility. Consumer awareness of environmental implications is at an all-time high and many people consider the environmental impact of their purchases and the businesses they buy from. Transitioning to eco-friendly packing materials could attract more consumers while improving your reputation.
Eco-friendly options for packing materials
Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, cardboard boxes and even crumpled paper are the staples in traditional shipping. Some businesses have shifted their energy toward reducing their environmental impact by selecting shipping materials that will both protect the package during transit and protect the environment after it reaches its destination. Luckily, many alternatives exist that are even competitive in price.
Cornstarch packing peanuts
Packing peanuts are a popular go-to shipping material, but their polystyrene composition is notoriously difficult to decompose. Cornstarch packing peanuts aren’t your ordinary packing peanuts. The cornstarch fill dissolves in water leaving no toxic waste and provides a suitable alternative to traditional packing peanuts.
Recyclable packing papers
From kraft paper to newsprint and even bogus paper a variety of recyclable or biodegradable paper products are on the market. Bogus paper offers a pliable and absorbent paper made from a mix of kraft and newsprint paper. Kraft is an all-in-one paper solution for both wrapping and void fill. These packing materials are a viable option for shippers looking to switch to a greener option.
Biodegradable bubble wrap
Bubble wrap, traditionally made from clear plastic, is another packing material with room for improvement in the environmentally friendly category. Yes, it can be reused to a certain extent, but it’s made of plastics that are difficult to recycle. As with packing peanuts, alternatives to bubble wrap have been developed for those who are environmentally conscious and are available as a greener packaging equivalent.
For businesses concerned about their environmental footprint, switching to greener packing materials is a sustainable best practice. For businesses concerned about shipping overcharges after sending those eco-friendly packages, switching to Share A Refund is a money-saving best practice. As you work to save the planet’s resources, Share a refund wants to work to save you money with a parcel auditing software guaranteed to get you increased savings on shipping.
