Sustainable Packaging Strategies You Should Try As A Business

Estimated reading time: 4 min
Sustainable Packaging Strategies You Should Try As A Business

Eco-friendly initiatives are the new normal now. A few years ago, turning green was only something that was niche or for forward-thinking,  for companies to promote. Today, however, it’s increasingly becoming the standard practice for companies. 


More companies and consumers are calling for eco-friendly efforts to sustain the planet. In fact, according to a Nielsen poll, 73 percent of all millenials, who are key economic drivers, will look to purchase products that are sustainable, free from animal testing or have other environmental messages. Companies that implement these strategies within their ethos and include it within their branding, also saw more growth than those that do not. More recent surveys of consumers within the UK, show that 82 percent now consider environmentally friendly packaging as part of their purchase consideration process, with a further 59 percent actively avoiding some packaging materials. A further report undertaken last year (2020) by IBM in 28 different countries, shows that 78% of consumers now want products that are sustainable and environmentally responsible, with 70% of these willing to pay a 35% premium for these types of products, making sustainable products a very lucrative proposition.


As we only have one planet, everyone has a part in saving the environment. If you’re an eCommerce store that wants to become more eco-friendly. The first thing to do is finding the best sustainable packaging which suits and fits your business needs. Choosing eco-friendly packaging will go a long way in minimising the waste which ends in our landfills, which is a very important factor. 


There are many advantages when it comes to sustainable packaging such as expanding as, expanding your customer base can and increase brand loyalty. Being more sustainable can sustainable aware can help you boost your customers and loyalty. 


Sustainable Packaging Strategies

1. Share how to recycle your packaging

Educate your customers on the best ways to recycle and dispose of your packaging materials. Sharing general advice by labelling the packaging can help. 

 

2. Ship in smaller outer packaging

This means using smaller boxes, bags and containers for your products. Not only does this help you become a  lot more sustainable, but this will also reduce your shipping costs. 

 

3. Recycled packaging materials

Recycled packaging is a great way to extend the life of previously used materials. When it comes to recycled packaging, it’s best to consider the packaging that’s made out of recycled materials. 

 

4. Return and reuse

Most packaging, such as metal or cardboard can be reused again without being recycled. This saves energy used during the recycling process and money for you. Offering incentives to return packaging so it can be refilled is a great way of encouraging customer loyalty as well. 

 

5. Second Life

Why not design your packaging so it can be reused for something else such as a pencil pot or storage container? Again, metal and cardboard are great materials for this. Second life packaging also helps to give you constant brand exposure in and around your target consumers homes.

 

6. Use manufacturers with sustainable practices

Choose to work with manufacturers that have the same values as your business. Do your research before signing the agreement with them. 

 

How To Change To Eco-friendly Packaging?

Have we made you think more about changing to an eco-friendly packaging solution? In this section, we will discuss how you can make the switch successfully.  

 

1. Take it in steps 

Introducing new materials and the different ways of doing things requires a lot of research and trial & error. When doing everything at once, this can be very overwhelming. Start by replacing a few products with sustainable packaging and see how they sell. Promote them by saying how they are sold, take a look at what your customers like. 

 

2. Samples

A lot of companies that sell eco-friendly products also supply samples to be sent to you. This way you can evaluate the products and see if the size, colour and weight suits. 

 

3. Pricing

With your new eco-friendly packaging, you might end up paying more for materials. Be sure to add this in when pricing your products, so as a business you don’t take a hit. Don’t be put off by this though, as consumers are willing to pay more for products packaged in eco-friendly packaging.



There are lots of ways to go green with your packaging however the right approach depends on your company. The best way to do this is to do things step by step while measuring your results and expand from there. 


For more information or help in choosing the right packaging for your cosmetic products, please contact us.


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