Tactics For Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Packaging

Are you looking for environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging? Gateway Packaging offers many eco-friendly packaging supplies, including cardboard and cardboard rolls.

Today, sustainability in packaging is vital. The Australian government has sustainability targets in place, and consumers want to protect the environment.

Governments like the Australian government’s aim is that by 2025, 100% of packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable. (2) Not only do consumers also want sustainability, but they’re also willing to pay a small premium for it, a 2012 McKinsey study (1) suggested.

Packaging supplies: choose sustainable packaging.

To be sustainable, a product needs to have as small an impact on the environment as possible. In packaging, sustainability can be looked at as a continuous state of improvement.

This is because sustainable packaging involves many processes: in materials, in packaging design, in energy use, as well as in manufacturing and during the packaging’s life cycle. All of these processes can be improved to minimize the product’s environmental impact even more over time.

Does it all seem too complex? It would help if you had tactics to meet the government’s 2025 goal of 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.

Tactics you can use for sustainable packaging processes.

Let’s look at some tactics your business can implement sustainable packaging to grow your business and enhance profitability.

Consider enhancing your product packaging’s labelling to make customers aware of their recycling options.

If you implement the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) (3) on your packaging, you can help end consumers’ confusion about how to dispose of your packaging. The ARL offers three choices for your labelling:

Recyclable, Conditionally Recyclable, and Not Recyclable. Of course, if you wish, you can create your labelling to help customers dispose of the packaging.

Consider identifying a product’s materials, then suggest recycling and other disposal options.

Product labelling can be a clever marketing strategy. Consumers like to feel that they’re doing their part in sustainability, so be sure to promote your labelling efforts in your marketing.

Redesign product packaging: change the materials, or make the packaging smaller

Has it been a while since you looked at the many choices for your product packaging?

You may be surprised at what’s available now. Innovative, sustainable packaging solutions exist. They may not only help you to meet your goals for sustainability but may also decrease your costs. Smaller, lighter packaging can reduce shipping costs, for example.

Even plastics are becoming more eco-friendly. If you use bubble wrap, consider an option for degradable plastic: Sancell Handywrap EnviroBubble. This product is recyclable too.

Choose recycled materials for your product packaging.

Many paper packaging supplies are made of recycled materials: paper, cardboard and cardboard rolls. Recycled material can be an economical choice, especially if you choose smaller, lighter packaging.

Look for packaging supplies that can be easily recycled by consumers or even reused by them.

Some companies go the extra mile in making their product packaging sustainable: they make it easy for consumers to reuse their products. Many retail companies opt to package their products in branded tote bags. Consumers keep the branded bags to use when shopping or travelling.

Eliminate excess packaging materials throughout your business’s supply chain

Although this can be a long process, it’s worthwhile and can help you meet Australia’s 2025 national packaging targets. (2) To assess your company’s inputs, as well as the sustainability of packaging supplies, you need information on which materials arrive at your facility and how they impact the environment. If inputs and products arrive from overseas factories, they may contain much excess packaging.

• What materials are involved?
• How do you currently dispose of the excess?
• Would it be feasible to reuse it?
• How much can be recycled?

Once you know how much excess packaging arrives at your facility, you can communicate with partners to cut down on the excess. Alternatively, your partners may offer you choices of alternative packaging supplies which are more sustainable.

This brings us to the companies with whom you partner.

Manage your business’s purchasing: partner with companies that emphasize sustainability

As 2025 draws closer, more companies are looking at their partner companies and their sustainability practices. Start by looking at your suppliers; do they have policies for sustainability?

Many larger companies and retailers are creating codes of conduct for their suppliers. The inventory their partner companies and develop questionnaires for self-assessment.

Packaging supplies for your business: small changes for ongoing improvement

No business can change its practices instantly. However, using environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging isn’t tricky. Many options are available.

Choose packaging which is recyclable or biodegradable, and label your packaging so that consumers know how to dispose of it.

References

• (1) McKinsey: How much will consumers pay to go green?
• (2) Australia’s national packaging targets
• (3) The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL)

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