When it comes to customers interacting with eCommerce brands, packaging is one of the most frequently encountered elements. It’s a necessary part of getting your goods from Point A to Point B securely, but it has much wider consequences than just your business.
Thanks to the growth of online shopping due to COVID-19, it’s predicted that global eCommerce sales will hit $5.4 trillion by 2022. This is great news for online businesses, but with all of this shopping comes at a cost: more packaging waste, and therefore a growing environmental impact.
Packaging constitutes a major portion of household waste and will continue to rise along with eCommerce sales. The only way we can reverse this trend is if we increase our efforts at choosing packaging that’s as good for the planet as it is for business.
Luckily, sustainable packaging options are readily available.
What is eco-friendly packaging?
Eco-friendly packaging refers to designs and materials chosen in boxes, mailers, and other packing supplies to minimize their impact on the environment. This can vary depending on the industry, but usually takes the following into consideration:
- Minimizes waste
- Maximizes the usage of recycled and biodegradable materials
- Maximizes the use of renewable energy during production
- Is safe for both consumers and the environment throughout its lifecycle
- Meets cost and performance requirements
Since there is no universal criteria for eco-friendly packaging, it can be difficult for many businesses to engage with eco-friendly products and alternative shipping supplies. Very often, articles on the topic require a science degree to simply understand them. Sustainability has never been a more important issue, so it’s time to start breaking down the jargon.