Switching To Sustainable Protective Packaging

With packaging wastes contaminating the environment, it has become more necessary than ever to making protective packaging sustainable. Industry experts have, however, put in a lot of research on exploring different sustainable protective packaging options.

The year 2020 has seen packaging industries taking big leaps towards bringing protective packaging innovations. E-commerce is undoubtedly one of the key players in this regard. Although e-commerce didn’t yield too many sales, it proves to be the fastest growing part in the business world. According to a survey, it has been growing three times faster than the entire retail industry in the US. E-commerce has become a more relevant channel in the recent months, as it has allowed businesses to deliver retail products to their consumers.

It may be worth mentioning that supply chain procedures for both retail and ecommerce are quite different. According to a report, an e-commerce package is subjected to 20 times more handling compared to retail products. Such products, therefore, have more touch points. It increases an overall risk of product damage. Every replacement of a damaged product adds more to greenhouse emissions and resource usage. Avoiding damage to an e-commerce product is a crucial requirement for ensuring a positive consumer experience. That is why an e-commerce package usually has to include a lot of materials.

In the meantime, the demand for sustainable packaging is on the rise. As found by DHL, demand for sustainable packaging and public awareness of packaging wastes are the top trends that shape packaging strategy in the logistic industry. This entire scenario has result in all major stakeholders in the industry demanding for drastic measures for the reduction of plastic in product packaging. One of the reasons plastic is considered too hazardous is its contribution in increasing ocean pollution. That is why single-use plastic is banned in many countries.

Unfortunately, protective packaging hasn’t performed quite well recently in terms of performance and sustainability. Generally considered as the first layer-protection for the product, protective packaging supplies are used in excessive quantities. These materials are usually not easily recyclable. They are also used in bulk. Both B2B and B2C use this packaging option, but they often end up ignoring its impact on the environment.

The rise of e-commerce has only amplified these risks. Since consumers are not quite matured compared to B2B logistic firms, they are even lesser concerned about hazards of protective packaging materials. Even if they are mindful of what packaging wastes can do, they are not well-aware of facilities where they can dispose of packaging wastes.

In such a scenario, it is more necessary than ever to pay attention to using sustainable protective packaging supplies. Such materials are available, thanks to the advancement in the packaging industry. The best thing about sustainable packaging items is that they are reusable. Even if they are not, they are easily recyclable. Some companies, such as Flexi-Hex, ClimaCell, Cruz Foam, Returnity, and Ecovative Mushroom Packaging, are manufacturing high-quality packaging supplies that have been quite helpful for online retailers.

However, it is worth remembering that there is no silver bullet when it comes to ensuring eco-friendliness through product packaging. You will have weigh and test many options to choose the right one.