Zero Waste Packaging - Going the Eco-Friendly Way

Everything is about retail nowadays. Products are being sold and bought every day, and to make sure the product reaches its destination in one piece, the packaging is mandatory. The pandemic led to a growth in the packaging industry as well, as more and more people are ordering online.

When it comes to the consumer, this might not seem too concerning; it may just mean more packaging to deliver the products that they ordered. However, for the environment, this doesn’t mean very good news. Product handling at this scale can impact the environment pretty badly. For this reason, the packing industry is changing so that it leads to zero waste.

There are several ways to reform your packaging system. If you are a retailer or manufacturer and are trying to find an eco-friendly way to pack your products, this article will give you a couple of good ideas. 

What Is Zero Waste Packaging?

Zero waste packaging is pretty self-explanatory: it’s a type of packaging that leads to as little waste as possible. This does not necessarily mean using nothing to pack the goods – this is still necessary, especially if you want the product to get there in one piece. 

Instead, zero waste packaging involves a type of package that can be reused and/or recycled for further use. Some good examples might be using glass bottles for soft drinks that may be returned to the manufacturer for reuse. 

By using packaging that may be reused, the waste is reduced to zero. Cartoning packaging can also be a good example of zero waste, as it is recyclable, and its biodegradable nature poses no harm to the environment. 

How to Set Up a Zero Waste Packaging System

Setting up a zero waste packaging system is a great step at preventing the average waste and pollution level in the landfill. This will reduce the waste that gets into the oceans, helping the environment. Here are some eco-friendly case packaging ways that can help you do your part. 

1. Switch to Eco-Friendly Plastic Alternatives

Plastic is one of the main reasons why the Earth is having such a difficult time. In most cases, plastic wrapping is immediately discarded and it ends up in the landfill, where it can take about 200 years to decompose. This might not seem much for just one plastic wrap – but think about all the items and packages that are discarded every day. 

For this reason, manufacturers have switched to packaging made from biodegradable materials. For instance, wood pulp is biodegradable, and more and more companies are using cardboard made from this material. Mixed with a wrap-around packaging system, it uses just the necessary amount of packaging, which can be recycled later on. 

2. Use Packaging That Can Be Repurposed

Rather than packing the product into something that may only be used for the product you are selling, try using materials that may be repurposed. Play with the design here for a bit; you are bound to come across a few ideas.

For instance, if you are selling honey or any kind of liquid, don’t pack it in a standard jar. Instead, pack it in a container that can be used for something else. Stanley Honey, for instance, sells its product in retail-ready packaging that may be used as a planter. Other brands sell their products in packaging that may double as a vase. 

Think of ways in which the packaging may be reused once the product has been removed from it. By doing this, you may be able to reduce at least a bit of your carbon footprint. 

3. Use Organic Packaging Materials

More and more manufacturers are playing with packages made from mushrooms, starch, or other such organic products. You may use packaging automation to create pack rings or packaging made from barley and wheat. This type of packaging is not only biodegradable but also edible. 

Now, this doesn’t mean you can eat them yourself. However, if these are thrown out and end up in the ocean, at least they are edible for the fish. Even if the fish come in contact with the packaging, it can serve as their food, which will lead to zero waste in the end. 

4. Encourage Users to Bring Their Own Packaging

There’s a new zero waste trend going around the world, one where buyers are encouraged to bring their own packaging. This can be a jar, a box, a bag, or many more. More and more people are bringing their own bag packaging, as it reduces the overall waste that ends up in the landfill. 

For instance, products such as wheat or grains are often sold in plastic bags, which can be harmful to the environment. By encouraging the consumer to bring their packaging/bags, the waste is reduced. 

5. Forgo the Packaging

In some cases, the best way to ensure zero waste is to allow the appropriate products to go commando – i.e., forgo the packaging where it is possible. For instance, a bar of soap is either wrapped in plastic or cardboard, something that is not always necessary. The same goes with certain fruits, for which packaging is redundant. 

If the packaging is still useful to offer protection, forego the plastic and go for biodegradable materials. A wrap-around case packer that uses organic cardboard may be exactly what you need here. 

The Bottom Line

Sustainability doesn’t always come at a small price. As you can see, despite its ease of availability, plastic doesn’t do the Earth any good. Zero waste is what everyone should be aiming for, especially when we’re talking about packaging.