Make a Difference with Environmentally Friendly Packaging

Use More Recyclable Products

When given the option of creating packaging, more and more companies are now looking toward products made with recyclable fibers. Consumers are becoming more conscious of recyclable packaging and even some major chain retailers are beginning to shy away from products that are not recyclable. However, there are many manufacturers and retailers that still need to consider alternatives to chemically treated plastics. For example, corrugated cardboard products are one of the best options for an environmentally minded business to use for packaging purposes.

Use Fewer Interior Packing Materials

The overabundance of packing materials is another worry of environmentally concerned businesses and consumers. Whether it’s bubble wrap or enough Styrofoam peanuts to overfeed a Styrofoam elephant, the sheer abundance of packaging materials needs to be decreased or at least replaced with eco-friendly materials inside of boxes, cartons, and packages. For years, old rolled up newspapers were used effectively for packaging. Such paper products, biodegradable packing peanuts, or even actual peanuts, popcorn, or pea straw are all usable for cushioning. For packaging computer products, you can use antistatic foam made of starch-based products manufactured by GreenCell, a company making highly effective biodegradable foam.

Get Everyone on Board

Sustainable packaging needs to become standard practice by manufacturers and retailers. Those in the know are trying to spread the word, not only by example but through customer awareness. In time, retailers may begin rewarding customers for taking initiatives, such as bringing their own reusable bags for carrying items home. Manufacturers are also starting to reap the rewards of thinking green from major retailers. One major U.S. chain is rating the packaging materials of the companies with which they do business and making it clear that poorly rated manufacturers may not be doing business with this retailer much longer.