The Importance of Sustainable Packaging

How Sustainable Packaging Benefits Brand Owners and the Environment

Not so long ago, sustainable packaging lacked the technological basis and initiative to become an industry standard. While folding cartons and corrugated packaging have been used for a long time and are both recyclable materials, companies would often make box sizes that were significantly larger than the product and took up too much space during shipping. Small products, often double-packed and shipped in larger-than-necessary boxes, were shipped by air, causing the supply chain to become unsustainable. And until quite recently, companies of all sizes relied heavily on unsustainable materials and production processes for packaging of which as much as 20% was never used! This is a common trend we see in the eCommerce space, where small products are packaged in much larger boxes, which not only leads to waste but also contributes to higher shipping fees. For sustainably-minded people, these leftover heaps of waste did little to reassure us of a viable environment for future generations. When products weren’t sold or had to be altered in any way, the packaging was considered dead stock and simply replaced — and that was that.  Now, with the help of widespread sustainability movements, large-scale industry initiatives and digital technology, packaging manufacturers are seeing the error of their ways and beginning to reinvent the entire process of packaging production. More sustainable than ever, package manufacturing is expected to be entirely revolutionized within the next decade, driven by sustainable consumerism, brand owners, raising industry standards and international regulations. Here are some huge benefits of sustainable packaging for brand owners and consumers alike. 

Shorter Production Process

Thanks to digital printing and digital cutting and creasing technologies, the packaging production process can be reduced from many stages to just a few steps. Not only is this process more affordable for brand owners and sustainable for the environment, but it trims the production time from weeks to just days. For small-to-medium brand owners, the rapid implementation of packaging can be invaluable to businesses. With no MOQ (minimum order quantity), custom on-demand packaging and a streamlined supply chain, any company, big or small, now has the power to design and manufacture custom packaging in precise quantities and when they need it. However, convenience and cost is not the only benefit of low MOQs. Having the ability to manufacture the exact amount as and when you need it also aids in reducing the enormous amount of waste in both the production line and in holding facilities even before your product is packaged. 

Benefits of Corrugated Board Packaging and Folding Cartons

With corrugated board packaging and folding cartons, we can enjoy our products without worrying about the environmental impact of unsustainable materials. Not only is corrugated board 100% recyclable and biodegradable, but it is composed of as much as 50% air! This light and foldable design make corrugated board easy (and less expensive) to transport while reducing supply chain times and carbon footprint in the case of both Shelf Retail Packaging (SRP) and Retail Ready Packaging (RRP). Folding cartons are also recyclable and biodegradable, and work great as primary packages for warehousing and shipping while improving supply chain efficiency and sustainability when combined with corrugated board secondary packaging.  It also comes in a wide variety of designs and flute sizes, thicknesses, and versatility required to transport everything from toys and food products to appliances and furniture. Corrugated boards are highly durable and resistant to tampering and contamination, which protects your products and helps you build trust with your customers. Its compatibility with digital printing and finishing technology simplifies the supply chain, improves time to market and is perfect for short-run products while giving brand owners the flexibility to customize and enhance their packages with unique features that symbolize their brand and products. 

Sustainable Brand Image

In a world where climate concerns are at the forefront of social issues and rising commercial standards, promoting a sustainable brand image runs parallel to product quality and market penetration. Sustainable packages also create a pleasant unboxing experience that modern consumers value as a sign of innovative engagement, while features such as visibility, reusability and custom package designs add elements of sustainability and aesthetic appeal that can be leveraged as powerful marketing tools.