With market volatility and uncertainty in natural gas availability causing price hikes across Europe, many suppliers and retailers are looking to reduce their reliance on virgin plastic. By switching to more sustainable solutions, businesses can safeguard their operations, futureproof their fulfillment processes and ensure compliance with sustainability protocols in the long term.
But with many factors to consider, identifying the key considerations for more sustainable packaging can be a challenge.
So to make sure you're asking the right questions and accurately assessing the green credentials of your packaging, here are some top considerations to bear in mind.
The keys to sustainable packaging
Recyclability
In an age of record demand for sustainable, traceable packaging, consumers and manufacturers are looking for ways to make their choice of materials go further - whether through reuse schemes or simple recycling processes that help reduce waste to landfill.
The most commonly used core packaging materials are paper, plastic, aluminium and glass. But while paper is the most widely recycled material on earth, it can be only recycled between 5 and 7 times – while PET plastic can usually be recycled just once or twice. Aluminium and glass, however, are infinitely recyclable.
Want to learn more? Read our blog: Recycling your packaging: the essential information
Reusability
While switching from plastic packaging to a paper-based alternative is a quick way to increase your operation’s sustainability, selecting multi-use options can also be a cost-effective, eco-friendly packing choice.
By swapping conventional options for returnable, resealable alternatives, your business can reduce its spend on ancillary items like tape and sealers while drastically reducing packing times – increasing productivity and optimising workflows for packers.
Better still, in switching from most common packaging goods to like-for-like green solutions, your reliance on products with a high plastic content can be cut significantly.
Avoiding overpacking
For e-commerce operations and high-volume pack stations dealing with books and paper products, book wraps are a versatile option. These lightweight, protective shells feature multi-height creases and ample cover for mixed goods - with sizes to ensure compliance with Royal Mail small parcel guidelines. Plus, they allow for void fill-free packing, to keep weights low and reduce shipping costs
If documents and lightweight products are a major part of your business, finding a suitable mailing bag that provides adequate protection without excess bulkiness is a priority. Fortunately, then, Enviromail™ paper-fluted envelopes’ unique design facilitates low-cost shipping and optimum protection for delicate goods - all without plastic. Made entirely from recycled paper, the envelope’s distinctive fluting pattern shields products from knocks and abrasions and makes waste management quick and easy, since the mailer is fully recyclable.
Discover more of our sustainable packaging alternatives today:
- Cut out polystyrene packing peanuts for recycled and recyclable bio-fill
- Integrate paper air pillows into your packing setup, as opposed to their plastic counterparts
- Turn off the electronic dispenser and pick up a 100% plastic-free box-fill - cutting energy costs, increasing packing flexibility and lessening your plastic use
- Swap all-plastic stretch film and tape for alternatives containing at least 30% recycled content - such as Sigmawrap™, Vortex™ and PETraTape™
From fully recyclable packaging, to bespoke solutions for FMCG businesses, we can offer the manufacturing, storage and delivery facilities to ensure your packaging needs are met. Email us at sales@allpack.uk.com, send us a message, or phone 01543 396700 today to discover how we can integrate process-efficient solutions into your business.