Environmentally friendly packaging of shipments is an important trend. Here are 5 tips on how to really pack your shipments environmentally.
TIP 1: Collect used boxes
Chances are, your customers don’t care about the look of the box at all but instead prefer eco-friendly delivery. Then prove to them that you’re serious about sustainability and breathe new life into used boxes. If your packaging process can handle different types of boxes and you are not tied to exact dimensions, it’s not too complicated to implement. Another requirement is that you have enough space in your warehouse for already disassembled boxes, as used boxes usually take up more space than brand-new and folded unused boxes.
How to do it?
- Find out if there is a surplus of boxes in your area
- Through social networks, ask your neighborhood to bring you used boxes
- Categorize the collected used boxes according to their size
- When packing, place the order in a size category and choose the box accordingly
- Secure the box with tape with your logo to make your order recognizable
Benefits
- Breathe more life into your boxes
- Save money on packaging purchases
- You can get a wide range of box sizes
- Customers will appreciate your efforts
- You will establish cooperation with local entities
Disadvantages
- The packaging process can become longer
- More complex storage of used boxes
- Collecting boxes and sorting them takes time
TIP 2: Adjust the size of the box
When I have to ship items in a box that is unnecessarily large, I have to put more filler inside. Plus, the bigger the box, the fewer boxes will fit in the shipping van. That’s really not eco. Therefore, downsizing is suggested unless you have a more suitable box size for the goods you are shipping and don’t anticipate your boxes being reused.
Benefits
- You create much less waste
- You save money on filling material
- Increase the protection of goods
- Simplify waste handling for the customer
Disadvantages
- The process cannot be easily automated
- Packaging can take more time
TIP 3: Adhesive tape material
Duct tape can quite often determine whether your shipment is environmentally friendly or not. Therefore, if you use duct tape to seal your packages, then read this tip really carefully. We’ll help you get your bearings.
How to do it?
- I identify what the material of the shipping package is (paper, plastic, bioplastic…)
- I use the same tape material as the shipping container
- I only put one layer of tape over the packaging
- The customer does not have to worry about whether the tape is recyclable or not
Advantages
- Your entire package is made of one material
- Increase the recyclability of your packaging
- Simplify waste handling for the customer
- Your packaging looks more attractive
Disadvantages
- With multiple types of packaging, you need to have multiple types of tapes
- Need to correctly identify the packaging material
TIP 4: Don’t put the box in the box
If you are already sending the customer the goods in the original product box, which is sufficient to protect the goods, there is no need to pack that product box in another shipping box. It all depends on whether the original product box is sufficient to protect the goods in transit. If you are not sure, there is no point in taking the risk. Broken goods are worse than an extra box.
How does it work?
- I’ll consider how susceptible the goods being shipped are to breakage.
- I assess whether the product box protects the goods
- If necessary, I’ll add an eco-friendly filler to the box.
- I will seal the box against opening
- I attach an address label and ship the goods
Benefits
- You create much less waste
- Save boxes that you can use later
- It’s cheaper and maybe even faster for you
- Customers enjoy it and perceive it positively
- You simplify handling for customers
Disadvantages
- The process cannot be easily automated
- Boxes can be banded differently
TIP 5: Introduce reusable packaging
When you regularly send something between branches, it’s a good idea to think about reusable packaging. Such packaging is usually more robust and therefore more expensive. Still, after the second or third time (depending on the nature of the packaging) it is already worthwhile, both economically and environmentally. However, it is crucial to have a space where you can store reusable packaging. So go for it.
How does it work?
- You wrap your shipment in reusable packaging
- You send the entire shipment
- The recipient receives reusable packaging with the contents
- They take out the contents and keep the packaging
- The reusable packaging is ready to be sent again
Benefits
- You create much less waste
- Save money on disposable packaging
- You have a great story to tell your customers
Disadvantages
- Packaging gets dirty over time
- Need to store used packaging
- Workers need to know how to use the packaging
