There are several materials you could use to introduce eco-friendly packaging into your business. Courier drivers can deliver parcels wrapped in environmentally friendly ways in order to reduce waste.
DeliveryApp has helped create this guide on eco-friendly packaging alternatives that your shipping company may opt for.
Read about each one and think about which ones are best for you
Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging refers to parcels wrapped in materials that can decompose without leaving toxic residue.
Such materials are typically made from plant-based sources, such as bamboo, corn, and sugar cane. Materials must break down within 180 days at home and within 90 days in commercial places, in order to be considered compostable.
Recycled Packaging
Eco-friendly packaging materials come from recycled sources, as well.
They help plastics already in circulation to be used in the future, too. By using recycled materials, people limit the collections of raw materials, which helps reduce landfill waste, decrease pollution levels, and conserve natural sources.
Corrugated Packaging
Corrugated packaging is a highly popular choice within this industry.
Many online sellers use it to wrap the goods and items they need to deliver to customers.
The term refers to box fibers made from old corrugated containers and trees. Corrugated packaging can be used up to 10 times and it’s also the most likely type of material to be recovered from the recycling process.
Cellulose Packaging
Cellulose packaging is made from natural sources like wood, cotton, and hemp. It’s both biodegradable and compostable. Therefore, this material is a sustainable alternative to plastic.
Food companies typically choose to use this type of packaging because it has moisture-resistant properties.
Kraft Paper Packaging
Kraft paper is made from wood pulp and unlike regular paper, it can use any type of wood for its manufacture. This includes resinous pine, which isn’t the standard choice when creating regular paper.
Most of the chemicals going into the creation of kraft paper can be reused, making the manufacturing process sustainable.
Green Cell Foam Packaging
Green Cell Foam is another great eco-friendly packaging choice. It’s made from corn and it can be disposed of by being dissolved in water and by being composted at home and industrial facilities.
Its foam-like properties make it ideal for those companies which want to deliver their products in cushioning materials.
Cornstarch Packaging
Cornstarch packaging covers materials made of cornstarch. It comes from renewable sources and it doesn’t contain harmful toxins. Therefore, it’s biodegradable and a wonderful sustainable alternative. It can be used in place of styrofoam and bubble wrap.
Mushroom Packaging
Mushroom packaging is another popular styrofoam replacement. It’s made from mycelium, which is a type of fungus found in mushrooms. It makes a sturdy packaging material that’s able to hold various products, keeping them in place.
Glassine Packaging
Glassine is a smooth and glossy type of paper made from wood pulp. It’s a great option to consider whenever you want transparent packaging. This material is both recyclable and biodegradable. It’s also acid-free and pH neutral.