Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging is on the rise and will continue to grow. More and more companies are using environmentally friendly packaging materials throughout the lifecycle, from functionality to marketing to post-use. Sustainable packaging also reduces the cost of package design.
Choosing a green supply chain is both a cost-saving and a social responsibility. Shippers are turning to innovative solutions that reduce packaging waste and emissions as a critical component of their sustainable initiatives.
Waste that come from packaging is becoming a critical issue and shippers should find ways to decrease these.
Here are some of the main points to help reduce packaging waste
1) Choose Recyclable or Reusable Materials
Choose packaging materials that can be recycled or reused. Reuse materials for another purpose, such as using excess cardboard to store office equipment. This reduces waste and avoids unnecessary purchases.
This also prevents packaging materials from being wasted or going to landfills once disposed of.
2) Use Sustainable Raw Materials
It would be a good idea to source sustainable raw materials for your packaging needs. It also helps to ensure that the packaging is sustainable. For instance, wood can be used to make corrugated cardboard, and the paper used to make packaging can come from sustainable forests. Other sustainable choices include cotton, new man-made fibers, and wood from sustainable farms.
3) Invest in an Industrial Paper Shredder
Buy an industrial paper shredder, which can shred almost anything of fiber, including paper and cardboard. Shredders can produce large quantities of shredded material, which can then be stuffed into packing boxes. Paper cushions do a great job in shielding the corners of cardboard boxes. Shredded paper is also a convenient and eco-friendly way to package and ship products.
4) Use Rubber Bands for Safe Packing
When transporting products in a warehouse, using stretch film to hold products together rather than packing them in large boxes saves packaging materials and energy. Stretch film is easier to place in garbage cans and recycling containers.
For longer distance shipments, packing products with stretch film is also advantageous. This allows the packages to be shipped safely, which also helps to prevent damage to the environment. For example, it keeps spoiled and unprofitable products away from landfills.
5) Use the Appropriate Bulk Filler
Do not use large packages to send small items unless absolutely necessary. Avoid using the wrong box or bulk filler. Understand what type of bulk packing is appropriate for each type of item. Using the correct type of fill will better protect the product.
6) Keep it Professional
Online retailers are shipping in too big boxes, resulting in 2 billion kilograms of extra waste each year, and customers are noticing.
Automated packaging solutions optimize all stages of order fulfillment. In just 7 seconds, these systems scan, assemble, fill, fold, and label packages to match the size of each order.
They can also create parcels for one or more orders with different dimensions. By creating customized packages, automated packaging solutions can eliminate voids and reduce corrugated material usage by up to 20%.
Not only are customers pleased with this green initiative but shippers as well since it saves them money.
7) Training Staff
Sometimes waste is generated or not properly disposed of because the staff is unaware of the waste disposal processes in place at the facility. This may be due to a lack of communication or adequate training with warehouse operators. Training of staff would go a long way in reducing packaging waste.
Do you have any other tips? Share it with us in the comments below!