In today’s world, people are more environmentally conscious than ever, and that means the need for engaging in sustainable practices has extended to every industry. Sustainable packaging is now one of the major environmentally-friendly practices being implemented by many businesses.
While bubble wrap has long been a go-to choice for protecting products during transit, its environmental impact cannot be ignored. Once in a landfill, bubble wrap can take an astonishingly long time to degrade, sometimes thousands of years.
However, there are several eco-friendly alternatives available that prioritise both protection and sustainability. If you want to maintain loyal customers for your business, you need to catch up with the times and begin using sustainable packaging materials to help the planet. You’ll also be satisfying an increasingly environmentally conscious population.
As your trusty packaging experts, we want to see your business succeed. So we’re here to delve into the numerous different options available to you when deciding to move away from bubble wrap.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
First up is biodegradable packaging peanuts. You may be thinking about how packaging peanuts have been around for decades. What’s so special about these ones?
Unlike traditional foam packing peanuts, biodegradable packing peanuts are made from renewable materials like cornstarch or wheat, allowing them to decompose naturally.
At the same time, these different materials do not compromise their protective qualities. They offer similar cushioning properties to bubble wrap, but are environmentally friendly and dissolve in water, leaving no harmful residue.
Recycled Paper Cushioning
Recycled paper cushioning, such as shredded paper or kraft paper, is an eco-conscious solution for protecting fragile items. Why? Well, it’s in the name! It’s already been recycled once, and as soon as your customer has opened their package, it can be recycled again by biodegrading naturally once it has outlived its usefulness.
This versatile packaging solution goes beyond just its sustainable qualities! It’s a chameleon, able to be easily customised to fit any packaging needs, making it suitable for a wide range of industries and products.
Air Pillows
Air pillows are a lightweight and reusable alternative to bubble wrap. Made from recyclable materials, these inflatable cushions provide excellent cushioning during shipping while being kinder to the environment.
And it doesn’t stop there, they can also be deflated, which saves space and reduces waste. This makes them not only sustainable, but practical.
Corrugated Cardboard Inserts
Corrugated cardboard inserts or dividers provide a sturdy and protective layer around items during transit. They are a great option for a business looking to lower its carbon footprint, due to them being crafted from recycled materials and being fully recyclable after use.
These inserts offer strong stability and protection for fragile or sensitive products, allowing your customers to receive their products in one piece without compromising the planet.
Padded Envelopes
We know that not every business is shipping out large items, and therefore needs a different packaging solution than those we’ve just listed above.
That’s why, last up, we have padded envelopes made from recycled paper or cardboard. Obviously, being recycled and recyclable, these envelopes are a sustainable choice, but they’re also the perfect solution for shipping out smaller items.
They provide cushioning and protection while reducing reliance on non-biodegradable materials, reducing your business’s carbon footprint.
By opting for these eco-friendly alternatives, your business can significantly reduce its environmental footprint without compromising on product protection. It’s time to embrace sustainable packaging practices and transition away from materials like bubble wrap that have long-term negative effects on the environment.
Making the switch to these eco-conscious options is essential for your business in 2024 and beyond. That’s why at Knight Packaging Supplies we offer a vast range of eco-friendly packaging products designed to protect your products and the environment. One such range is the sustainable honeycomb paper, honeycomb mailers, and biofill from Signet.
If you are interested in lowering your customers’ carbon footprint with any of these products, contact our team today!