“Green” is the buzzword of the 21st century. Many individuals and companies have jumped on the bandwagon of being environmentally responsible. If you want your company and product to be perceived as one that cares for our planet, you need to consider how you can make your product’s packaging eco-friendly. Here are a few ideas to ponder.
Packaging Size
Reducing the size of your packaging as much as possible is one way to not only cut costs, but reduce the amount of waste generated. If you use poly bags for your product, fill them up, or choose a bag size that fits the product. A half-full bag is a waste. Do the same with boxes—choose a packaging box that fits the product.
Packaging Material
Many packaging containers made from recycled materials are now available, and they are able to be recycled again. Cardboard and paperboard boxes, paper bags, and many packing materials such as packing peanuts are biodegradable.
Repurposing the Packaging
If your product requires some other type of packaging, consider making it the type that can be repurposed. If the container is reusable, it won’t be as likely to end up in a landfill somewhere. Metal containers are great for repurposing. Some cardboard packaging can also be reused, especially if it comes in a pretty color and design.
There are so many ways to reuse and repurpose packaging, if folks just think about it a little before automatically throwing away the empty container. A medium-small box can be used to hold outgoing mail, bills to be paid, or as a catch-all for paper clips, thumbtacks, small nails and screws, and other miscellany. A cylindrical box will hold pens and pencils. A long, flat box can sit on the nightstand to hold the contents of pants’ pockets overnight. Even the common plastic bags can be reused over and over. They are just the right size to line a small wastebasket, or to carry extra shoes to the gym. Use them to pack extra shoes in to put in a suitcase, thus keeping the packed clothes clean. When you have your packaging printed, have a little space where you list ideas for reusing the packaging, whether it is a box, bag, metal, or wooden container.
Rethink Your Packaging
If you have a product that you have traditionally packaged in non-recyclable packaging, such as the blister packs curling irons, some medicinal pills, lip balm, and many other things come in, consider changing the packaging to a recyclable package. Giving some creative thought to your current package material and design may inspire you to make some changes that will not only save you money, but also reduce the waste that goes into our landfills. When you do make these changes, be sure to print on the packaging that it is biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable, so that people will know that your company cares about our earth. It may just boost your sales, too.
