It’s no secret that sustainability is one of the biggest trends in product packaging – and it has been for several years. But many companies are still hesitant to make their packaging more sustainable due to worries about increased costs. While it may seem like making sustainable changes will cut into your product packaging budget, that’s not necessarily the case. That’s especially true if you incorporate some of the following strategies.
Remember that Sustainable Packaging Can Boost Sales
Before getting into specific ways to reduce the cost of making your packaging eco-friendlier, remember that making the switch can potentially increase sales. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable packaging. As such, they will choose your product over a competitor’s or pay more for your product if the packaging is eco-friendly.
Consider:
- 55% of consumers in 60 countries will pay more for products and services if the company is committed to having a positive environmental and social impact.
- 52% of global consumers decide what to buy at least partly based on whether the packaging indicates the brand’s commitment to a positive environmental and social impact.
Consider Refillable Packaging
One way to think outside the box with eco-friendly packaging is to swap to packaging that can be sent back, sanitized, and reused. This is still a relatively new trend, but it is growing, especially in the cosmetics and beauty industry.
You will just need to compare the costs (and environmental impact) of shipping the packaging to your facility to be sanitized and reused.
Recognize that Plastic Isn’t Always Bad
Plastic is certainly a problem for the environment, but before swapping it out with another material, you need to ensure that the new packaging won’t be worse. That is especially true given the high rates of PET recycling.
Instead of completely stopping using plastics, try to do so more responsibly. Always opt for recycled and recyclable plastics and minimize their use.
Plan to Switch to Alternatives When Reasonable, Not Immediately
Some of the cost of switching to more sustainable packaging is testing alternative materials. As a small business, you shouldn’t worry about this yet. Let the larger brands handle the testing to determine what works and what doesn’t. Then, let them work out the kinks and lower the packaging cost.
Waiting for a little to switch your packaging to compostable packaging or packaging made from a unique material won’t make a significant difference on your environmental impact, especially if you do other things in the meantime. But it is likely to dramatically reduce the price of materials.
Consider Standard Methods of Reducing Costs
Of course, you can also look at the typical methods of reducing packaging costs. For example, look for ways to make the process more efficient. Or opt for custom boxes that fit your product perfectly instead of wasting money on excess material on the boxes plus inserts to keep products in place. You can also do simple things like choosing an environmentally responsible packaging supplier.
Conclusion
Sustainable packaging doesn’t have to come at a high cost. You can make minor swaps for now and stick to traditional strategies of reducing packaging costs. Then, when more sustainable options are more accessible and affordable, make the switch. In the meantime, focus on recycled and recyclable materials.
