Ah, packaging, the unsung hero that carefully cradles our goodies from the shelves of UK stores all the way to our front doors. But hold on a minute! Before we dive into this snugly-wrapped blog post, let’s unwrap the question on everyone’s lips - what’s the buzz around sustainable packaging?
In a world where our shopping habits have shimmied over to online spheres, packaging has puffed up its chest, becoming an unignorable part of the e-commerce experience. Not merely a vessel for our treasured purchases, it’s a key player in customers' first impression of your brand. Plus, let’s face it, who doesn’t love an unboxing moment?
But as we revel in the rustle of unwrapping, there’s a pressing matter at hand – our planet. E-commerce platforms are drumming the beat for a change, leading a revolution in how we spend our precious cargo through the postage pipeline, ensuring it's doing a world of good...literally!
A Breath of Fresh Air for the Planet
Sustainable packaging isn’t merely about slapping on a recyclable label and calling it a day. It's a multifaceted approach that dances through the entire lifecycle of packaging. From design and production through to its journey to your customer and eventually its disposal – every step is meticulously choreographed to minimise its environmental two-step.
Embarking on this green journey doesn’t just sprinkle your brand with eco-credibility; it nudges customers, casting a spotlight on mindful consumption, and who doesn’t want to be a catalyst for change?
Here are some interesting stats on sustainable packaging, in the globa; online commerce industry.
Various surveys and studies have indicated a growing consumer demand for sustainability. For instance, a 2020 survey by Capgemini found that over 79% of consumers were altering their purchase preferences based on social responsibility, inclusiveness, or environmental impact.
A Nielsen study found that 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable goods, and this number rose to 73% among millennials.
The transition to sustainable packaging can have a tangible impact on reducing waste. For example, a company might reduce its use of plastic packaging materials by several tons annually by switching to alternative, sustainable materials.
The rapid growth of e-commerce, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has heightened the focus on packaging. According to Statista, global e-commerce sales in 2021 were expected to reach 4.9 trillion USD, highlighting the significant impact of packaging strategies on a large scale.
The global market for sustainable packaging is projected to grow significantly. A report by Meticulous Research estimated that the sustainable packaging market will achieve a CAGR of 5.6% from 2020 to 2027.
Packaging can be responsible for a substantial portion of a product’s overall carbon footprint. For instance, in some consumer goods, packaging can contribute to over 15% of the product’s total carbon emissions.
To make the world greener, we guide you on how to package your offerings in an earth-happy way!
Mind the Material
Rethink your packaging materials by embracing alternatives like mushroom packaging, bioplastics, and seaweed packaging. It's not just a matter of being recyclable but also exploring options that are born from recycled materials to begin with.
Size Does Matter
Optimising package size snuggles your product safely and slims down on unnecessary material usage and transportation emissions. Imagine the possibilities with a perfectly-sized box!
Reusability Rocks
Designing packaging that can embark on numerous adventures is a win-win for you and the customer. Can your packaging be repurposed, reused, or upcycled creatively and delightfully?
Join the Loop
Engage in a circular economy by designing packaging that can be returned, refilled, and sent back out into the world. Hey, it's a model that works for milkmen!
Communicate & Educate
Use your packaging as a billboard for change, sharing the sustainable steps you're taking and how customers can join the journey, thereby building a community of eco-warriors!
Biodegradable for the Win
Where possible, leverage biodegradable packaging that can return to the earth without leaving a trace.
Supply Chain Evaluation
The strategy here is to rigorously assess and choose suppliers, prioritizing their sustainability initiatives and materials. Businesses must employ a strict vetting process focusing on the environmental impact of materials and production methods.
Local Sourcing
Prioritize acquiring packaging materials from local suppliers to diminish transportation needs. Develop partnerships with local producers and prioritize proximity in supplier selection.
This decreases carbon emissions from transportation and potentially fortifies local economies.
Utilize Bulk Shipments
Whenever possible, consolidate orders to minimize packaging and transportation needs. This reduces per-item shipping impact and can lower shipping costs.
Share This Blog
As an e-commerce business owner, you are probably connected to other business owners, both big and small. When it comes to a good cause, word-of-mouth matters. It is not precisely our 10th strategy on this list, but think of it this way: The more popular sustainable packaging grows, the lower the prices for packaging become! Win-Win for everyone.
Just like the seeds embedded in some innovative packaging, the movement towards sustainability in e-commerce is sprouting, and together, we can blossom into a future where our shopping habits nourish our planet.
With the tips and strategies tucked safely into this blog post, it’s your turn to turn over a new leaf in your e-commerce journey. And remember, SHOPLINE UK is here to hold your hand every step of the way. From our helpful guides to our friendly team, embarking on your green journey has never been easier. Let’s wrap up the norm and unbox a future of sustainable e-commerce together!
Try SHOPLINE with our free 14 day trial to explore all of our smart commerce capabilities
Try for freeTry SHOPLINE with our free 14 day trial to explore all of our smart commerce capabilities
Try for free
