Build Customer Trust With Sustainable Packaging

Global pollution is big news right now, with sustainable packaging at the forefront of a shopping revolution. Around 80% of UK shoppers surveyed claimed that recyclable packaging would favourably influence their purchasing habits, with millennials taking the strongest stance against plastics and non-recyclable options.

Where Amazon leads, others follow

When Amazon takes notice of such trends, it’s time for smaller companies to start paying attention. And the online giant is certainly doing its bit to help the environment and adapt to consumer concerns. Within the last five years, Amazon has managed to reduce outbound packaging weight by a third, eliminating enough excess material to create over 1.5 million boxes.

So how can other business emulate Amazon’s example? Sustainable packaging doesn’t have to be expensive – in fact, it can actually help to save you money in the long term by doing away with expensive and non-biodegradable plastics. And it’s something that consumers really want to see, so it’s worth considering if you want to raise extra interest in your brand.

There are loads of sustainable packaging options readily available these days, so here are some ideas to consider:

• Smaller packages

Rather than using a big box filled with bulking materials to cushion the product, try using smaller boxes.

• Recycled packaging

Using packing materials that have already been recycled is a great use of resources. Recycled cardboard and single-use plastics makes the most of available materials without damaging the planet.

• Plant-based packaging materials

There’s more to packaging than paper, cardboard and plastic. These days you can source plant-based options made from organic materials such as mushrooms and seaweed. These types of packaging are usually compostable, and along with plant-based polymers, can be broken down on a home compost heap within just a few months. Some packaging is embedded with seeds at the point of manufacture, so it can be buried after use and generate plant life!

• Select manufacturing partners with care

Try to seek out manufacturing partnerships with businesses who are also interested in offering sustainable packaging options. Let business partners know that you have an interest in the subject and encourage them to eliminate plastics and excess packaging materials from the products you use. The more businesses that adopt this approach, the sooner the initiative will spread, encouraging even more businesses to respond in a similar manner.

And of course, you can help to save the planet by cutting back on lighting, heating and storage costs. Rather than staffing a warehouse you could consider switching to a Just In Time distribution service. Parts are delivered only when you actually need them, making for a much more cost-effective business model, as well as being good for the planet.

Sustainable packaging should play a key part in any CSR policy. A planet-conscious, environmentally minded company builds trust in your brand, resulting in happy customers and stakeholders.

Discover how GenRev can help your business with sustainable delivery solutions. Contact us to find out more.