Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, and as a result, they are looking for sustainable packaging and shipping solutions from the brands that they shop with online. E-commerce businesses have a significant opportunity to lessen their impact on the environment by implementing a variety of initiatives, including the utilization of carbon-neutral shipping options, environmentally friendly packaging materials, and other initiatives. In this article, eight strategies that leading eco-brands have implemented to ship their products in a more environmentally responsible manner are discussed. A List of HighlightsProvide Shipping That Is Carbon NeutralSend Items in Large QuantitiesMake Use of Eco-Friendly Materials for PackagingContainers for products should be reused. Reduce the size of the packaging. Use packaging that can be composted. Informing the CustomersWork Together With Suppliers Who Are Eco-FriendlyProvide Shipping That Is Carbon NeutralE-commerce businesses have the ability to purchase carbon credits in order to compensate for the carbon emissions that are produced during the shipping of their products. When it comes to the transportation of their garments, for instance, the ethical fashion brand TAMGA Designs monitors the emissions that are produced and purchases carbon offsets on a monthly basis. Their carbon neutral shipping practices are openly shared with other small businesses in an effort to encourage them to implement programs that are comparable to theirs.
Send Items in Large QuantitiesThe reduction of waste and emissions caused by packaging can be achieved by shipping products in bulk rather than individually
-
For example, the zero-waste brand Zero Waste Cartel prefers to ship orders in bulk in order to reduce their environmental impact and money spent on shipping
-
Because they want to encourage customers to buy in bulk, they only sell bamboo toothbrushes in packs of ten
-
Make Use of Eco-Friendly Materials for PackagingPackaging materials that are recycled and biodegradable are utilized by environmentally conscious brands such as Rothys
-
It is possible to reuse their shipping boxes for returns because they are made from more than 85 percent post-consumer recycled content
-
Compostable mailers and filler materials made from paper or cassava are examples of alternatives that do not involve the use of plastic
-
Containers for products should be reused
-
There are some brands that have implemented programs that allow their product packaging to be reused
-
For instance, Meow Meow Tweet encourages customers to return or reuse the plastic pumps and aluminum bottles that come with their sunscreen products
-
Returning empty containers helps cut down on waste and eliminates the need for new packaging
Reduce the size of the packaging. This reduces the amount of materials and space that are required for shipping by using the bare minimum of packaging that is required. Holy Lamb Organics is able to maintain the light weight of their shipping boxes by vacuum sealing the bedding and folding it in an efficient manner. Additionally, in order to avoid unnecessary packaging, they collaborate with suppliers who use cardboard tubes and kraft paper. Use packaging that can be composted. A growing number of companies that provide environmentally friendly packaging, such as Hero Packaging, are offering mailers that do not contain plastic and tape that is made from materials that can be composted, such as cornstarch. When compared to traditional poly mailers, these biodegradable alternatives generate significantly less waste product. Informing the CustomersBy communicating sustainability efforts, businesses can earn the trust and loyalty of consumers who are environmentally conscious. As an illustration, Rothys explains that they incorporate waste-reducing production methods and recycled water bottles into their operations. Customers are satisfied and awareness is spread when there is transparency regarding environmentally friendly initiatives. Collaborate with Environmentally Responsible SuppliersWhen brands are looking to lessen their impact on the environment, they frequently search for partners who share their fundamental beliefs.
Until they found a suitable partner in the United States, for instance, TAMGA Designs had a difficult time locating a fulfillment center that would use their compostable mailers. Acquiring commitments to sustainability that are shared by all parties is necessary for progress. There is a growing awareness among consumers regarding environmentally responsible business practices, which has resulted in an increase in the amount of pressure placed on brands to examine their packaging and fulfillment procedures. Although there is no solution that is perfect, there are an increasing number of options available to make the transition toward models that are more sustainable. Changes of a small magnitude can add up to make a significant collective difference, giving companies the opportunity to show concern for the environment while simultaneously satisfying the expectations of their customers.
Read related:
7 Sustainable Practices for Your eCommerce Packaging
Five approaches to make e-commerce packaging sustainable
Eight Ideas For Sustainability in E-Commerce Packaging Now