Sustainable Packaging Examples

 Sustainable packaging has become a cornerstone of modern business practices, extending far beyond just the products or the cultivated brand image. It represents a comprehensive approach that integrates into every aspect of a company’s operations, with packaging playing a central role in promoting environmental responsibility.

Your custom packaging not only makes a great first impression on your customers but also plays a key role in getting your brand added to their frequently bought list. But imagine if your brand went above and beyond by meeting the growing needs of your customer base. More and more consumers are asking their favorite brands to switch to sustainable packaging. A study by Trivium Packaging found that 74% of customers would be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.

Adopting eco-friendly packaging doesn't just help protect the planet—it also helps eliminate unnecessary packaging elements, which can save you money in the long run. While switching to sustainable packaging might feel overwhelming, you don’t need to overhaul your entire packaging strategy all at once. Here are 5 simple ways to begin transitioning to more sustainable packaging practices.

Plant-based packaging solutions

This is likely the most straightforward way to start incorporating eco-friendly practices into your brand. Plant-based packaging includes options like using paper boxes instead of plastic, choosing soy-based inks over petroleum-based ones, and opting for post-consumer content rather than virgin materials. Not only does this reduce your environmental footprint, but it also appeals to customers who are becoming more aware of sustainable practices and appreciate brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials.

Using cardboard is a great first step toward encouraging recycling and reusing materials. If plastic is necessary, consider opting for bioplastics or biodegradable plastics instead. While bioplastics may be more expensive right now, the cost is expected to decrease as more companies push for this sustainable material in their packaging. As demand grows, production is likely to scale up, making these materials more affordable and accessible in the future. By making these choices, you're not only helping the environment but also staying ahead of the curve in a world that increasingly values sustainability.

Skip the glues and laminations

 

Even when using paper-based packaging, many products still aren't 100% biodegradable or compostable because of the laminations used as a top layer. Lamination involves applying a clear plastic film to the packaging or print to protect it and give it a glossy finish. Unfortunately, this plastic layer is not eco-friendly. Instead, consider opting for varnish. Varnishes are clear inks applied thinly to packaging or print, offering protection and an enhanced appearance. Water-based varnishes are a great alternative, as they are biodegradable, affordable, and far more eco-conscious than traditional laminations.

Another option is to use weatherproof paper or stick to kraft paper boxes, which are naturally more eco-friendly. You can also explore biodegradable laminated print, but keep in mind that it tends to be more expensive than regular lamination, potentially increasing the cost of your packaging. However, the added expense could be worthwhile in the long run as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable practices.

Make your packaging versatile

If you’ve already switched to plant-based packaging and eliminated laminations, you can take your sustainability efforts a step further by making your packaging reusable. This ensures that your customers don’t simply dispose of the packaging once they’ve opened it and used the product.

A great example of this is H&M’s sustainable packaging concept. They designed packaging in the shape of hangers, eliminating the need for plastic hangers and encouraging customers to repurpose the materials for hanging clothes. This innovative approach not only supported their sustainable collection but also increased the likelihood of customers repurchasing in the future, creating a deeper connection with consumers on an eco-conscious level.

 

If you simply have to use boxes, Six Realms has created a foldable box design that allows consumers to store the box when it’s not in use. The rigid box is sturdy enough to hold and ship the products while also being durable enough to resist dents and scratches during storage. This clever design not only makes the packaging functional but also reusable, encouraging customers to keep the box for future use instead of discarding it.

 

Efficient transportation to reduce carbon emissions

Aside from the packaging itself, shipping can also be made more eco-friendly. While airfreight is often the preferred option due to its speed, it is also a major contributor to carbon emissions. Research by the International Transport Forum (ITF) has estimated that CO2 emissions from freight transport could grow by 290% by 2050. To mitigate this, consider alternatives like sea freight or rail transport, which generally have a lower environmental impact. Additionally, consolidating shipments to reduce the number of trips and utilizing more fuel-efficient vehicles can further reduce the carbon footprint of your logistics.

If time is not a critical factor, consider switching to ocean freight for more eco-friendly shipping. While it takes longer, ocean freight has a much lower environmental impact compared to air freight. Be sure to check the lead time for your packaging and place orders well in advance, taking into account approval processes and any last-minute changes. Not only is ocean freight more sustainable, but it’s also significantly cheaper than air freight. For more tips on how to optimize the cost of shipping your packaging, check out our guide.

The growing trend of green shipping is encouraging the industry to innovate and enhance the shipping sector, prioritizing both environmental and social responsibility.

Include useful information for customers

Promoting sustainability to your customers is a great way to showcase your brand’s environmental responsibility and encourage best practices. If you design your packaging to be recyclable or compostable, make sure to include clear instructions for your customers on how to dispose of it properly. You can also highlight your commitment to sustainable packaging and products on your packaging itself. Additionally, consider promoting your efforts on social media or creating a “how-to” guide on your website to guide customers in making eco-friendly choices.

Bonus Step: We recommend speaking directly with your supplier to explore sustainable options. We've created two guides to help you navigate this process. Part 1 can be found here, and Part 2 is here.

Switching to sustainable packaging doesn’t require an immediate overhaul of your current packaging. Start with small steps, maximize the use of reusable and recyclable materials, and keep your customers informed along the way. This way, your brand will not only benefit but your customers will appreciate your commitment to sustainability as well!

Looking for eco-friendly packaging for your brand? Explore our sustainable practices here! All of our packaging is made with at least 50% post-consumer content and printed with soy-based inks. Check out our packaging solutions or visit our platform to start configuring your packaging today!