Even the smallest change in packaging can have an immediate effect on reducing waste as well as saving costs.
Right-Size Your Boxes
Because of the space required for the packaging of products in addition to the products themselves, oversized packaging creates additional costs for materials and for packaging materials (e.g. void fill) that will be wasted.
Choose Recycled or Certified Board
There are many types of cardboard, some are even made from recycled materials and have certifications (FSC) that guarantee the virgin pulp is sourced from responsible forestry operations. If you are looking for Cardboard Packaging, see https://capscases.co.uk/services-2/sustainable-cardboard-packaging.
Cut Out Void Fill
Often there is plenty of space in the box and therefore void fill is not required. Instead of using loads of loose fill or lots of bubble wrap, use a paper-based cushioning.
Design for Flat-Pack or Reuse
Folded up boxes are much easier to store in a warehouse than boxes of lots of different sizes, as well as being easier for customers to throw away and recycle. As long as the design of your product allows for it, consider making your cardboard packaging reusable. This means customers can return goods to you in the same boxes, or even use them to store other things in between.
Switch to Water-Based Inks
Using plastic laminates or solvent-based inks on cardboard packaging can make it difficult to recycle. However, using water-based inks or soy inks ensures that the cardboard packaging is recoverable at the end of its life.
In the end, making changes for packaging can lead to reduced waste and costs, and be more sustainable.
You can find out more about cardboard packaging and its potential for sustainability at.
