Why switching to recyclable packaging?

Switching to recyclable packaging is a prominent first step toward adopting a sustainable business model. As the world becomes more aware of the environmental problems caused by mass production, transportation, manufacturing, and irresponsible plastic disposal, businesses are trying to adapt and make more eco-conscious choices.  

Clients, eco-organizations, and, in some industries, the authorities demand a change in vast eco-hostile practices. But even if nobody excessively pushes your brand towards sustainability, taking this huge step to ensure the well-being of future generations is admirable and surely has many perks.

Recyclable packaging is great for the environment and for your sustainable business model. Read our article and find out the concrete benefits.

What is recyclable packaging?

Recyclable packaging is a type of eco-friendly product packaging that can be processed to reuse or repurpose the material.  

Unlike other sustainable packaging solutions, recyclable materials are not always made from natural or raw materials. They also do not decompose and break down as fast and as easily as biodegradable supplies. Yet, eco-friendly recyclable packaging is still better for the environment than one-use plastic and traditional polyethylene packaging.

Here are some examples of recyclable packaging:

• Cardboard Boxes

• Paper Boxes

• Crinkle Paper

• Kraft Paper

• Tissue Paper

• Butcher Paper

• Corn Starch Packing Peanuts

• Gummed Paper Tape

Glass and metal are also recyclable but they are quite heavy and not as eco-friendly in terms of carbon emissions from transportation.  

Also, note that Bubble Wrap and Poly Mailers are only recyclable in some countries. Check if the local recycling centers are accepting this type of low-density polyethylene material (recycling code 4). In any case, always treat recyclable plastic packaging as a last resort.  

Advantages of switching to recyclable packaging

There are many advantages of recyclable packaging such as its versatility, environmental benefit, social impact, cost-effectiveness, and positive influence on brand image. Learn more about each one of these perks in the next few paragraphs.

Good for the environment

Recyclable packaging is great for the environment and the circular economy. Once the buyer is done with unboxing or no longer needs a product’s wrapping, they can responsibly dispose of the packaging by putting it for recycling.  

This way, the packaging waste does not end up at the landfill where it could potentially contaminate the environment and fill the oceans with trash. Instead, it gets to be recycled, repurposed, and reused again. How amazing is that, right?

But pollution and waste generation are not the only environmental problems that recyclable packaging can solve. Some recyclable materials, like paper and cardboard, are very light, so the overall weight of your regular shipments would drop, as would the transportation footprint. Fewer carbon emissions mean a functional, sustainable business model.

Cost-effectiveness

There is a tremendous misconception about recyclable packaging. Many people think eco-friendly materials are too expensive and that investing in such solutions is a waste of money for businesses. It’s time to dispel this myth.  

Recyclable packaging is very cost-effective in the long term. As interest in eco-conscious packaging grows, sustainable materials are becoming increasingly affordable. Furthermore, some green packaging is really lightweight, which significantly lowers shipping costs and reduces a company’s carbon footprint caused by logistics.  sustainable materials are becoming more and more affordable. On top of that, some green packaging is really lightweight which significantly lowers shipping costs and reduces a company’s carbon footprint caused by logistics.  

Versatility

Versatility is another huge advantage of recyclable packaging. While polystyrene plastic is pretty hard to modify and work with, that is not the case with sustainable materials. Altering shapes and sizes is much easier, which means you would have a lot more options for your product packaging if you stick to eco-friendly recyclable supplies. Suppliers can easily meet all your custom packaging expectations. Spontaneous design alternations are also possible.

Improved brand reputation

Consumers are extremely interested in eco-solutions to everyday problems. Naturally, they tend to be more reserved towards brands that show no effort in saving the environment or lowering their carbon footprint. In recent days, client loyalty has shifted to eco-oriented businesses.

Choosing recyclable packaging over traditional packaging helps companies maintain a sustainable business model, which vastly improves their reputation. It makes their products more desirable and sends a message that the brand actually cares about pressing environmental issues and is willing to make a change.

Here are a few extra perks for companies that embrace this type of packaging:

• Improved customer perception of your brand and products

• High-profit potential among the environmentally-aware demographics

• Better prospects for positioning in specific eco-oriented markets

• Opportunity for vast reduction of packaging material usage

• Potential for storage space saving but optimizing packaging sizes

• Decrease in your company’s carbon footprint emissions

• Reduction of shipping and transit costs

• Convenience for disposal and recycling

• Enhanced consumer satisfaction

Social impact

Let’s not forget about the big social impact recyclable packaging has. By educating their clients on eco-friendly practices like recycling, a company can become an inspiring brand to look up to. Through the packaging, you can educate your loyal and new clients, by leading them towards a more eco-conscious lifestyle.  

Long story short, social influence is huge! People who have no idea how to recycle might be inspired to try it. Even clients who are not environmentally aware could start to change their perspective and appreciate what a company like yours does to make a positive change. As a result, not only the business but also the consumer through their purchase choices help the environment.  

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