In the whirlwind of running a small business, packaging might not seem like something all that important, but the truth is, it definitely is – the packaging you choose can say a lot about your brand, your values, and how much you care about things like your customers and the environment, so it’s actually a lot more important than you might even have realized. And when it comes to being eco-friendly, that’s becoming much more of an issue, and it’s something that customers are going to look out for. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about how to choose the right eco-friendly packaging for your small business.
Why Sustainable Packaging Is Important
It’s no secret that customers are much keener to use brands that care about the environment, and sustainable packaging not only reduces your environmental footprint, but it also helps to show your customers you really do care and you’re taking things seriously.
If you’re not sure, just think about how you feel when you get a package that’s been thoughtfully wrapped – it leaves a positive impression, doesn’t it? And for small businesses like yours, that impression can be what makes the difference.
Go Minimal
When it comes to packaging, less is definitely more, and that’s why you should focus on minimalism which is about only using what’s really necessary and avoiding the dreaded problem of too much packaging.
If you go for recyclable materials or things that can be recycled (like cardboard, for example), that’s also going to help, but reducing the amount of packaging you use has to be the first thing you try – after all, although it might be amusing when we get a massive box with something tiny in it and loads of packaging, when you think about it more, it’s actually a terrible thing for the planet (not to mention you’ve got to get rid of the waste).
One thing to try out if you’re looking for something lightweight and practical is small poly bags. These are great for protecting small things and sending them safely to your customers, and they’ll tick the boxes when it comes to sustainability too.
Reusable Packaging
Why not make your packaging do some of the work when it comes to being more environmentally friendly? What we mean is that you could think about using reusable packaging in materials like fabric, tin cans, or jars – and these things, when they’re done up nicely, can also add something special and unique to your business, so you’ll stand out while you’re protecting the planet.
And then, once your customers get hold of them, they can reuse the items themselves, so they don’t have to be thrown out (and if they look good enough, it’s like a little bonus item for your customers, which is never a bad idea).
Recyclable Options
We briefly mentioned recycling above, and it’s definitely an idea to play around with when it comes to your packaging. Cardboard boxes, paper tape, and using shredded paper to fill boxes and bags with can really help, and it saves things from heading to landfill, which is really the ultimate aim when it comes to recycling.
So stop using expensive and unsustainable things for packaging and use the stuff that’s lying around your office or warehouse – be aware of privacy, of course, and make sure everything’s shredded, and you’ve got all the packaging you need already.