Embracing eco-friendly practices doesn’t require a pricey overhaul of your business plan. Here are 3 sustainable packaging goals any brand can implement to create real impact in 2023.

It took just a decade for ‘sustainability’ to evolve from a buzzword of the affluent, to a purchase factor for the average shopper. In fact, a recent survey indicates that in just one year, there was a 6% increase in UK consumers who select products based on their sustainability.

What’s more, buyers scrutinise the outside more than the inside when discerning whether or not a brand is eco-friendly. That’s right. When it comes to sustainability, a product’s packaging actually influences buying choices more than the product or brand itself.

This is great news for businesses. Why?

1. Virtually any brand can take visible steps towards sustainability that resonate with buyers.

2. It’s less expensive and disruptive to make sustainable adjustments to packaging compared to other facets of operations. (And in the current economy, that matters).

Keep reading to see which sustainable packaging goals your business should aim for in 2023.

Sustainable Packaging Goal #1 – Embrace The Bare Essentials

The first tasks in revamping your packaging are to eliminate any element that isn’t functional and minimise what’s left. Here’s where to start.

Lighten up

Using fewer and lighter packaging components not only simplifies design, it can also reduce your total shipment weight, cutting down on transportation costs.

Use corrugated boxes

Sometimes you need to go a step farther than sustainable. Thanks to small empty chambers between the inner and outer layer of the container, corrugated boxes are actually stronger and lighter than their typical cardboard counterparts.

Consider envelopes

Not all products require an ‘unboxing’ experience. Your business can save space and money by replacing boxes with envelopes for packaging for smaller, lighter items.

Save space

Minimising packaging space will not only save your business on shipping costs, it can also cut down on warehouse space and the increased expenditure associated with it.

Utilise packaging rationalisation

Packaging rationalisation is the process of evaluating your package sizes and determining how many different package SKUs you actually need. For example, if you have two products of similar size, it may be more cost-effective to use the same type of packaging for both rather than opting for two different sizes.

Customise for various dimensions

Keeping your packaging containers as close to product dimensions as possible ensures minimal storage while requiring less packaging void fill. However, this may come into conflict with packaging rationalisation. Finding a cost-effective ‘happy medium’ between avoiding individual packaging excess and overall packaging waste needs careful evaluation.

Reduce surplus

Market unpredictability and minimum run quantities can lead to packaging excess, over expenditure, and unnecessary waste. Thankfully, much of this can be avoided by proper record keeping, the right packaging partner, and a bit of clever resourcefulness.

Implement better inventory tracking and forecasting

A little foresight can go a long way. Performing frequent inventory checks and cross-referencing current supplies with sales during previous time periods (Black Friday, Christmas, etc.) provides businesses valuable insight for future packaging order volumes.

Repurpose excess packaging

What if you could reduce packaging waste, save money on packing supplies, and strengthen your brand’s sustainability profile all by making one small switch? Your business can do just that by shredding any unusable packaging and turning it into packing material, eliminating the need for bubble wrap, air packets, and foam sheets.

Find a flexible packaging partner

Different businesses have different needs. Finding the right company to partner with can make or break your packaging strategy. When it comes to reducing surplus and managing cost effectiveness, here are some key factors to consider.

Is their minimum run quantity low enough for your smallest orders?
Do they provide Just in Time (JIT) service in case extra packaging is urgently needed?
Can they produce multiple designs in one run?

Before undertaking any sustainable packaging goals, sit down with your current packaging partner to determine whether or not they can implement the changes you wish to make.

Sustainable Packaging Goal #2 – Make Smart Switches

The main indicator of sustainability in the eyes of consumers is the material an item is made from. Needless to say, your packaging needs to be on point. Thankfully, even a small, eco-friendly change can make the right impression on shoppers.

Ditch the plastic

What looks bad, is terrible for the environment and is the #1 purchasing deterrent to eco-aware consumers? Single-use plastic. Thankfully, its eco-alternatives will save you space and look far more attractive.

Plastic wrapping/shrink wrap → Paper sleeves, wraps & clips

Plastic wrapping is a nightmare to rip open and looks cheap. Paper sleeves tear easily, offer more design options, and instantly signal sustainability to potential customers.

Bubble wrap → Cornstarch peanuts

Face it: you still find those little, air-filled blisters irresistible. Unfortunately, bubble wrap is also irresistible to decomposition. Like, literally. Once it’s disposed of, it hangs around forever. Packing peanuts made from cornstarch protect just like bubble wrap and are 100% biodegradable. Plus, they’re fun to play with, too.

Plastic tape → Paper tape

Some sustainable switches save the planet and your business from harm. Paper tape is not only 100% recyclable and biodegradable, it can also withstand temperature extremes and indicate tampering better than traditional plastic tape.

Sustainable Packaging Goal #3 – Keep It Local

So far, we’ve covered the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ of sustainable packaging goals. Unfortunately, the ‘where’ is rarely taken into consideration when it comes to making greener packaging choices. Yet choosing a packaging supplier based on its proximity to your business can have one of the biggest impacts on the environment and your overall performance.

And it doesn’t mean working with the company down the street. It could simply be a matter of opting for a domestic packaging company versus an international one.

Smaller carbon footprint and transport costs

By choosing a packaging provider closer to home, you’ll cut down on the amount of fuel needed to transport supplies. Plus, you’ll avoid higher rates and international shipping taxes.

Reduced vulnerability to supply chain issues

Remember how one aground ship wrecked unprecedented havoc on the global market? Supply chain issues are a potential pain point for your business. Having a local packaging supplier prevents larger-scale disruptions or weather issues from majorly impacting your production. It also allows you to make last-minute additions or adjustments to your orders.

Improved brand image

Despite the rise of Amazon, people still love supporting local businesses. Consumer efforts to support local business are going strong post pandemic, with 71% of shoppers preferring to shop locally, and 33% considering local production a strong indicator of sustainability.

Better networking opportunities

Packaging suppliers tend to work with a large number of brands over a wide range of industries. Opting for a packaging partner closer to home increases your chances of forging other strategic business relationships while strengthening the local economy.

Key Factors in Reaching Sustainable Packaging Goals

Even the most well thought-out business strategy can fall short if it isn’t properly implemented. Don’t forget the basics when aiming for more sustainable packaging goals.

Be realistic

Going green to the extreme is just not feasible for most businesses in this economy. And that’s okay. Several sustainable packaging switches can actually save money in the long run. By focusing on changes that actually benefit your business, you build the momentum needed to implement larger adjustments down the road.

Embrace transparency

Consumers place a high value on corporate honesty. They’re more likely to believe in small, impactful steps towards sustainability than over-hyped pledges of future overhauls. Sharing each eco-friendly adjustment undertaken by your business makes the right impression on your customers.

Don’t go it alone

Just as you trust your packaging partner to ensure your products look their absolute best, they’re who you should turn to first when considering making sustainable adjustments.

Are they experienced in the latest eco-friendly practices? Are they willing to work with you to find the best solution for your business? Are their operations flexible enough to handle the changes you decide to implement?

You’ll need to seriously evaluate the capabilities of your current supplier before you aim to set sustainable packaging goals in 2023.

CoLab Creates Tailored Sustainable Solutions for Any Business

At CoLab, we know the foundation of sustainable packaging starts with thinking outside the box. That’s why we approach ideation, production, and delivery differently than our competitors.

Get a 360° view of your packaging capabilities

Temporary solutions don’t interest us. We consider your brand, your products, and your market before suggesting even the smallest adjustments.

Experience personalised service

Your business is our business. From the drawing board to the finished product, we meet with you every step of the way to ensure maximum cooperation and transparency.

Access the latest sustainable packaging innovations

Recycled materials. Vegan ink. Digital printing. Eco-friendly processes. We stay on top of the latest cutting-edge sustainable solutions to ensure your packaging is always ahead of the curve.

Break free from rigid packaging processes

Need multiple short runs, fast? We’ve got you covered. Our team is always ready to deliver maximum results in minimum quantities, helping you avoid unnecessary expenditure and waste.

Want to learn more about your sustainable packaging options? Let’s chat.

Reach out at hello@colabpackaging.com