Sustainable Packaging in the Supply Chain: The Rise of Biodegradable and Recycled Materials

There are many ways a business can reduce its carbon footprint. When thinking about freight or fulfilment, we usually think about the impact of the vehicles used to transport goods. However, another consideration is the packaging used to hold goods while they’re in transport.

Companies across industries are recognizing the importance of reducing their ecological footprint and embracing sustainable practices in this space. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is through the adoption of compostable, biodegradable or recycled packaging materials.

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The Hidden Costs of Traditional Packaging

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), containers and packaging account for millions of tons of solid waste. A significant portion of these are made from virgin plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. They are also made using fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, with no recycled materials at all in the production process.

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The Growing Prominence of Sustainable Packaging

As sustainability becomes an ever-increasing focus for our globe and technology improves at an exponential pace, a host of eco-friendly packaging options have become available on the market.

Compostable Mailers and Satchels: Designed to break down in composting environments, these materials leave no toxic residue. Research indicates that under appropriate conditions, compostable packaging can decompose within 90 to 180 days, returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

It’s important to consider whether this is the right choice for you as these products will break down in compost; however, they may struggle to do so in landfills where less oxygen is available for the decomposition process.

Recycled Plastic Satchels: The Ocean Conservancy reports that millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, posing severe threats to marine life and ecosystems. By opting for mailers made from recycled plastics (like those pulled from the ocean), businesses can contribute to the cleanup of our oceans while reducing the demand for virgin materials.

Bamboo Cartons: Bamboo is a highly sustainable resource due to its rapid growth rate and does not need to be re-planted after harvest. Bamboo cartons are durable, biodegradable, and have a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional paper or cardboard packaging. These attributes make bamboo an excellent choice for environmentally conscious businesses.

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A Success Story From Our Customers

Take the example of an adult lifestyle brand that partners with us. By collaborating with us, they've transitioned to using compostable mailers for small orders and bamboo cartons for larger ones. As such, they have highlighted their brand's focus on sustainability and thus resonated deeply with their environmentally conscious audience. This is a great example of a business that has made this choice as part of its ethos but also subsequently benefited from this strategy.

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Sustainable Packaging Not Only Benefits the Environment

Apart from reducing waste and being more sustainable, using compostable, recycled or bamboo packaging has a host of other benefits:

• Enhanced brand image: ?Consumer choice is shifting towards brands that prioritize sustainable practices. By embracing eco-friendly packaging, your brand image is enhanced and could be the difference between them choosing you or a competitor.
• Regulatory Compliance: Although there are no such regulations at this stage, laws around sustainability are also on an upward trend. As these regulations become stricter, businesses that get on the front foot and adopt sustainable packaging early can stay ahead of the curve.
• Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable packaging is a tangible way for businesses to contribute to global efforts to protect the environment. This commitment can foster a sense of pride and purpose within the organization.

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Looking Forward

The future of packaging lies in sustainability. Businesses that embrace compostable and recycled materials not only contribute to a healthier planet but also position themselves as leaders in their industry. As we move forward, the collective effort of adopting eco-friendly packaging can lead to significant positive changes for our environment and society.

In conclusion, the shift towards compostable and recycled packaging is more than an environmental imperative; it is a strategic move that benefits businesses and the planet. By making this transition, companies can play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.

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At Navia, we provide sustainable packaging options for our clients as part of our third-party logistics offering. To discuss using this packaging for your fulfilment needs, please click here and fill in the form.

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Author: Director of Communications & Enablement at Navia - Greg Amanatidis

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