Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Custom Eco Packaging

From cost savings to brand reputation and sustainability through responsibly used resources, there are many long-term benefits for businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

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While it might seem fairly inconsequential, your choice of packaging plays a huge part in your operation. Not only does it protect your product and convey your brand identity, but it can also have an impact on reaching your sustainability goals. 

In this blog, our experts at ESS explore the advantages of switching from plastic packaging to climate-conscious solutions such as cardboard, and the key questions you should ask your packaging supplier. 

The importance of environmentally friendly packaging

We understand the appeal of plastic packaging: it’s a widely available material, its versatility means it can be manufactured to various product specifications, and it’s durable, protecting your products during transportation. 

Not to mention that plastic is familiar, it’s been tried and tested, so why would you make the change from a reliable solution? 

It’s clear why some businesses struggle to make the leap from traditional packaging to new eco-friendly options, but these statistics might make you think twice. 

When it comes to global plastic production, a shocking 40% of plastic is manufactured for packaging. 

A factor that makes this statistic even more concerning is that much of the plastic produced is single-use. Once single-use plastic is discarded it often ends up in landfills.

From here, it can take anywhere between 20-500 years for plastic to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Not only does this damage ecosystems but it can also be harmful to us. 

For food products especially, packaging can have a significant effect on the environment, having a greater impact than the fuel used to ship it. In fact, packaging can contribute to 5% of the energy used in a food product’s life cycle.

Fortunately, as awareness of environmental issues such as climate change and resource depletion increases, more and more businesses are making the switch to sustainable practices, including eco-friendly packaging. 

How eco-friendly packaging can give businesses a competitive advantage 

With all the energy and research required to find an eco-friendly solution to your packaging, you’re probably wondering how much it could benefit your business and whether taking this step is worth it. In reality, there are several business benefits to reducing your carbon footprint.

An increasing number of customers are recognising the importance of their choices. To do their part for the environment, consumers are prioritising companies that are making an effort towards environmental responsibility. 

Recent studies have shown that for 50% of consumers, sustainability is one of the key factors they consider when shopping, with a willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly products. 

This shift in shopping behaviours means that any business prepared to alter their operation to adopt sustainable solutions can benefit from attracting environmentally conscious consumers, as well as improve satisfaction for their existing customers. 

In addition to this, it’s an opportunity to boost your brand image. You could even run a campaign to highlight your new sustainability goals. 

Questions to ask your eco-friendly packaging provider 

If you have decided that now is the time to transition to green solutions, the first thing you need to do is find the right packaging provider. 

We’ve put together some key questions to ask to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality, eco-friendly packaging solutions on the market. 

Where does your cardboard come from? 

While cardboard is an eco-friendly solution, you need to ensure that it has been sourced from a supplier that supports ethical practices in compliance with regulations. 

At ESS, all our corrugated cardboard is sourced following FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) guidelines and is FSC certified, which means the materials we use have been sourced from responsibly managed forests. 

What percentage of the cardboard is made from recycled materials and does this compare to industry standards? 

The industry standard for corrugated cardboard is that it is made from a minimum of 70% recycled material with approximately 90% of it sourced from post-consumer content and 10% pre-consumer content. 

All corrugated cardboard packaging products from ESS are made from a minimum of 70% ranging to 92% on certain parts, going above and beyond industry standards.

We also track our data year on year regarding recycled content percentages with the aim of constantly improving them.

What is your company policy on waste reduction during production? 

The production of your eco-friendly packaging is just as important as the percentage of the recycled materials it is made from. 

There’s no use in utilising sustainable solutions to conserve resources if your packaging provider Is generating waste during production. 

As part of our environmental policy at ESS, we regularly assess the impact of our business operations, reporting any manufacturing processes that might produce excessive waste so action can be taken to reduce it. 

Are the designs optimised for material efficiency? 

A key part of waste reduction is to optimise packaging designs, such as using lighter materials and innovative designs that help to maintain packaging integrity while using few resources. 

Additional resources:
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing wholesale gusseted bags

For more information, please visit Custom Eco Packaging.

At ESS, our customisable approach allows us to craft packaging solutions that are made to your exact product specifications, ensuring secure and protective solutions that reduce the need for excess materials.

Is the packaging easily recyclable or compostable by the end user? 

Most product packaging ends up in the homes of consumers who should be able to dispose of packaging materials through environmentally conscious methods. 

At ESS, all of our eco-friendly packaging solutions are biodegradable, bio-based and compostable, as well as chlorine-free, preventing harmful chemical contamination. 

How does your company stay compliant with UK environmental regulations? 

Environmental regulations are put into place to ensure that our practices protect the environment and human health. 

They set certain standards and guidelines for businesses to adhere to when producing eco-friendly packaging, such as materials and processes that meet certain criteria. 

ESS holds ISO accreditation, an internationally recognised standard for environmental management. We also ensure all of our materials are FSC-compliant. 

What are your long-term sustainability goals regarding cardboard packaging? 

At ESS, we continue to strive towards our sustainability goals. In the future we aim to: 

• Eradicate our use of single use plastic packaging 
• Increased the recycled content of cardboard packaging to the highest possible percentage
• Include printed recyclability instructions on all appropriate packaging for the end-user

Environmentally Friendly Cardboard Packaging Solutions from ESS 

Packaging is becoming an increasingly common and high-demand utility for businesses around the world. For an e-commerce business, the first direct touchpoint that your brand has with your customer is when they receive the package and unbox it. Studies related to the psychology of shopping show that, “packaging plays a major, if not dominant, role in purchasing decisions.”

Providing a fulfilling packaging experience to your customer still remains a relatively under-utilized marketing opportunity and if used properly, it can have a huge impact on positively affecting the sales of your product.

Investing in a good packaging supplier is the first step. This decision can have a tremendously positive effect on your sales as well as revenue. But making this selection can be a daunting task as various factors come into play here.

We have made this job easier for you by answering 5 important questions for selecting the right packaging supplier for your business.

1. Do they offer custom packaging?

Custom packaging is a leading industry trend in and it is here to stay. By incorporating custom packaging, you are enhancing your brand’s value by multifold. Through customized packaging, you can build an everlasting connection with your customers by ensuring that they have an unforgettable unboxing experience.

Custom packaging strengthens your company’s branding. When your product’s package has your company’s trademark color, design, and logo, your brand creates a stronger identity, and customers develop a great brand affinity. This can ultimately increase sales and revenue for your company.

What takes the cake in customized packaging is that it makes room for innovation and creativity that allows your brand to apply a personalized touch to your packages. These personalized touches enable your brand to establish an emotional connection with your customer and make them feel valued, when they unbox the product. That is why it is imperative that when you select a packaging company, ensure that they provide custom packaging services.

2. What quality of packaging products do they use?

The quality of the packaging is as important as the product itself. If the packaging is made of lower quality material, your product is more likely to get damaged during the shipping process.

It is necessary to make an informed choice when it comes to selecting shipping materials. Ensuring that the material is safe enough and ensures an effortless unboxing process with minimal waste is also essential.

There are three main types of packaging:

• Corrugated boxes
• Chipboard and paperboard boxes
• Polybags

To choose the best packaging for your business, it is crucial that you pin down and select the optimum packaging material that suits your particular product the best and then check if the packaging supplier you select offers that or not. Packaging can be very unique for different kinds of products that is why it is essential to know what kind works best for your product before making a decision.

3. Do they use sustainable and environmentally friendly products?

The sustainability of your packaging is just as important as what is inside the package.  According to a recent survey on sustainable products and packaging, 80% of participants said they felt it was “important or extremely important” for companies to design environmentally conscious products.

As consumers are getting conscious about their carbon footprint, they are more like to support brands that share their values. At Arka, we are cognizant of this reality and our focus is on sustainably. We ensure environmentally friendly packaging through:

• Using sustainable packaging that can be repurposed
• Shipping items in bulk
• Offering carbon-neutral shipping by offsetting emissions
• Recycling on behalf of our suppliers and offer shipping-friendly items
• Reducing the size of your packaging
• Using compostable mailers
• Working with wholesalers to reduce individual shipments and limit return shipping
• Offering a returns program for your empty product containers

4. What is their pricing like?

Pricing is very important. Especially if you are on a budget. Look for packaging companies that provide the best offers. See if they sell in large or bulk quantities. Instead of using standardized box sizes, evaluate the sizes of your products, and ensure that the company you are selecting offers boxes of different sizes. This way, you won’t have to pay for the dimensional volume rate.

Furthermore, another great trick to save money on the packaging is by using custom stickers or custom tapes that have your company’s logo or trademark design printed on them.

Check if the company which you have selected offers these services. This way, you will be able to keep your costs low while also providing your customers with a great packaging experience that they deserve.

5. How is their customer service?

Good customer service is critical across all industries but when it comes to selecting the right packaging supplier, it is vital that you go with a company that has good customer service. If there is a shipment that is lost or an order that has to be refunded, a smart and skilled customer representative will cater to your company’s packaging needs instantaneously.

It is always a great idea to do a thorough background check of the kind of customer service that the packaging supplier that you are selecting offers and then make the decision based on that.

Conclusion

Packaging has numerous benefits for your company, your customers, and even for the environment, as light packaging reduces the carbon footprint. That is why if you already haven’t selected a packaging supplier, now is a great time to start and these helpful tips will make your decision-making process easier.

For more Mailing Baginformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.