Sustainable Packaging Trends That Are Changing The Face Of Online Retail
With the recent spotlight on all things environmental, businesses all over the globe are now shifting towards a more sustainable way of packaging. With more focus than ever on climate change and carbon footprint, consumers in 2019 are now demanding transparency, sustainability and reduced waste in packaging. If you own a business and are looking to bring your packaging to the next level of sustainability, this is the article for you. Today, we look into sustainable packaging trends that are changing the face of online retail. Read on to find out more!
01. Increase In Recyclable Materials
In 2019, there is a growing trend of online merchants maximising recycled content in packaging materials. From boxes and printed invoices all the way down to packaging tape, more and more businesses are now utilising recycled materials for their product packaging. Increases in the use of recycled cardboard, recyclable plastics and paper are on the rise, with thousands of brands now choosing to eliminate single use plastic from their packaging material. Aside from using recycled material, there is also a growing trend in packaging material that is in itself recyclable. Brands and recycling experts all over the world are now looking for solutions for material that is hard to recycle, whilst making the switch to packaging that consumers can recycle or upcycle instead of throwing down the garbage chute.
02. Upcycling is On The Rise
Have you heard of upcycling? Whilst recycling focuses on turning waste material into a new and usable product, upcycling focuses on turning waste into a material of higher quality. The goal of upcycling is to not just reduce waste but give a consumer an added benefit of turning what would otherwise be waste into a brand new item that they can use. Many online merchants are now producing packaging that can be reused in a number of different ways in daily life. Take for example many beverage or cosmetic brands that offer consumers glass bottles which can then be upcycled or used for various purposes such as lighting, vases, candle holders and many other homemade crafts that add a touch of character to any home.
Many online merchants are now producing packaging that can be reused in a number of different ways in daily life…
03. Optimised Packaging Design
Online merchants all over the nation have recently jumped on the optimised packaging bandwagon. Optimising packaging involves focusing on finding ways to reduce not just the amount of packaging needed but also extra bits such as ties or padding whilst still maintaining a necessary amount to keep products safe during shipping. With the rise in popularity of minimalist packaging, online retailers everywhere are looking towards innovative ways of reducing packaging waste. One of the most popular kinds of optimised packaging in 2019 are recyclable pouches that take up far less space than boxes and are also lighter, less bulky and more convenient for the consumer.
04. Bioplastics Are The Future
Most of us are now aware of how detrimental plastic is to the environment and marine life, and the war against plastic has never been more fueled than it is today in 2019. One of the current trends in packaging is the use of bioplastics that are made from plant derived material. In a situation where plastic is an absolute must for packaging, bioplastics offer a reduced carbon footprint option for retailers and merchants. Bioplastics are relatively new and still have a number of hurdles ahead of it – shortage of raw materials to produce as well as a lack of industrial facilities that process bioplastics. Regardless, the bioplastic sector is an exciting sustainable packaging option that is sure to gain popularity once all the kinks have been ironed out.
05. Sustainable Fillers
Most online merchants rely on a high amount of filler in a package to ensure the safe delivery of items to a customer. Broken items are something both retailers and customers want to avoid at all costs, hence the use of high amounts of fillers. A popular eco-friendly option for fillers in 2019 are air pillow cushions that block and brace a fragile product inside a box from any shock during transit. Air pillow cushions are available in a number of shapes and sizes to accommodate any style of packaging and are not just reusable but also 100% biodegradable. Packing peanuts are also getting a makeover in 2019 and are being made with natural materials that dissolve in water and can be thrown into compost piles after single use.
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With retailers and customers now shifting more of their attention to reducing carbon footprint than ever before, businesses all around the world need to pay attention to sustainability. We hope that this article has given you insight into how sustainable produce packaging trends in the online retail industry.
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One Response to “Sustainable Packaging Trends That Are Changing The Face Of Online Retail”
[…] Adopt the use of chemical-free products, but also paraben-free, cruelty-free and Australian-made. Most of these details can be spotted on the label of the product. Good, sustainable brands to use around the house include E-sup (esup.com.au), Ethique, Coles Green Choice, and many of the brands featured on the site Flora & Fauna. Also be sure the packaging your products arrive in is sustainable. […]
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