The Best Eco-Friendly Packaging Supplies on the Market

hands holding recyclable materials
 

Packaging solutions are evolving to improve the storage and transport of goods, as well as enable companies to market their products to consumers more effectively.

One of the fastest growing packaging trends is eco-friendly packaging. Sustainable packaging supplies are not only better for the environment; they are better for the bottom line of businesses, as well.

Eco-friendly packaging falls into two categories: biodegradable and reusable. Biodegradable materials work to impact the environment as little as possible after they have been discarded, whereas reusable packaging includes materials can be recycled, reused, or repurposed.

Earlier forays into eco-friendly packaging focussed mainly on reusable materials. However, many companies have now opted for biodegradable packaging as a solution to smaller scale consumer packaging to reduce the amount of packaging that ends up in a landfill.

So, to keep you informed about the latest in green packaging, here is a list of some of the best eco-friendly packaging supplies on the market.

Air Cushion


To highlight the release of their new line of Nike Air Max, Nike made use of a simple technology often used in the shipping industry to reduce damage to items on board: the air pillow.

Nike packed their new product inside the air pillow to display the features of the shoe more effectively while using as little material as possible. The plastic material is recyclable, and the lack of excess packaging means less waste.

The air pillow is also an effective solution for online shopping giants, such as eBay and Amazon, who are guilty of using excessive materials when packaging deliveries. Rather than using the “Russian Doll” box-inside-a-box method, with Styrofoam packing peanuts, cushioning the items with air pillows keeps the item stationary during transport and protects it from damage.

plastic containers prepared for recycling

Paper Bottle


The paper bottle is a game-changing innovation for disposable water storage. While many plastic bottles are 100% recyclable, unfortunately, most end up in a landfill or polluting the oceans, where they can take up to 800 years to break down.

The paper bottle is made from completely natural and sustainable sources, so there is no problem with chemicals leaking into the water, and it is fully compostable after use. The good news for companies is that the packaging is fully brandable, so there is no need to change their marketing campaigns.

Bio-Plastics


Plastic has always posed a problem for the environment, but, fortunately, there have been some amazing innovations for the manufacturing and use of plastics for packaging. As opposed to conventional plastics which are oil-based, Bio-Plastics are made from plant-based sources, which are processed to produce a starch which is turned into a polymer suitable for use as packaging.

Bio-Plastics perform the same basic functions as conventional plastic and can be used for almost all packaging purposes. But, unlike oil-based plastics which remain in a landfill for hundreds of years, Bio-Plastics are biodegradable in a matter of weeks. What’s more, the manufacturing process contributes 60% fewer greenhouse gases and up to 50% less energy from environmentally damaging sources.

EcoPolyBlend Spill Control Trays


For large scale packaging, such as for hazardous materials and shipping, the ideal solution is for it to be reusable, but this is not always possible, as new storage and packaging are needed to prevent cross-contamination.

There is a way to ship hazardous materials in an eco-friendly manner by ensuring the containers housing the chemicals are properly stored and secured to prevent leaks and spills. Spills are a huge environmental concern, as even minor spills during shipping can find their way into delicate ecosystems and disrupt the balance.

The EcoPolyBlend Spill Control tray is made from 100% recycled materials but is durable enough to prevent any unwanted chemicals spilling during transport; it also enables fast and thorough cleanup.

Bubble Wrap


Shipping companies regularly use bubble wrap and packing peanuts to cushion items; however, most of this filler ends up as unusable waste. While many businesses are using biodegradable plastic bubble wrap, there is now an alternative made entirely from 100% recycled cardboard. They source the cardboard from post-consumer waste and industrial sites to reduce the environmental impact. The result is corrugated bubble wrap composed of two layers of cardboard supported centrally by a thin “honeycombed” layer of the same material.

There is also another alternative to bubble wrap, known as GreenWrap. A honeycomb-like wrap made from renewable materials, which are fully recyclable and biodegradable, that mold around the item for better protection.

cardobard boxes stacked for recycling

Final Thoughts


Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility, from large multinational companies to individual consumers. Innovations in packaging materials and designs have led to the development of some inspired solutions for shipping and transport.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are many more eco-friendly packaging supplies available. So, the next time you need to ship something, choose eco-friendly packaging supplies and do your part to preserve the planet.

Share: