Comprehensive Guide to Turn your online business into an Eco-friendly eCommerce business
Ecommerce businesses have been on the rise in the last couple of years with tremendous revenue growth from online sales as the world transitions from traditional business operations to online business.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in speeding up the growth process, and the projections for the next few years show an even greater trajectory for eCommerce businesses.
However, the rapid growth of eCommerce businesses has also increased awareness of the impact of eCommerce packaging on the environment.
Increased awareness is that customers are now beginning to patronize and demand more for eco-friendly eCommerce businesses.
Ecommerce businesses are now beginning to evolve into eco-friendly businesses, and this article provides a comprehensive guide on how to turn businesses into eco-friendly eCommerce businesses.
Moving from traditional eCommerce packaging to ecofriendly packaging
This is one of the most important steps to turn your business into an eco-friendly business.
Packaging boxes greatly affect the environment with the production process and the materials utilized in the production affecting the environment.
Below are a few packaging boxes, their similarities and differences, and which is the more suitable option;
- Using Honeycomb Kraft Paper instead of Bubble Wrap
Honeycomb kraft paper is an ecofriendly packaging material formed with hexagonal cells formation, which can wrap fragile products. Entirely made out of kraft paper, the honeycomb wrap is strong and cost-effective.
They are versatile and can be used for various uses, including artwork, glass, ceramics, and high-end packaging. The honeycomb paper also provides a high cushioning effect to protect products packaged.
Most importantly, the honeycomb paper is made from kraft paper that is biodegradable and reusable, making it eco-friendly.
Bubble wraps often in rolls are a type of packaging made up of bubble wraps. They are bag-like formations consisting of continuous tiny air-filled sacs.
They provide a cushioning effect that protects products from damage while being packaged or transported from one location to another.
They are available in roll form and folder-shaped ones. They require great energy and pressure to pop bubbles sufficient to render a mailed item unsafe.
- Similarities and differences between honeycomb kraft paper and bubble wrap
The honeycomb paper and bubble wrap provide perfect packaging and protection for the products by cushioning them against damage. They are also both cost-effective and affordable.
However, they have a major difference, the eco-friendly nature of the materials. Kraft paper is an eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable material. However, bubble wrap is recyclable. It is not biodegradable and cannot be recycled with just any kind of plastic material.
Kraft paper is, therefore, the best alternative to bubble wrap for any eCommerce business trying to become more eco-friendly.
- Using Compostable Satchels instead of Plastic Courier bags
Compostable satchels are a corn starch, biodegradable packaging option that can be used to package products. They have passed Australia’s stringent AS5810 certified home test compostable requirements and will biodegrade within 90 days in a regular home composting process.
While compostable satchels typically feel like plastics, they are lightweight and are made from corn starch, Polybutyrate, Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), and PLA.
They are waterproof, a little stretchy, tough, durable, and tear-resistant, making them a great packaging option.
Compostable satchels have a shelf life of 10 months which means if properly stored in normal conditions such as a cool, dark place, they have good longevity.
Plastic courier bags are tamper-resistant plastic bags that are typically used for packaging products to be shipped. Made of polyethylene material, plastic courier bags are also moisture and tear-resistant.
The three-layered packaging bag protects products during shipping and transportation of the product. They are also waterproof and prevent the product from an accidental spill of any liquid on the product.
- Similarities and differences between Compostable satchels and plastic courier bags
Compostable satchels and plastic courier bags both provide adequate protection for products packaged. They are both tear-resistant and waterproof and ensure the safe delivery of packed products.
Plastic courier bags, however, are not eco-friendly. They are not easily biodegradable and would require a long time; presumed to be years by experts before they degrade.
Compostable satchels, however, are eco-friendly and biodegradable. Customers can simply strip the satchel of the label after taking out the product and drop it in home composts along with other compostable items. Within 90 days, the satchel will be as good as dirt.
- Using Compostable Tape or kraft paper tape instead of plastic tape
Kraft paper tape is a high adhesion, weather-resistant, and water-resistant tape that can be used for multiple purposes. They form a strong, long-lasting bond and easily stick to all carton surfaces.
Made from plant cellulose kraft paper with gum adhesive, they are water-activated and contain fiberglass threads that offer high tensile strength and an added layer of security.
Kraft paper performs excellently in moist conditions is 100% compostable and recyclable. They are cost-effective and can be customized with a logo or message.
Plastic tapes are moisture-resistant tapes that are made from either thermoplastic polymer polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to use.
Plasticapes have a multipurpose use and are very compatible with different surfaces, possessing strong adhesive properties.
- Similarities and differences between kraft paper tape and plastic tape
Both the kraft paper tape and plastic tape are versatile and easy to use. They are both cost-effective and lightweight and can be applied quickly to surfaces.
However, while both possess adhesive properties, kraft paper tapes have higher and stronger adhesive qualities than plastic tapes.
Kraft paper tapes are ecofriendly and are compostable, while plastic tapes are not compostable or rather take years to degrade.
- Using Bio fill packing peanuts instead of Styro fill
Bio fill packing peanuts are natural, nontoxic sources made from corn starch that dissolves in water. They are a loose-fill packing material that is lightweight, tough, and do not have electrostatic charge meaning they will not stick to clothes.
However, while they are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, bio fill packing peanuts have a higher weight and a high cost of production.
Styro fill is a heat-resistant packaging material used to package fragile products such as glass, electronics, and ceramics. They envelop the product, thereby protecting against damage and temperature change.
They are lightweight and occupy minimal volume, which makes them a convenient packaging material. They can also be packaged in different sizes and shapes of boxes.
Styro fills are economical, cost-effective, and can be used for loose-fill packaging.
- Similarities and differences between bio fill packing peanuts and Sytro fill
Both bio fill packing peanuts and Styro fill are lightweight and can be used for loose-fill packaging. They are easy to fill and easy to handle.
However, bio fill packing peanuts are more eco-friendly and biodegradable. They easily dissolve in water and are easily compostable.
Ecommerce businesses are beginning to emphasize eco-friendly running. However, a lot of businesses do not know how to transition their businesses to be more eco-friendly.
A thorough read of this article should help guide businesses to turn their online business into eco-friendly eCommerce businesses.
Always helping you on your eCommerce journey,
The Awesome Pack Team
8/72-76 Fenton St, Huntingdale VIC 3166
Ph: 1300 816 800