It’s no surprise that more and more companies are transitioning to plastic-free packaging. With the rise in plastic waste from either non-recyclable plastic or plastic not being properly recycled and the shift in consumer purchasing decisions, people are finding creative ways to limit plastic use.
Finding plastic-free packaging should not be complicated. Whether you’re using reusable bags or paper-based products, protective and high-quality plastic-free packaging options are available. This article explores the types of plastic for packaging, why you should go plastic-free and why custom shipping boxes are the ideal solution for businesses.
Common types of plastics used for packaging include:
According to recent data, plastic packaging accounts for nearly 40% of plastic usage globally. Shifting to plastic-free packaging provides numerous benefits for the earth and businesses looking to impact the environment positively.
The most significant reason why you should stop using plastic packaging is to help the earth — and consequently, everyone and everything that lives on this planet. Every year, 19 to 23 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. This number is expected to double by 2040 without immediate, drastic action. Ultimately, single-use plastics harm marine wildlife and their habitats, eventually returning to us through fish consumption.
Furthermore, producing plastic also negatively impacts the environment, as creating plastic requires the use of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. These finite resources contribute to the warming of the planet. As a result, we experience repercussions such as extreme weather conditions, increased air pollution and more.
Using less or no plastic as a company helps reduce your carbon footprint and waste output, directly benefiting the planet and its residents.
A McKinsey study found that 43% of consumers consider the environmental impact of packaging when making purchasing decisions, with up to 7% saying they’re willing to pay a premium of 10% or more for sustainable packaging. Many believe changing their own actions can help mitigate climate change — and their buying habits reflect that sentiment.
Therefore, going plastic-free as a company demonstrates a shared environmental responsibility, increasing leads and driving sales. Additionally, you may find that you retain more customers and boost brand recognition.
Now that you’ve decided to take the leap, it’s time to opt for plastic-free packaging and eco-friendly shipping solutions to match your company’s new sustainability framework. Custom shipping boxes offer an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging materials. They provide numerous benefits, including the following.
Standard shipping solutions rely on many plastics for packaging, like void fill, to protect fragile products. Custom shipping boxes are engineered to your exact specifications, eliminating the space that requires bubble wrap, air pillows and other plastic fillers. This precision allows you to reduce the amount of filler you need. You can more easily customize your boxes to better accommodate the size of your product and keep it secure.
Plastic packaging solutions are often regarded as the standard for product protection. However, custom corrugated boxes deliver superior protection through intelligent design rather than layers of plastic, resulting in fewer damages, lower costs and zero plastic waste.
Advanced corrugated structures and custom inserts provide better shock absorption and stability than plastic alternatives. When you need water resistance, specialized coatings protect without plastic laminates.
Plastic packaging is often made from materials that are non-recyclable. Custom shipping boxes are made from corrugated cardboard, a highly recyclable and biodegradable material.
Choosing boxes made from responsibly sourced, recycled or post-consumer waste content further reduces environmental impact. Custom boxes allow you to select the most eco-friendly materials, ensuring your packaging aligns with your sustainability goals.
Custom shipping boxes provide an opportunity to attract and retain environmentally conscious consumers who value sustainable practices. Incorporating eco-friendly packaging into your shipping process demonstrates your dedication to reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.
Additionally, you can design your custom shipping boxes to create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers. With high-quality printing options and sturdy construction, these boxes leave a lasting impression on your customers.
Packaging made of plastic rarely fits your products perfectly, requiring you to use fillers or multiple packaging solutions. Custom shipping boxes that perfectly fit your products can optimize your shipping process and reduce costs. Properly sized boxes minimize the need for excess packaging materials, lowering your overall packaging expenses.
A tailored fit allows for more efficient stacking and storage, reducing the space required for inventory and potentially lowering shipping costs by maximizing the number of packages per shipment.
Transitioning from plastic for packaging to sustainable solutions may seem daunting, but custom shipping boxes offer a sustainable and practical solution.
Custom shipping boxes allow you to reduce waste, enhance your brand image and improve the customer experience. Bolt Boxes can help you create the perfect box size for your products. With over 60 years of expertise in custom corrugated solutions and industry-leading print capabilities, we are committed to helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.
We offer three different styles and print customization so you can dazzle your customers with a visually stunning box while displaying your desire to be more conscientious of the environment.
Take the first step toward a greener future. Contact us today and discover how custom shipping boxes can revolutionize your packaging approach.
