Blog - 5 Ways for E-Commerce Retailers to Go Green with Eco Friendly Packaging

In this post, we provide actionable tips on how your e-commerce business can embrace greener packaging practices.

With 92% of shoppers saying sustainability is important to them when choosing a brand, transitioning to more sustainable packaging solutions is an increasingly important factor to consider in the e-commerce sector.

Eco friendly packaging means materials and processes that are less harmful to the environment than traditional alternatives. This includes the following:

Biodegradable Materials

These break down naturally, turning into non-toxic substances that blend back into the earth, posing minimal environmental risk. For example, biodegradable tapes.

Compostable Options

Designed to decompose in compost settings, these materials transform into nutrient-rich soil, contributing to the circular economy. For example, compostable caddy liners.

Recycled Materials

Using pre-used materials reduces the demand for new resources, lowering the carbon footprint associated with production and disposal. For example, corrugated cardboard protective packaging.

• Environmental Benefits: Using recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials cuts down on the amount of waste and reduces your carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals.
  
  
• Customer Satisfaction: Today’s consumers are environmentally conscious. By offering green packaging, e-commerce businesses can meet these expectations and increase customer happiness.
  
  
• Brand Loyalty: When customers see a brand taking genuine steps towards sustainability, they're more likely to repurchase. One study found that the average repeat purchase rate of 25-30% for e-commerce increases to 80% for sustainable shoppers.
  
  
• Market Differentiation: In a crowded online marketplace, eco-friendly packaging can set your brand apart from competitors and show your commitment to sustainable practices.
  
  
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlining packaging with sustainable materials can often lead to reduced material usage and, as a result, lower costs.

Below, we explore five actionable strategies that you can consider as an e-commerce business. From minimising use to embracing innovation, these steps provide a comprehensive guide for businesses ready to take the next step in eco friendly packaging solutions.

This strategy is known as “right-sizing” and can considerably reduce waste and material use. By focusing on essential packaging only, e-commerce businesses can decrease their carbon footprint and align with the 80% of UK consumers who think that online deliveries use too much packaging. You can also reduce the need for excessive loose or void fill, further reducing your packaging use. 

A great example is book wraps, which fit snugly around items such as books, DVDs, tablets and mobile devices, protecting the contents without requiring excess materials.

Options like corrugated cardboard boxes sourced from FSC-certified forests or eco-friendly alternatives to adhesive tape are fantastic options for e-commerce businesses of all sizes. By taking advantage of bulk order potential, they can also be cost-effective.

At Tidmas Townsend, we understand that cost and budget can be a concern when transitioning to more environmentally friendly materials. However, with an increase in suppliers and demand, sustainable packaging options are becoming a genuinely viable, cost-effective alternative to conventional materials without compromising on quality and performance.

By using recyclable packaging, such as our range of brown postal boxes or eco friendly tapes, your customers will be able to fully recycle the packaging they receive from you, reducing their worries about disposal.

Educating your customers through information on your website, or by adding custom-printed recycling information to your packaging, can increase their perception of your brand and enhance their customer experience, ultimately strengthening customer relationships while lowering packaging waste.

This can be helpful if they want to return the product for any reason - options such as our Trojan fold-up postal boxes can easily be repackaged for returns, for example. What’s more, some businesses are pioneering returnable packaging which allows businesses to be more circular with their deliveries and get more than one use out of packaging materials.

By partnering with an eco-conscious supplier, e-commerce businesses can set themselves up for success with sustainable packaging. At Tidmas Townsend, many of our customers consult our expertise when it comes to switching to more eco friendly options for their packaging, seeking tailored solutions that deliver the same quality and performance as their existing solutions.

There are many hurdles and obstacles to be aware of when investing in more sustainable packaging. For example, some materials might claim to be biodegradable but still leave residues after degrading. By working with an experienced supplier who understands and prioritises environmentally responsible practices, businesses can avoid common pitfalls that mean their packaging is not as eco-friendly as first thought.

• Packaging Digest: This is a brilliant industry resource for understanding the environmental impacts of various materials and discovering new, eco-friendly alternatives. Stay ahead by exploring their in-depth articles and case studies.
  
  
• Packaging World: A go-to source for staying updated on the global sustainability trends affecting the packaging industry. Their news section covers the latest developments, regulatory changes and technological advancements in sustainable packaging.
  
  
• GreenBiz: A unique view of business, technology and sustainability. Their packaging section features articles that cover a wide range of topics, from innovative packaging designs to circular economy principles.

We are here to guide you every step of the way. With an extensive range of eco friendly packaging options and reliable support for our customers, we can help you enhance your brand’s reputation, satisfy your customers and make a positive impact through your packaging choices.

Browse our full range of eco friendly packaging here or get in touch for more support.