Almost every business requires packaging to operate. It always feels like you have too many boxes lying around, even if you go through them on a daily basis. Containers and packaging create a significant portion of the world’s waste, around 82.2 million tons in 2018 alone. Your business can make a real difference by reducing the amount of packaging material waste you produce. Here are a few ways to accomplish this: 

Measure Twice, Cut Once

We’ve all ordered an item online that came in a much bigger box than it needed. For a multi-billion dollar company, that’s not a big deal. However, when you’re running a small business, you need to save on costs where you can. Make sure the boxes you’re ordering are the right size for your products. This will create a better experience for your customers while reducing the amount of money you’re spending on packaging. The more exact your measurements, the better equipped you will be to find the right packaging for your products.

Use Sustainable Filler Materials

Some amount of filler may be needed to keep your products safe. While styrofoam and plastic have traditionally been used as packaging filler, sustainably sourced wood and cotton can work as well as plastic to keep your products protected. Packing peanuts, which can be made of natural materials like starch and wheat, are lighter and less expensive than styrofoam but work well. Corrugated bubble wrap is made from 100% recycled paper, making it a more sustainable alternative to plastic bubble wrap. 

Make Your Own Void Fill

If you have an industrial shredder, you can shred almost anything made of fiber. This includes paper and cardboard, which are two of the most used resources for most businesses. By shredding your boxes and using that material to fill boxes, you’re recycling these materials yourself. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on packaging materials. 

Reuse Packaging

Depending on how your company uses packaging, reusing it may not always be an option. However, if you can afford to save some packaging materials and reuse them, it can save you money and reduce the amount of waste you create. Make a conscious effort to consider ways you can reuse rather than recycle your packaging materials. This does mean treating them with care, but that extra care taken can have a positive impact on your business as a whole.

Packaging material waste is one of the easiest types to create, and it can also be an easy problem to solve. Looking for more sustainable packaging solutions for your business? Give Pollock Orora a call at 972-263-2126 or reach out online.