Category: News

Environmentally Friendly Packaging Explained

With the increase of eCommerce, the amount of waste packaging being produced is increasing. Many consumers are becoming much more waste conscious as the impact packaging has on the environment is becoming more and more obvious. That often brings up the question, what does environmentally friendly packaging actually mean?
There are many different areas which the production of packaging impacts on the environment. There is the way the raw material is initially sourced, the manufacturing methods that are used in producing the packaging, and how it impacts the environment in its waste form after it has been used.
Here we explain a few of the main aspects of environmentally friendly packaging and what you need to consider and look out for to be as eco-friendly as you can.

What is Environmentally Friendly Packaging?

Environmentally friendly packaging is packaging that has less of an impact on the environment. There are a few different types of environmentally friendly packaging, and each one has its own level of ‘kindness’ to the environment. It’s good to understand these different types because they help the environment in different ways.

Recyclable Packaging

Recyclable packaging is packaging made of materials that can be broken back down into its raw form to enable it to be used again. Recycling packaging means there is less waste dumped in landfill and less raw material taken from the earth. Examples of recyclable packaging are; most plastic packaging that is made from LDPE such as plastic bags, air pillows, and stretch film; and most cardboard packaging like cardboard boxes, paper voidfil, and paper wrapping materials.

Renewable Source Packaging

Renewable source packaging is packaging that has been made from renewable sources. These sources can be easily replenished so we aren’t using the earth’s resources like oil that have taken thousands of years to produce. The main renewable source packaging is paper and cardboard but also some plastics are manufactured from plant starch so come from a renewable source.

Reusable Packaging

Reusable packaging and multi-use packaging is great because it can be reused for several different things before it is thrown away. This means that instead of using multiple different bags or boxes, and throwing them away, you only use one and use it multiple times. High quality bags such as bags for life are examples of these as instead of using disposable bags the shopper uses the same bag a lot of times.

Bio-degradable Packaging

Bio-degradable packaging is packaging that breaks down into a compostable substance. This means that the packaging puts goodness back into the earth in a useful way rather than staying as useless waste for hundreds of years. Cardboard and paper are naturally bio-degradable but to make plastics bio-degrade there needs to be a special additive mixed in during manufacture which helps the micro-organisms break it down much faster than standard plastics.

Packaging Pollution

There have been many news reports and images on the impact waste packaging has on the environment. Reports on mountains of waste that takes years to degrade and plastics clogging up the oceans. On the other hand, there are considerations such as where the raw material is sourced from, the pollution from processing and manufacturing plants during manufacture, and the pollution from transport getting the packaging to your door. Although plastic is a massive polluter at the end of its life, in actual fact it is the lowest polluter during the manufacturing stage of its life. So leading to the thinking that if we responsibly recycle the plastic at the end of its life it would be more environmentally friendly than most other forms of packaging.

Is cardboard environmentally friendly?

Paper and cardboard which is often deemed one of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials actually causes a lot of unseen damage in the manufacturing stages of it’s life if not manufactured responsibly. The raw material can be cut from original forests without proper planning and completely ruin natural habitats and lay waste hundreds of acres of ground. Added to that, paper processing plants are some of the worst polluters, billowing out fumes into the atmosphere and polluting watercourses with chemicals. Be warned when using imported products as they may be manufactured using unscrupulous processing methods.

Types of Recyclable Packaging

Recyclable packaging is packaging that is easily recycled back into useful material that can be used again and again to make new products. Recyclable packaging needs to be considered carefully because not all materials, even if they are very similar, can be recycled. Let’s take plastic for instance. There are many different types of plastic that are used in packaging, we have LDPE, PET, PP, HDPE, MDPE, EPS, EPE, to name a few. However only one of these plastic types are readily recycled by most recycling plants which is LDPE. Some recycling plants will recycle other plastics such as PET and PP but it still is limited.

If you are looking to source recyclable packaging try and opt for paper or cardboard packaging (keeping in mind that plastic laminated cardboard is a no-no for recycling, this has a thin sheet of plastic glued to it which can’t be separated very easily). If you need plastic packaging look for packaging manufactured from LDPE as this is the most widely recycled plastic type.

Types of Packaging from Renewable Sources

Packaging from renewable sources are made from products like paper, cardboard, and starch-based plastics (which are made from plants such as corn). These sources can be easily and quickly regrown so we are not using resources that the earth has taken millions of years to produce. When you are buying paper or cardboard make sure your supplier has used materials which have come from FSC® certified forests. This means that the cardboard or paper you are buying has been grown responsibly in a controlled manner and not produced by decimating original forests and ruining acres of wildlife habitats.

If you are buying plastic packaging you can choose plastic manufactured from starch and plant oils which is far more environmentally friendly than using normal plastics. Be prepared to pay more for these plastics though, you can pay up to 10 times more for plant-based plastics in comparison to normal plastics, although with higher volume pricing it does become much more comparable.

Types of Reusable Packaging

Reusable packaging is generally manufactured from stronger and more durable materials that are able to be used multiple times. Shoe boxes are a great example of this, rather than a cheap cardboard box that gets thrown away, many shoe boxes get kept for years as a useful storage box. But you don’t need to go as far as that. Even just a box or bag with a resealable glue strip on it that can be used twice before being thrown away. If everyone used their packaging twice there would be half the amount of packaging used!

The secret here is, when you are buying packaging, look for a better-quality version that not only looks more impressive to your customers but enables your customers to reuse it again rather than it being so battered after just one trip that it has to go in the bin.

Types of Bio-Degradable Packaging

Bio-Degradable packaging is packaging that breaks down quickly into a compostable material so it doesn’t stick around as waste for hundreds of years before breaking down. The main culprit here is plastic as this is renown for hanging around for many years before it even thinks about breaking down. There are two types of ‘degradable’ plastic and it’s important to know the difference because one is a lot kinder to the environment than the other. The difference is the ‘Bio’ bit. A lot of plastics are ‘degradable’ but that just means it breaks up, this is generally because of UV rays which cause the plastic to become brittle and it then breaks up into smaller pieces. You can get specially formulated plastic which ‘degrades’ even out of UV rays so this is better because it breaks up even if it’s in a rubbish dump. However, you want to look out for Bio-degradable plastic as this actually breaks down to a compostable substance, you can even put this in your compost bin!

Cardboard and paper are naturally biodegradable as they are manufactured from trees, generally most packaging materials made from plants and trees are biodegradable. But be careful if they are laminated with a plastic sheet as this will not be biodegradable unless a special biodegradable plastic has been used. When buying plastic packaging, ask your supplier for Biodegradable plastic which breaks down into a compostable material, don’t settle for just ‘degradable’.

As an online retailer you want to build brand loyalty, so that once a customer has found you they return to buy from you again and again. As well keeping your customers coming back to you, wouldn’t it be great if they were to tell their friends what a great shopping experience and customer service you provide. These recommendations and referrals are an important source of new business.

 

So how do we encourage repeat online orders and referrals?

 

The skill to encouraging repeat orders and getting your customers to spread the word about your brand is to give them a fantastic buying experience with your store. With brick and mortar stores we can create an atmosphere and give them a great instore experience but when it comes to online retail you need to turn to custom branded packaging.

 

The Importance of Brand Packaging

 

Packaging that reflects your brand creates a tangible link with the online buying experience that your customer had with your store when they placed their order. Up until the point your customer receives their parcel the buying experience has been virtual. There’s the website that they placed their order on, the confirmation emails, and the delivery tracking emails, they are all virtual. But as humans we need tangible confirmation. That’s why the physical delivery of the order itself can make or break your customers’ perception of your store.

Branded packaging bridges the gap and links the virtual buying experience with the physical delivery of the order. By creating a seamless transition between the virtual and tangible experiences you will strengthen and endorse your online brand. In contrast, if the physical delivery of the product comes in plain packaging that doesn’t link at all with the online brand the experience becomes disjointed. This could even sow doubt in your customers mind about the genuineness of your online store and increase the perception of risk. By dislocating the tangible experience and the virtual online experience the two become almost two separate companies with very little brand connection. In this instance your new customer is a lot less likely to recommend or refer your brand to their friends, and worst of all they may choose another store next time.

 

Custom Printed Boxes – Wow Your Customer

 

Innovative new products for the online retail market such as Incognito® packaging are creating custom printed boxes that not only look good but really WOW your customer. Let your imagination go beyond just printing your logo, there are other opportunities like adding in your catchy strapline, or asking them to share their new purchase with their friends on social media, and plenty of space to add in your social media links and brand pattern too. Adding custom print to your boxes creates so many opportunities for engaging your customer and increasing the perception of your brand it is a very cost-effective marketing tool.

What are Incognito® eCommerce Boxes? – Incognito® printed eCommerce boxes are an innovative brand of boxes that create that special WOW feeling when your customers open their parcel. Incognito® true to its name keeps your boxes plain on the outside but when your customer opens the box they are greeted with a blaze of colour. By printing the inside of the box you can create a much more exciting and unique unboxing experience, and it will be much easier for your customer to share a photo of your products and the box on social media. With just one snap your brand, your products, and your social media and website address can be shared.

In this modern world of automation, the courier systems are mostly automated which means that print on the outside only actually gets seen by 2 or maybe 3 people on its trip to your customer. With print on the inside however, although you can’t see it until the box is opened, your customer is quite likely to share a photo of their new delivery on social media with the lid open and all the contents neatly arranged, and so reaching far more people than the courier system. In short, with print on the outside the courier men will see it but will probably be too busy to notice, but with print on the inside when a photo gets shared on social media your branding will reach your customers friends, relatives and connections.

Custom printed boxes may not be as expensive as you think. With new short run printing options being developed for printing on to stock boxes and reducing setup costs bespoke box printing is coming well within the reach of most online retail stores.

 

Custom Packaging for Online Shops

 

It’s not just boxes that can be printed, we do a whole range of custom packaging for online shops. Custom packaging like tissue paper can be coupled with printed boxes to really give your online shop brand extra punch.
Custom Tissue Paper: Great for wrapping your products individually into their own special parcels, custom printed tissue paper boosts your brand to a professional level and puts you on a par with the most established online stores.

• • Custom Printed Ribbon: Tie each bundle of products with printed ribbon to make your customer feel like they are receiving a present.
  • Custom Printed Paper Tape: Seal your boxes with custom printed paper tape for that ultimate environmentally friendly look coupled with professional branding.
  • Custom Stickers & Tags: You can use custom stickers on the outside for sealing your boxes as well as securing wrapping paper inside your boxes

 

Bespoke Packaging Boxes

 

You can do much more than just print your packaging boxes! Tufpac® bespoke packaging boxes can be specially designed to make your online deliveries extra special and unique. Designs that make up into different shapes like triangular or octagonal boxes, adding cut-out shapes and windows, and using special opening and closing techniques, can make your boxes really stand out from the crowd.

Bespoke packaging boxes can also help you solve problems like breakages and increasing the environmentally friendly aspect of your packaging. Designing your box so it can be made into something else like a model or game keeps your customers engaged with your brand for longer and gives them more reasons to share your brand on social media.

A lot has changed in the world of retail over the past 10 years. eCommerce has slashed footfall to brick and mortar retail stores and boosted online shopping to a dramatic level. But have retail marketing directors responded to this shift as well as they should have?

 

We are seeing many smaller online boutiques and start-ups grabbing more and more market share because they are delivering more than just the average. So, let’s work through why and how eCommerce packaging makes such a big impact.

 

What has Changed in the Marketing Mix?

 

In a brick and mortar route to market we see the importance in the physical touch points of the sale. The bright eye-catching store fronts. The well laid out shopping experience. The products laid out so customers can feel the product quality. The mood and feel of the in-store experience. It’s a tangible experience that draws a customer into the aura of the brand.

This can be replicated somewhat with an online shopping experience. We can use language that engages the customer. We can use colours and images that portray the brand theme. But the difference is it is all digital. There’s nothing tangible about the sale. It’s all just a picture on a screen.

So, what is the first tangible touch point of an online sale? It’s the delivery of the products themselves. It’s the moment the customer opens the parcel and touches their new items for the first time. In short, it’s the unboxing experience.

 

What is an eCommerce Unboxing Experience?

 

An eCommerce unboxing experience is the experience that you give your customer when they open their parcel and unpack their new purchase. Think about an in-store experience, you have colours and textures and smells creating a buying experience that the customer remembers. The unboxing experience needs to create that same involvement. It’s your only chance to provide that vital tangible memory that creates followers and ambassadors for your brand.

 

How to Make your Unboxing Experience Memorable

 

Let’s go over the steps to creating an unboxing experience that replaces the tangible in-store experience. There are 4 key areas that your eCommerce packaging needs to cover in order to make your unboxing experience memorable, they are:

1. 1. It needs to engage emotions.
   2. It needs to look good.
   3. It needs to feel special.
   4. It needs to smell unique.

If you just do one thing from each of these areas your online deliveries will stand out from the rest and give your customers the urge to share the experience with their friends.

 

Engaging Emotions

 

Engaging a person’s emotions can be as simple as writing them a thank you message. Just a short hand-written message can show a customer how grateful you are. Choose your words carefully and make sure you use a tone that fits in with your brand. For example, a children’s store would be bright and cheerful, a premium brand would be professional and polite, and a music store could use shortened words and slang.

 

Here’s a few ideas of where you can write your message:

• • A post card or message card that you can put in the top of your parcel.
  • Tie on tags but with a message not a price tag!
  • Use message printed labels to secure the wrapping paper.
  • **Ultimate Option** Print your message on the inside of the lid of your boxes.

 

Making your eCommerce Packaging Look Good

 

Just like a high street store your packaging needs to look good. Imagine a plain brown store front with a brown carpet, brown walls, and brown ceiling and no branding anywhere. You’d hardly get anyone stepping through the door let alone coming back time and time again. So why deliver in a plain brown cardboard box? Brighten your packaging up with printing and white finish, or an interesting design. Here’s a few ideas:

• • Print your logo in your brand colours to brighten up your parcels and make them look professional.
  • **Ultimate Tip** Use an Incognito® style eCommerce box that are printed on the inside for the best WOW factor unboxing experience.
  • Wrap your products in printed or coloured tissue paper.
  • Do away with packing tape by using boxes with a peel & seal closure and tear opening strip to make your parcels look clean and tidy.

 

Creating ‘Feels Good’ eCommerce Packaging

 

Making your packaging feel like your brand can be quite tricky without spending a little bit more. After all premium quality packaging almost always costs more, but here’s a few ideas anyway:

• • Matt kraft finishes are coming back into fashion and are often a more attractive choice over standard white. Choose a kraft finish on both sides for a premium feel to your packaging.
  • Advertise the environmentally friendly aspect of your packaging, cardboard has a high recycled content and is bio-degradable as well as recyclable so very eco-friendly!
  • **Ultimate Option** Coated and textured board makes a fabulous WOW factor for eCommerce deliveries but be prepared for this to cost a fair bit more!

 

eCommerce Packaging that Smells Good

 

This tip is one that is rarely thought about but has such a massive impact. We’ve all walked into a boutique store and noticed their distinctive smell. Take this dimension to your online customers too with a squirt of perfume onto the inside of the box or include a perfume card of your own branded perfume. Don’t leave it to the smell of cardboard, everyone’s packaging smells like that!

 

Conclusion

 

We think eCommerce packaging is behind the times. It’s a much more vital part of the marketing mix than we realise and we see more and more stores improving it to make themselves different from their competitors. Postal packaging has changed roles from a means of protecting products from bumps and bashes to becoming integrated into the marketing mix.