Ideas To Make Your Packaging Environmentally Friendly

Julie Starr • June 23, 2021



There has been a lot of debate in recent years about how goods and products are packaged and how this packaging is contributing to unnecessary waste and plastic in the oceans. Most forms of packaging take a lot of energy to produce as well as other chemicals, water, wood, etc to create them. The production also leads to further pollution of the atmosphere from factories that produce the packaging. 

So how can your company do its part in reducing unnecessary packaging while still ensuring your products are safe and in line with your company brand. 

Whether you’re a big company with complex logistics operations, or an independent seller creating handmade items, there is a lot you can do to make your product packaging better for the environment without compromising on security or brand promotions. 

Use distribution partners who share your ethos

If you’re using a third-party logistics provider to store and deliver your products, then you should choose a company that reflects your own company values when it comes to sustainability. 

You can’t market yourself as one thing but not see it through in other areas of your operation. Clients will soon notice and it could affect your brand. 

Many logistics providers are taking great steps to reduce their impact on the environment. Some of these include powering their premises with green energy and introducing electric or hybrid vehicles into their fleets. 

Before you choose your logistics partner, ask them what they currently do to reduce environmental impact and what their plans are for the future (as it can take time to implements these). 

Don’t use too much packaging 

Packaging is out of control these days, both in products that are delivered to our doors and available in the supermarkets. 

How many times have you received a product wrapped in plastic, inside a box, inside another box, which itself is often wrapped in plastic? 

Using well-fitting packing can avoid the need for extra filling and your products will be far less likely to be damaged in transit. 

When choosing your packaging, think carefully about what you really need and what can be reused or recycled. 

Go back to basics

Rather than trying to find new and exciting packaging products for your business, don’t discount the cardboard box. It’s durable, comes in many shapes and sizes, and can be branded to reflect your company. 

Cardboard is also widely recycled and breaks down more than most other materials in a landfill. Many people also store cardboard boxes to reuse later, extra promotion for your brand.

If you choose the cardboard box route, look for branding options that use water-based inks that won’t cause any further environmental damage.

Ensure your packaging is reusable

Recyclable packaging is good, but reusable recycled packaging is better. For example, if you sell items for children, you could decorate the box so that it can be used as a doll’s house or toy box. If you sell creative items your packaging could turn into a beautiful origami structure that can be displayed on a desk. 

Really think about what you could be doing with your packaging that gives it a life beyond simply protecting your product. 

Use packaging that grows

There’s no downside to having more plants and trees in the world. Now you can buy packaging that has seeds in it , so when you’re finished with the packaging, the customer can plant it in their garden or in a pot and enjoy it for years to come. 

This is a great idea for kids’ items too as their parents and carers can explain to them the importance of plants for the environment and they can plant them and watch them grow together. 

If this seems like a bit of a stretch for your brand then look at compostable packaging too. When put in a compost bin, the heat and humidity will help break down the packaging so that it can be used as fertilizer. 

Use fabrics as packaging

When we think of product packaging, we usually think of plastic and cardboard. But there’s also a place for other types too. Rather than using plastic bags, opt for reusable organic fabric bags. Not only will they be reused, giving you an extra promotional push, but if they are thrown away, they will degrade fairly quickly when compared to plastic which can take up to 10,000 years to biodegrade. 

If your bags are designed well enough, they might become a product of their own that people want to buy so that they can reduce their use of plastic bags. The costs of these are relatively small, just be sure that you’re ordering organic fabric and water-based prints. 

Label everything clearly

It’s all well and good using environmentally friendly packaging, or packaging that grows plants etc, but if your customer isn’t aware of this, then it may just be a waste of time. After all, it is the end customer who will have to throw away (or reuse) your materials. If they aren’t aware of how they can be recycled, they may just throw them into the wrong rubbish collection bin. 

By doing this, you’re reinforcing your green credentials to customers and making them feel better about using your products too. 

Make it a selling point

As long as your being truthful and authentic, there’s nothing wrong with wearing your green credentials on your sleeve. Tell your potential customers how much you value the environment and what you’re doing to make sure you’re not unnecessarily adding to environmental problems. 

Go digital

How many elements of your products and their packaging really need to be there? Many companies include things like receipts, packing notes, thank you cards, and money-off vouchers with their parcels. 

Rather than have these separately printed, look to make these a digital delivery. After all, the customer has probably ordered online, so you already have a way to contact them via email or SMS. Send them a copy of the invoice digitally rather than put a copy in with the product. The same goes with the thank you card. Arrange for a beautifully designed email or video to be delivered to their email after they’ve received their package. 

Doing this will reduce costs too as you won’t be paying to have items professionally printed.

Encourage returns of product packaging

Many people prefer to refill containers rather than buy a new one each time. It’s something that’s catching on supermarkets and in the toiletries and make-up sectors too. If you make perfume, toiletries, or other products in specialized bottles or containers, introduce a scheme whereby a customer can get money off their next purchase if they return the empty items. 

The benefits of this are numerous. Not only does it strengthen your green credentials, but you’ll save money on buying packaging items. Because you’re giving a discount, the customer will be more likely to make a repeat purchase from you, feeling like they’re doing their small part to help the environment. 

Final thoughts

Consumers demand more from brands in today’s economy. As many people look to reduce their own use of unnecessary products and packaging, they expect brands to do the same. Research has shown that Millenials and Gen Z are far more concerned about the social impact of their actions and brand loyalty won’t factor into their decisions, they will look elsewhere. 

Less packaging doesn’t mean boring. There are many ways to make your brand stand out with new packaging techniques, you just have to get a little creative.

By Julie Starr May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.
By Julie Starr May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.