The 4 Most Sustainable Packaging Materials
Now more than ever, we all need to do our bit to tackle the environmental crisis. Single use packaging is a huge contributor to the problem, filling our landfill sites and harming our wildlife, so looking into sustainable packaging materials as an alternative can make a big difference. To help you make the simple switch to a more eco-friendly type of printed bag or packaging material, we’ve pulled together a list of the top 4 most sustainable packaging materials so every business can find the perfect type for their product range.
- Paper
Being one of the more obvious sustainable packaging materials, there’s a reason that paper is a popular choice for many businesses. As well as the option to use recycled materials, the ability to recycle the packaging at the end of its lifespan means it can be given a new lease of life. For physical stores, printed paper bags are a great choice as they have an aesthetic finish and the flat front is perfect for printing on. For product packaging, paper can be used thanks to its flexibility and versatility, working across a wide range of items.
- Cotton
Although the production of cotton itself may not be as eco-friendly as some other sustainable packaging materials, the long-lasting properties of cotton make it a great choice for reusing. Customers love printed cotton bags thanks to their stylish appearance, handy shoulder strap and ability to carry heavier weights, being able to use them time after time to carry groceries or as a day to day bag. Whether you provide cotton bags as an alternative to plastic bags or offer them as a bag for life, encourage your customers to make better choices.
- Cardboard
Again, cardboard is another favourite when it comes to sustainable packaging materials as it can be easily disposed of into household recycling facilities. For customer orders, printed postal boxes not only reduce single use packaging, but they look great when branded and offer a level of protection to the contents in comparison to mailing bags. Recycled cardboard can also be used for various product packaging, maintaining a consistent form with minimal environmental impact.
- Recycled plastic
In some cases, plastic is the most appropriate packaging of choice for certain business needs. If you require a durable and waterproof material, look into more sustainable plastics which are less harmful than traditional carrier bags. Some printed plastic bags can be disposed of with compost, breaking down their properties and being used as a fertiliser to bring benefits to the environment instead of harm.
If you are unsure on the best sustainable packaging materials for your business type, the team at The Printed Bag Shop are committed to eco-friendly packaging solutions and can offer some friendly advice. With various options to suit industries of all kinds, find exactly what you have been looking for and put your own stamp on your packaging with custom printing. We are fully FSC certified to show our dedication to producing eco-friendly packaging that is compliant with regulations, helping you take a step in the right direction.