Foreword

As business owners, we are aware of the growing concern over packaging waste. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of excessive packaging, and they are more likely to choose eco-friendly companies. In this article, we will offer our practical tips on how to reduce your packaging waste.

Packaging

When it comes to shipping items and parcels, the packaging involved can often be overlooked or deemed insignificant. However, the truth is that packaging materials play a significant role in the environmental impact of our deliveries. First of all, this packaging is there to protect the integrity of products your ordered. Breaking products while shipping has of course its own cost on sustainability.
With a growing concern for the environment and sustainability, it has become more apparent that eco-friendly packaging is essential. That is why at our company, we have adopted a green policy for our packaging materials. Our approach is simple, yet effective- we only use second-hand boxes for our parcels. We do not buy any new boxes because we see it as not environmentally friendly to purchase single-use boxes. This action helps us to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or recycling capacities, and it reduces the demand put on the production of new packaging materials. We understand that packaging boxes are not the only component of the shipping process, and that is why we do not buy any packing material. Instead, we utilize whatever materials we receive as donations, what ever they are, along with the second-hand boxes. We believe that this approach can help us to eliminate the wasteful and unnecessary use of packing materials that can only pollute the environment.

Carbon footprint and stuff

The carbon cost of producing shipping boxes refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production process, including raw material sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal. Shipping boxes we use are made from materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or metal, all of which have different carbon footprints.

For paper and cardboard boxes, which are what we use, the carbon footprint is mainly determined by the forestry practices used to source the wood fibers, the energy and water consumption during the manufacturing process, and the transportation of materials and finished products. The production process generates significant amounts of CO2 emissions and other air pollutants, such as particulate matter and sulfur dioxide.

Box Reduction

Our products come in different sizes and weights, which often leads to oversized boxes. To combat this, we cut and reduce boxes to the size needed. This not only saves money on shipping costs, it reduced the weight, but it also reduces the amount of packaging material waste.

Packing Tape

Packing tape is an essential component of shipping, but it is also a significant contributor to packaging waste. Using biodegradable or recyclable tape to reduce the environmental impact  would be at best. Until now, after testing different brands, we could not find any biodegradable tape that really does the job. Instead, we chose using the tape sparingly, as excessive tape also contributes to waste.

Envelopes

Not all items require boxes; depending on which postal service we use, smaller items can be shipped in envelopes, reducing the amount of packaging waste generated. While envelopes cannot hold heavier items, they are perfect for smaller and lighter packages. When selecting envelopes, we opt for those made of recycled or biodegradable materials.

Straw

Straw is typically considered a waste product in the context of grain production. When farmers harvest their grains (such as wheat, barley, or rice), they typically separate the grain kernels from the stalks and husks. The grain is then used for food or other applications, while the leftover plant material (known as straw) is often left in the field and plowed under to decompose or used as animal bedding, mulch, or for composting.

Overall, while straw may not be the most glamorous or lucrative agricultural product, it can play an important role in promoting sustainability and reducing waste, and can still be a valuable resource in other ways: we use mostly straw to pack ceramic materials, which are highly fragile items. Using straw helps to protect the ceramics from breakage during the shipping process, and it is biodegradable. Reusing second-hand boxes and using eco-friendly materials like straw ensures that our parcels remain safe while reducing our waste, but also save money and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Here are a few examples how our clients can use straw after unpacking their products:

1. Use it as bedding for small animals: If you have pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters, you can reuse the straw as bedding material. It can make a cozy and comfortable sleeping area for your furry friends.

2. Compost it: Straw is an excellent addition to your compost pile. When added to your compost, it accelerates the decomposition process and adds nutrients to the soil.

3. Mulch your garden: Straw is a fantastic mulching material, especially for vegetable gardens. It helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds nutrients to the soil.

4. Use it further as a packing material: If you have items to ship or store, you can reuse the straw as packing material instead of purchasing new packing materials.

5. Make crafts: You can use the straw for different DIY projects like wreaths for example

6. Help lighting up your fireplace or barbeque.

In conclusion, it is essential to recognize the role of packaging materials in our deliveries, and the impact that they can have on the environment. Reducing packaging waste is a crucial part of a business's commitment to sustainability. Adopting cost-effective strategies such as reusing packing material and boxes, box reduction, can significantly reduce the amount of waste and convey a positive message to environmentally conscious customers. By taking proactive steps towards sustainability, businesses can both save money and contribute to a greener future. We are proud to do our part by reducing waste and minimizing the use of non-biodegradable materials in our parcel packaging processes. We believe that adopting green policies for packaging materials is a crucial step in protecting our environment and creating a better sustainable future. Join us on this journey to a greener and more eco-friendly world!