A Guide to Product Packaging: What is Considered Sustainable?
As sustainability becomes a key focus in business operations worldwide, many companies are making the switch to sustainable packaging. In fact, 82% of consumers say they’re willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging, and Europe has already implemented strict regulations mandating that packaging be recyclable or reusable by 2030. This shift is also gaining momentum in other regions as global environmental concerns rise. But what does this really mean for retail businesses and fulfillment centers?
This guide will walk you through the essentials of sustainable packaging, including:
- What sustainable packaging is, from sourcing to manufacturing
- Why embracing sustainable packaging is crucial for businesses today
- Real-world examples of sustainable packaging solutions that your company could implement
By understanding the value of sustainable packaging, you’ll be better equipped to make choices that not only benefit the planet but also align with growing consumer demand and regulatory requirements.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Packaging materials are used to wrap, protect, and secure products during shipping. Sustainable packaging serves the same purpose but is designed with eco-friendly materials that reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize pollution. These materials are often 100% recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable.
Unlike single-use plastic packaging, which can linger in landfills for centuries and cause long-lasting environmental harm, sustainable options like Kraft paper naturally break down.
Direct Recycling
When we talk about ‘recycling,’ we mean that the material can be directly recycled by consumers through curbside programs without requiring additional processing steps. This is an important distinction, as many so-called ‘sustainable’ products aren’t actually recyclable. Some may claim to be recyclable but ultimately end up in landfills due to a lack of accessible recycling systems.
HexcelPack offers a suite of sustainable packaging products for e-commerce business, all of which are 100% curbside recyclable and biodegradable.
Responsibly Sourced Materials
Eco-friendly packaging is made from responsibly sourced materials, which are often recycled. In some cases, materials from natural, renewable sources are used, but only if they are processed in a low-impact manner and can be recycled at the end of their life.
HexcelPack is proud to use 100% sustainable and renewable paper from Canada and Sweden. For more information, read our Paper Sustainability Statement
Eco-Friendly Production
Sustainable packaging must be produced in a way that minimizes environmental impact. This means using clean energy in manufacturing to lower carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. The production process should also avoid excessive resource consumption.
Safe for Users
Sustainable packaging must meet safety and regulatory standards while still being environmentally friendly. It should not pose health risks to those handling it—whether it's the workers in warehouses or the consumers receiving it. Unlike plastic packaging, which can leach harmful chemicals, sustainable materials like Kraft paper are generally safe for users and contribute to a safer, healthier environment. Ensuring these materials are free from harmful substances is essential for industries like e-commerce, where products are frequently handled by multiple parties.
More Efficient than Conventional Packaging
The best sustainable packaging not only reduces environmental impact but also improves efficiency. It allows businesses to use less material while maintaining the same level of protection and functionality as conventional packaging.
Unlike plastic, which often involves wasteful over-packaging, Kraft paper can be used to bulk and cushion products without relying on excess material. For many businesses, this reduces material costs and minimizes waste, benefitting both the environment and your bottom line.
Why Is Sustainable Packaging Important for Your Business?
Do More with Less
As mentioned above, sustainable materials often require less volume to accomplish the same protective goals as conventional packaging materials. This reduces overall material costs and waste, saving your business money in the long run.
Optimize Shipping Costs
Many sustainable packaging options are also lighter than traditional plastic or bulky materials. This can reduce freight costs by significantly lowering the weight of your shipments, especially for retail and e-commerce businesses.
Not to mention, many businesses use larger and thicker boxes to accommodate bulky materials, like foam and bubble wrap. Switching to sustainable wraps, void fill, and mailers allow you to reduce the size of your shipments, further reducing expenses.
Create a Positive Brand Image
Sustainable packaging is no longer just a nice-to-have; it's becoming a necessity as both consumers and governments push for more environmentally responsible practices. The growing global movement toward reducing plastic waste, particularly in regions like Europe, means that businesses adopting sustainable packaging are seen as leaders.
Using sustainable packaging demonstrates that your company is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint, not just in words but through tangible actions. This can build stronger customer loyalty, attract new consumers, and enhance your reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking brand. In industries where competition is fierce, sustainability can be a powerful differentiator, helping you stand out and build lasting relationships with customers who prioritize environmental responsibility.
Examples of Sustainable Packaging Products
At HexcelPack™, we believe that sustainable packaging shouldn't be an afterthought—it should be a given. Founded in 2014, our mission is clear: to replace the world’s single-use plastic packaging with paper-based solutions that offer unmatched protection and sustainability.
Our family of sustainable packaging products include:
- HexcelWrap™: Our industry-leading slit-paper protective wrap provides better cushioning than plastic wrap, and is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
- HexaFil™: Similar to packing peanuts or air pillows, HexaFil is a bulky slit-paper void fill that cushions your products for safe and secure shipping.
- HexcelStretch™: Our durable pallet wrapping solutions provide reliable stability for palletized loads weighing up to 4,000 lbs., ensuring secure protection during storage and transport.
- Hexcel'Ope™: Picture bubble envelopes, but eco-friendly. Hexcel’Ope slit-paper cushioned mailers deliver dependable protection for your products as they travel to customers.
These products are widely known in the packaging industry, and can be used independently or synergistically together to protect nearly everything.
Try HexcelPack for Your Business
As regulations increasingly limit plastic use in packaging, HexcelPack is here to help your business stay ahead of the curve. Our sustainable wraps, void fill, and mailers provide the protection you need while ensuring compliance with the latest environmental standards.
The best way to experience our sustainable packaging is to put it to the test. Send us a sample of your product, and we’ll return it to you wrapped and packed using HexcelPack materials. If you’re impressed with the results, our team will work with you to transition to our sustainable packaging materials for your business.
