Top 5 Ecological Packaging Materials

Hey there, eco-warriors and green-minded businesses!

In a world where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, it’s crucial to make eco-friendly choices, especially regarding packaging.

Whether you're shipping products or wrapping gifts, using ecological packaging materials is a small step that makes a big difference. In this article, we'll show you 5 of the best (in our opinion) ecological packaging materials. However, we have to start with why the usage of ecological packaging must increase.

The world is drowning in plastics

The "Plastic Pollution" article on Our World in Data provides an in-depth analysis of the rise in plastic production and its environmental impact. Since 1950, plastic production has skyrocketed from 2 million tonnes to over 450 million tonnes annually.

This exponential growth has led to significant pollution, with an estimated 11 million tonnes entering oceans each year, primarily from countries with poor waste management systems.

Only 9% of plastic is recycled, while 79% accumulates in landfills or the natural environment.

Middle and low-income countries contribute most to ocean plastic pollution due to inadequate waste disposal infrastructure. Improving general waste management in countries is a must.

Nevertheless, individuals can also contribute to reducing plastic pollution by using ecological plastic alternatives, from paper bags and PLA cups to biodegradable ecological packaging materials.

https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2022-02-23/Only-nine-percent-of-plastic-is-recycled-worldwide-OECD-says-17RLseNtDjy/index.html

Hannah Ritchie, Veronika Samborska and Max Roser (2023) - “Plastic Pollution” Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: 'https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution' [Online Resource]

Now.. since we have the bad stuff out of our way, let's talk about something positive!

That is... ecological packaging!

You know now the importance of reducing plastic pollution, with our 5 best picks for ecological packaging materials you'll be sure that the product you are using is eco-friendly, biodegradable and serves the protection of our planet.

Top 5 Ecological packaging materials

1. Honeycomb Paper

Who is it for?

Honeycomb paper is an ecological alternative to bubble wrap. While honeycomb structure paper products date back to 1901, HoneyPack is a relatively innovative product, just gaining momentum and popularity. If you wrap anything delicate, premium, hand-made or just a regular product with bubble wrap, you better check out the honeycomb paper!

Why It Rocks:

HoneyPack is made from 100% kraft paper, so it’s fully recyclable and biodegradable. When you stretch it, it forms a 3D honeycomb structure that provides top-notch cushioning and protection.

Benefits:

• Eco-Friendly: Say goodbye to plastic and hello to sustainability.

• Efficient: A roll of 250m stretches to about 450m, saving storage space and reducing costs.

• Space-saving: A 450m roll of HoneyPack paper is just 21cm in diameter. Compared to the average diameter of 63cm in a 100m bubble wrap roll, honeycomb paper is hugely superior.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a natural and premium feel to your packaging.

Learn more about the HoneyPack paper in our last article: HoneyPack the KING of bubble wrap alternatives!

2. Corrugated Cardboard

Who is it for?

Corrugated cardboard is a robust ecological bubble wrap alternative.

It is less flexible than honeycomb paper, but it can protect heavier products better. If you want to wrap your products or fill an empty space in your package, it is a great choice for those heavier, less delicate objects.

Why It Rocks:

Corrugated cardboard is a staple in the packaging world. It’s sturdy, versatile, and 100% recyclable. It’s perfect for everything from shipping boxes to custom inserts.

Benefits:

• Strong and Durable: Provides excellent protection for all kinds of products.

• Recyclable: Easy to recycle and often made from recycled materials.

• Customizable: Can be tailored to fit any shape or size, reducing waste.

3. Air-inflated PLA Pillows

Who is it for?

Air-inflated PLA pillows are great for smaller businesses since you can make them on your own with the help of the designed machine. It is used as a package filler, it takes a lot of empty space in the box, compared to the material used.

Why It Rocks:

Air-inflated pillows made from PLA (polylactic acid) are a cutting-edge, eco-friendly packaging solution. PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, making it biodegradable and compostable.

Benefits:

• Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally in industrial composting facilities, reducing landfill waste.

• Renewable: Made from renewable plant resources, not petroleum-based plastics.

• Lightweight and Space-Saving: Inflates on demand, taking up minimal storage space and reducing shipping costs.

• Protective: Provides excellent cushioning to keep products safe during transit.

4. Biodegradable Cornstarch Loose Fill

Who is it for?

Cornstarch loose fill is a great package filler for delicate, light products such as glasses, ceramics, frames etc.. You don't need any additional equipment, just toss it into the box and you're good to go!

Why It Rocks:

Traditional styrofoam loose fill is out; biodegradable cornstarch fillers are in. These are made from a natural, renewable and non-toxic source, cornstarch.

Benefits:

• Eco-Friendly: Dissolves in water and is completely non-toxic.

• Protective: Provides great cushioning for fragile items.

• Lightweight: Keeps shipping costs low.

5. Recycled Paper and Cardboard

Who is it for?

Recycled paper and cardboard are the most basic and versatile packaging materials you can use to contribute to the eco-friendly approach. For small local businesses and huge corporations. With recycled paper, you can fill out your packages and wrap products. While recycled cardboard is great for outer packaging.

Why It Rocks:

Using recycled paper and cardboard is a simple yet effective way to go green. These materials are readily available and highly versatile.

Benefits:

• Recycled Content: Helps reduce the demand for virgin materials.

• Versatile: Can be used for boxes, wrapping, and padding.

• Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than new materials, saving you money.

Why Make the Switch?

Switching to ecological packaging materials isn’t just good for the planet - it’s good for your business too.

Here’s why:

1. Customer Appeal: More and more customers prefer brands that are committed to sustainability. Eco-friendly packaging shows you care about the environment, which can boost your brand’s image and customer loyalty.

2. Cost Savings: Many eco-friendly materials are lightweight and space-saving, which can reduce shipping and storage costs. Plus, using recyclable materials lowers your waste disposal tax in the EU.

3. Future-Proofing: As regulations around packaging waste tighten, being ahead of the curve with sustainable packaging options can save you from future headaches and compliance issues.

So there you have it

The top 5 ecological packaging materials that not only help save the planet but also offer amazing benefits for your business.

For further information feel free to check out our website: https://www.epacking.pl/en/home.

We are a proud Polish manufacturer of ecological packaging materials that'll help you in every case.

Make the switch today and join the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Your customers and the Earth will thank you!