In recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable packaging alternatives both in Australia and globally. This demand has been driven by a heightened awareness of plastic waste’s environmental impact. Every day, businesses encounter an array of packaging materials, including plastic bags, plastic films, hard plastic packaging and bubble wraps for protecting electronic devices during transportation.
Despite its practical benefits, plastic packaging is a major environmental threat, contributing to landfill waste and pollution. Organisations all over the world heavily rely on packaging materials to ensure the efficiency and convenience of supply chains and retail operations.
For businesses, addressing environmental and sustainability objectives requires packaging that is designed for easy recovery, reuse, recycling, and safe processing. Given that the Australian resale market reaching a value of over $60 billion in 2022, consumers are increasingly prioritising goods that are locally sourced and ethically produced and packaged in recyclable materials. According to Statista, nearly (96%) of Australian shoppers have participated in sustainable practices within the past three months.
Many organisations are now exploring new strategies to reduce their environmental footprint through sustainable packaging solutions. By embracing innovative solutions such as Ecomailers, Hex Wrap, and Recycled Kraft Paper, businesses can not only meet consumer expectations for eco-friendly alternatives but can also contribute to the preservation of the planet for future generations.
Ecomailers
Ecomailers, also known as compostable or biodegradable mailers, have emerged as a popular choice for eco-conscious businesses looking to minimise their environmental footprint. These mailers are made from renewable resources like cornstarch or PLA (polylactic acid), which break down naturally without leaving harmful residues effectively, and contain no plastic.
According to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), Australia generates approximately 76 million tonnes of waste each year, with packaging materials contributing significantly to this figure. By switching to Ecomailers, your organisation can significantly reduce their contribution to landfill waste and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Hex Wrap
Heapsgood Hex Wrap is an innovative packaging solution that utilises hexagonal-shaped paper cells to protect fragile items during transit while minimising material usage. Unlike traditional bubble wrap, which is made from non-biodegradable plastic materials, Hex Wrap is 100% recyclable & compostable, making it an eco-friendly alternative.
Research conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) indicates that Australians discard over 2.7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with plastic packaging materials being a major contributor. By embracing Hex Wrap in your packaging solutions, your business can play a key role in curbing plastic pollution and safeguarding Australia’s natural environment for future generations.
Recycled Kraft Paper
Recycled Kraft Paper is another eco-friendly option for packaging materials, derived from post-consumer waste. Recycled kraft paper offers a sustainable alternative to virgin paper products, as the wrapping can go straight into their recycling or compost bin. By incorporating recycled kraft paper into packaging designs, businesses can contribute to closing the recycling loop and reducing the demand for virgin pulp, helping to conserve valuable natural resources.
Compostable Eco Labels
Labels play a crucial role in branding and product identification, but their production often involves the use of virgin materials, such as plastic or paper. By opting for compostable eco labels, your business can reduce their environmental impact without compromising on quality.
According to the University of Melbourne’s Sustainable Packaging Group, incorporating recycled content into packaging materials is critical for reducing the carbon footprint and mitigating the environmental impact of production. By leveraging recycled labels, businesses can align their packaging practices with consumer preferences for sustainability and foster a more circular economy.
Biodegradable Tape
Apart from sustainable packaging, adopting eco-friendly solutions for securing packages is also essential. Biodegradable Tape crafted from biodegradable materials, ensures parcels are securely sealed while remaining environmentally responsible.
Unlike conventional tape, Biodegradable Tape accelerates the biodegradation process significantly, with up to 90% faster breakdown in landfill conditions. This means that once disposed of it can swiftly decompose into organic matter, serving as a natural fertiliser and leaving behind no harmful microplastics.
Embracing these sustainable packaging solutions into your business operations not only benefits the environment but also enhances brand reputation, fosters consumer loyalty, and drives positive societal change. Ultimately, these efforts can contribute to a more sustainable future for both your business and the planet.
