Sustainable Packaging Guide for Shipping & Ecommerce 2022

There’s a strong chance your customers care about the environment. According to Trivium, 68% of consumers reported that they’d recently chosen a product based on its sustainability credentials.

The good news? If you show your commitment to sustainability, you’ll impress those eco-conscious customers and make them more likely to shop with your brand.

One of the best ways to go green is to invest in sustainable shipping packaging. In this guide, you’ll find the best sustainable packaging options available right now. You’ll also get our top tips on how to make your shipping more eco-friendly.

What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging is any environmentally friendly material used to wrap, store, ship, or shelve products. Eco-friendly packaging materials have a lower impact on the environment because they’re either recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable. They can be made from a range of things like cardboard or cornstarch.

Why offering sustainable packaging is critical for modern consumers

Consumers are 57% less likely to buy products in packaging they consider bad for the environment. 44% feel even stronger and say they "won't buy" products in packaging that’s environmentally unsustainable. Chris Bolman, CEO of Brightest, explains, “66% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from a socially responsible or sustainable brand, so there's obvious pricing and brand incentive.”

Sustainable packaging materials for shipping and ecommerce

The sustainable packaging market is expanding rapidly, estimated to reach $444 billion by 2028. To offer your customers the latest in eco-friendly shipping, let’s break down the variety of packaging options available.

Compostable packaging

Compostable packaging decomposes naturally when left in a suitable environment. It’s usually made from three types of materials, does not contaminate the environment, and has a shelf-life of 9 months.

Recycled packaging

Recycled packaging is material that has been recovered and reprocessed. It reduces trash in landfills and preserves resources.

Corrugated packaging

Corrugated packaging is made from sheets of corrugated fiberboard, making it durable and reusable.

Glassine packaging

Glassine is a pulp-based material, moisture-resistant, and highly sustainable.

Cellulose packaging

Cellulose packaging is biodegradable and can be recycled, but it absorbs moisture easily.

Cornstarch packaging

Cornstarch packaging is biodegradable but lacks established recycling infrastructure.

Mushroom packaging

Mushroom packaging is 100% biodegradable and compostable, but takes longer to produce than plastics.

Kraft paper

Kraft paper is durable and compostable, but not waterproof.

Green cell foam

Green cell foam is biodegradable and energy-efficient, though it cannot come into contact with water.

Biodegradable packing peanuts

Biodegradable packing peanuts can dissolve in water and are compostable, but are heavier than traditional packing peanuts.

How to choose the right kind of packaging solutions for your ecommerce business

Consider your product fragility, customer base, and shipping volume to select the best sustainable packaging options.

Gear up and go green: Tips for sustainable business, packaging, and shipping

To implement a sustainable business model, optimize logistics, reduce waste, and consider the entire lifecycle of your product.