# 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.