Starting and managing a small business is challenging, the work never ends and there is never enough time to implement all of your great ideas to help your business grow. One area of business that could be easily overlooked is the quality of packing and shipping supplies. Being an environmentally sustainable business means not picking the cheapest and the easiest options, but taking time to research and understand what impact the packing materials have on the environment.
If you are thinking about switching to more sustainable packaging options for your business, we hope that this article will give you a head start. We chose the best sustainable boxes, mailers, tape, and wrap to cover the most common packaging materials used in small businesses.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging options refer to environmentally-friendly packaging materials and practices that aim to minimize the negative impact on the environment. Some examples of sustainable packaging options include:
Biodegradable Packaging: Packaging materials that can naturally break down and decompose over time, reducing waste.
Recyclable Packaging: Packaging materials that can be collected, processed, and reused in the manufacturing of new products.
Compostable Packaging: Packaging materials that can be composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill waste.
Renewable Materials: Packaging made from renewable resources, such as bamboo, hemp, or plant-based plastics, that are replenished at a faster rate than they are consumed.
Minimal Packaging: Using the least amount of packaging necessary to protect the product, reducing material waste.
Reusable Packaging: Packaging that can be reused multiple times, such as refillable containers or returnable packaging systems.
Our Recommendations
We have reviewed the best sustainable packaging options to help make your business more environmentally sustainable. Here are our recommendations.
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Recyclable, FSC Certified
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Biodegradable
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Bubblewrap Alternative
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Arka offers customizable, eco-firendly and sustainable packing boxes and shipping supplies with low minimum orders and great customer service. Their products are FSC certified and made from recyclable paper and materials and non-toxic ink.
About Arka
Arka is FSC certified and focuses on end-to-end sustainable practices. FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. Arka’s products are made with a combination of FSC virgin fiber, and/or recycled materials with controlled virgin fiber. Their production facilities are ISO certified and some of their locations are 70%+ solar powered. All of their products are also made in the USA.
These mailers are 100% biodegradable, made of PBAT and modified corn starch for bubble cushioning wrap and kraft for the envelope. They are certified by BPI and OK compost, meeting standards of ASTM 6400 and EN13432. Non-toxic, BPA-free, and emit less CO2 than traditional plastic. They have a self-sealing adhesive strip for secure closure in all weather conditions. Sturdy, tear-resistant, puncture-resistant, and waterproof, ensuring package safety.
What We Love About It
- 100% biodegradable
- Made from corn
- Certified by BPI (Biodegradable Product Institute) and OK Compost Home
- Non toxic and BPA free
- Contains a self-adhesive strip
- Tear, puncture and water-resistant
- Comes in 7 color options
Honeycomb wrap is a great sustainable alternative for bubble wrap. It’s made from biodegradable paper and sustainable materials, lightweight and durable. It’s designed to be stretched to fit various size items and it adds much needed cushioning for transporting and storing fragile merchandise and products.
What We Love About It
- Made from 100% recyclable non-toxic kraft paper
- Great alternative to bubble wrap
- Provides shock absorption and cushioning
- Perfect for fragile items of any size
Our first pick is a highly adhesive paper boxing tape suitable for securing packages, reducing the risk of damage or tampering during transit. It is versatile and can be used for various purposes such as storage, shipping, masking, and crafting. The tape is easy to tear, compatible with standard tape dispensers, and can be labeled as it is uncoated and writable. It’s biodegradable, recyclable, and made from 100% FSC-certified paper.
What We Love About It
- Made from 100% FSC certified paper
- Strong and easy to tear
- Biodegradable
- Sticky and stays put
- Great value
We also reviewed best biodegradable tape for shipping and gift wrapping in this post.
These mailing tubes are designed to protect rolled items like posters, banners, and blueprints during mailing, shipping, or storage. Made from 100% recycled material, they offer an economical and eco-friendly solution. Each tube is 36 inches long and comes with tight recyclable plastic end caps for extra durability and security. They provide a sturdy and reliable option for safely transporting various rolled items.
About Earth Hugger
Earth Hugger® is part of a proud family business that is a women-led, minority-owned organization with over 50 years of product development, innovation and procurement experience.
What We Love About It
- 100% recyclable
- Biodegradable
- FSC certified
- 100% plant based