While sustainability in packaging was an increasing priority before COVID-19, the pandemic accelerated the focus on sustainable packaging. More than half of Americans report that they are “extremely or very concerned” about the environmental impact of product packaging, according to a recent McKinsey & Company survey.
Not only that, but as many as 70% of Americans say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, and just under 40% of respondents would buy more sustainably packaged products — if they were available and better labeled.
The takeaway for brands? If you haven’t yet shifted to sustainable packaging, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity to connect with consumers. Furthermore, by identifying your product packaging as sustainable, you’ll make it easier for your target audience to choose your products over your competitors.
All of which begs the question: What are the best eco-friendly retail packaging options for green-minded brands looking to get in on the benefits of sustainable packaging? Here, we’ll take a closer look at three eco-friendly retail packaging types to consider, along with the benefits of each.
Why Use Recycled Corrugate for Eco-Friendly Packaging
When it comes to sustainable packaging, corrugated cardboard is a popular pick for several reasons. For starters, it’s 100% recyclable and biodegradable. The decomposition of a cardboard box is extremely short — within one year. This timeline can be further accelerated in optimal conditions, such as humid environments.
The manufacturing process for cardboard is also eco-friendly, allowing for a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide and oil emissions compared to other common packaging materials. Factor in advancements like water-based inks and sustainable adhesives, and corrugate becomes even more environmentally advantageous.
Finally, the impact of the recyclability of corrugate boxes cannot be overstated. After recycling, corrugated cardboard retains its quality across key factors like durability and resistance (including on recycled pizza boxes!). This makes it highly economical in terms of direct costs and energy savings.
Other advantages of corrugated cardboard include the following:
- Flexible
- Lightweight
- High level of protection
- Widespread availability
- Easy stacking and loading, making it an excellent choice for packing, shipping, and storing many items
1. Folding Cartons
You’re probably familiar with folding cartons. Many brands use this packaging as secondary packaging for products like cosmetics and electronics. A folding carton is a pre-scored and pre-glued carton that holds the product directly inside, like a tube of moisturizer or a phone charger.
Folding cartons offer a variety of finishing and printing techniques to customize the look and feel of your brand and products. These cartons also have the opportunity for a window to showcase the product inside.
2. Gift Sets
Gift sets are great for temporary product pairings, like a gift box of sample-size products during the holidays. These boxes typically hold more than one item, can feature a product window, and be printed with branded artwork in various finishes.
You might consider gift set packaging for holiday promotions, as we already mentioned, or to encourage specific product pairings, like a shampoo and conditioner duo. You could also use gift sets when launching a new product to show how it fits with your existing line by including a trial size of the new product with current customer favorites.
3. RETT Boxes
RETT stands for “roll end tuck top,” and these boxes feature a lid that wraps around the box with ends that tuck into the sides. You’ve probably received a package in the mail in a RETT box, especially if you belong to a subscription box membership.
These boxes can be printed inside and out and are often used for a more luxurious or upscale feel. The folded sides of the box make it sturdier than gift sets or folding cartons, which makes them better for shipping or containing heavier products, like bottles of wine or cooking oils.
RETT boxes can be used on retail shelves or as direct mail packaging. If you’re looking to reduce the number of packaging types you use, a RETT box would allow you to order in bulk and use it for both e-commerce and retail orders.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to which eco-friendly retail packaging is best for your business and brand. Instead, it depends on your unique products and services, goals, business model, and other factors.
Whether you’re looking for more information on what makes packaging sustainable or you’re seeking guidance in deciding which eco-friendly retail packaging type is best for you, Bay Cities Packaging and Design can help. Learn more about our sustainable packaging efforts and sustainability certifications.
