Packaging Your Products The “Green” Way

Wholesalers and retailers impact our environment a great deal. It’s fair to say most American consumers do, as well. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid waste and environmental impact, it is  possible to help reduce it.

One way to consider your impact on our Earth is through product packaging and packaging of products after purchase. A few ways to do this include:

1. Evaluate the need for packaging. Is it a must? Is it decorative? Is it to provide safety to the item (avoid breakage, etc)?
2. Use as little material necessary. Reducing materials to package items can not only help the environment, but also save you money. It should be a goal to design a package so that minimum amounts of material provide necessary packaging while also meeting any packaging guidelines (based on product).
3. Eliminate toxic ingredients. Very simply, you want to avoid additives, adhesives, coatings, and inks that get added to the package that are not safe for human health and the environment.
4. Try to use recycled materials. Reuse of anything is a good thing since one time usage impacts our environmental footprint greater. Challenge yourself and your business to reuse what you can, therefore recycling materials for the better of our Earth.
5. Support recycling. Educate your consumers on what they can do with your package once they no longer need it. To avoid waste in packaging for purchases all together, offer cloth, reusable bags for sale – even if bags aren’t your thing. Then offer a percentage of purchases when these bags are used. It’s a win-win for the environment and your business.

What are your green tips that help your business thrive and Mother Nature? Let us know! Please comment below.