Businesses are focusing on waste, and you should too. Here's why. 

E-commerce is growing exponentially as consumers turn to the internet to make purchases. It’s easy and fast, but the e-commerce industry has a large, often negative impact on the environment because of the packaging waste it produces. With this in mind, more and more consumers are pushing for brands to take action and shift towards more sustainable practices, one of which being sustainable packaging. 

Consumers are pushing for eco-friendly packaging products and are willing to pay more for sustainability. Sustainable packaging is no longer optional if your brand wants to be competitive in today’s environmentally conscious market. 

Sustainable packaging shows customers that your brand means business. Make a difference by using sustainable packaging material and reap the rewards of a smart and eco-conscious move. 

5 Key Advantages of Sustainable Packaging

Still on the fence? Check out some key advantages of sustainable packaging that could help you make the switch:

LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The most apparent advantage of switching to sustainable packaging is the positive environmental impact your brand’s action causes. For example, recyclable packaging and reusable packaging produces less carbon dioxide emissions than traditional packaging materials (like plastic packaging and paper packaging), reducing your brand’s carbon footprint. Sustainable packaging practices and processes that cut out inefficiencies also create a lower environmental impact for your brand. 

Additionally, environmentally friendly packaging materials use natural resources that replenish on their own, again and again. This creates a cyclical life span where the sustainable packaging material can feedback into the environment it was harvested from. For example, compostable packaging and biodegradable packaging. Overall, it creates a positive environmental impact that supports a greener future.

EXPAND YOUR CUSTOMER BASE

Conscious consumers are looking for brands that align with their interests and views. Sustainable packaging tells potential customers what your values are, expanding your brand’s reach. Gen Z is a relatively new buying demographic whose top priority is environmental sustainability. They care about sustainability and are willing to pay more for green packaging. 

Over ⅓ of buyers are willing to pay 25% more for sustainable products and over 50% of Gen Z is willing to pay more for sustainability overall, which is higher than the general population. Clearly, it pays to be sustainable.

FOSTER BRAND LOYALTY

In addition to expanding your customer base, sustainable packaging creates a strong brand image. Studies have shown that brand loyalty is driven by sustainable and ethical practices, second only to the quality of the product. Meet consumer demand by adopting a sustainable packaging solution and watch as loyal customers continue to return to your business.

CONSOLIDATE STORAGE

Sustainable packaging tends to need less material per package. As a result, sustainable packaging allows for consolidated storage in your warehouse. Done correctly, sustainable packaging’s efficient storage could save you money by either allowing you to downsize your warehouse space or by giving you room to expand your brand’s merchandise lines. 

LOWER COSTS

With less material needed for sustainable packaging, shipping and packaging costs will also be lower. Your brand can ship more packages per shipment and spend less money in the shipping process. 

Adopting sustainable material for product packaging maximizes shipping efficiency and cuts down on carbon emissions produced during shipments. This sustainable solution is a win-win for your wallet and the environment. 

Get Sustainability-Optimized with Group O

Group O offers its expertise to businesses looking to optimize all aspects of their packaging. From supply chain solutions to custom package designs, Group O has your business covered. Ready to use sustainable packaging in your business? Contact Group O at (866) 476-8761 to get started.