Asia Pulp and Paper’s tips on recyclable packaging for e-commerce

Choose the right packing to help the planet and your business. Picture – Adobe.

From improving brand recognition to protecting your product, it is no secret that choosing the right packaging plays a big role in the success of your product in the market. But beyond pure aesthetics and functionality, it reflects your company's values and image. With the growing importance of sustainability in today's business landscape, this has become more important than ever.

The growing interest in sustainable business practices

Sustainability has seen growing interest in recent years, permeating various aspects of our lives. For starters, consumers are now more conscious of their purchase decisions and actively seeking out green brands. In fact, a study by Deloitte revealed that as many as 64% of UK consumers actively limit their use of single-use plastic, while 40% favour brands with environmentally sustainable practices and values.

Half of all plastics e-commerce businesses use are attributed to packaging – look at these tips to reduce your impact. Picture – Adobe.

Simultaneously, regulatory bodies are placing a stronger emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Companies that label their products or services as sustainable now face heightened scrutiny from the public, environmental organisations, and regulators alike. Against this backdrop, one of the most direct ways for e-commerce businesses to align their operations with sustainability goals is to begin with product packaging.

How recyclable packaging benefits e-commerce businesses

Based on figures from Packaging News, half of all plastics e-commerce businesses use are attributed to packaging. With a shift to green packaging can be a significant game changer for the environment. But above all, it comes with equally attractive benefits for companies.

– Positive branding

Sustainable choices for business can start with a simple move from plastic to paper packaging. Picture – Adobe.

By – choosing sustainable packaging options, your e-commerce company can showcase your commitment to environmental responsibility, which resonates with increasingly eco-conscious consumers.

– Expand customer base

As sustainability trends continue to gain momentum, it is evident that customers prefer to engage with and support businesses that prioritise sustainable practices and objectives. As such, adopting green, recyclable packaging can help your company reach out to this pool of consumers.

– Cost savings

By adopting green, biodegradable packaging, your company can minimise the use of excessive and unnecessary packaging materials. This not only reduces the weight and size of each package but also enables you to ship more products, resulting in cost savings on freight expenses. Consequently, you can decrease the transport services required, creating long-term cost savings and allowing limited financial resources to be better redirected to other crucial business functions.

The reduced storage required per product also provides opportunities for various endeavours. These include expanding your product line and creating more shelf space that affords greater flexibility in product placement and marketing displays.

– Non-toxic

Traditional packaging materials often pose significant risks to human health. For example, bisphenol A (BPA), found in the resin coating of beverage cans and in plastics, has been linked to metabolic diseases, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative problems. Meanwhile, plastic packaging like PVC has high toxicity levels and can release di-n-butyl phthalate that causes reproductive harm and congenital disabilities.

On the contrary, green packaging options are typically free from such harmful substances. An example is Foopak Bio Natura by Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas. Made from certified wood sources, this paper packaging offers enhanced functionality while remaining free from plastics and optical brightening agents (OBAs).

Above all, such packaging can be composted, is fully recyclable and can be repulped without additional treatment or processes. By opting for green paper packaging like Asia Pulp & Paper’s, your e-commerce company can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. But above all, your consumers can also be assured that their exposure to harmful chemicals from packaging materials is minimised, enabling them to gain confidence in your brand.

By making sustainable choices starting from a simple move like switching from plastic to paper packaging, firms can set the stage for broader adaptations to meet the needs of an increasingly eco-focused market. Through this, businesses can position themselves for long-term sustainability and secure their place in the market of tomorrow.

For more information go to asiapulppaper.com