The shift in the buying industry was first witnessed during COVID-19. Consumers had to buy products online, and then got too comfortable with the mode. With this change, the packaging industry evolved from plastic, Styrofoam to sustainable choices. Again, COVID-19 opened the eyes of the inhabitants of the earth to watching the world heal. The ecommerce industry and Zoom meetings have stayed constant in the post-COVID times. Since then, people have been conscious about their choices. They are more considerate towards their footprint on Earth. The plastic and non-biodegradable packaging is frowned upon. People take pride in reusing and repurposing the packaging materials. With that change, the recyclable packaging industry took strides toward change.
Revolution In Recyclable Packaging for E-Commerce
The e-commerce market has more climate-conscious customers than the traditional retail market.
They don’t expect their online order packaging to be harmful to nature. A paper-based box is a smart choice for clean and biodegradable packaging.
Recyclable Packaging Gives Less Waste, Happier Planet
The e-commerce market has lost its reputation among many climate enthusiasts due to a lot of packaging waste. Every order from any e-commerce store needs some form of wrapping. However, when this packaging can’t be recycled, it adds to landfills.
Paper boxes/tape and cardboard inserts degrade quickly. Plastic mailers and bubble wrap, on the other hand, don’t break down as easily. Recyclable packaging is, without a doubt, the future of biodegradable solutions.
Big Brands Are Changing With Recyclable Packaging
You can find that many major e-commerce brands are upgrading their packaging. Recyclable mailers and boxes are the preferred solutions for them. However, some of these brands use paper-based padding instead of foam. This step also cuts down on plastic use.
Cost-Effective In the Long Run
There are many companies that worry about sustainable packaging pricing. They assume that recyclable packaging for e-commerce products will be expensive. However, on the contrary, paper-based materials are not hard to source.
Furthermore, they are also lighter in weight, which helps lower shipping costs. The bulk purchases of recyclable materials cut down overall packaging costs even more.
Easy To Design and Print
Paper-based packaging is simple to customize. Brands can print their logos and colors directly on the box. They don’t need extra plastic labels. This helps companies deliver a clean and professional look. It also gives a more natural feel.
Customers also prefer this type of packaging. Simple designs look neat. Additionally, they are also easier to recycle since there are fewer mixed materials involved.
Regulations Are Getting Stricter
Governments are passing rules to reduce waste. Some cities have banned plastic packaging.
Others charge hefty fees for non-recyclable items. Using recyclable packaging helps companies avoid fines. It also keeps them ahead of future laws.
It’s a smarter choice for them to switch now rather than wait more. Brands that act early can set better packaging standards.
Better Storage and Shipping
Paper boxes stack better. They consume comparatively less space in warehouses. This helps reduce shipping trips and fuel use.
Moreover, safe and smart packaging means fewer returns from damaged goods. This smart approach also saves money and keeps customers happy.
Young Shoppers Demand It
Many younger buyers look at a brand’s values. They like to shop from online stores that put more emphasis on nature. When they see recyclable packaging, they feel good about their choice.
Brands that listen to this target group grow faster. They earn loyalty and get shared more on social media, which is not a hidden secret.
Recyclable Packaging Creates Jobs
It is obvious that making recyclable paper products also supports local jobs. Paper mills, like those in Philadelphia, hire skilled workers. These jobs help build local communities.
Every paper box used supports a chain of people. From the factory to the truck driver, everyone plays a role. Choosing paper over plastic supports these efforts. It also helps businesses in the United States stay strong.
Easy to Reuse at Home
Customers often reuse paper boxes. They store toys, clothes, or tools in them. It is very common for people to use these as a substitute for gift wrappers.
A reusable box stays useful even after the product is gone. This gives more value to the packaging. It also shows the brand cares beyond the sale.
Paper Is Renewable
We all know the fact that paper is sourced from trees, and those trees can be planted again.
The company-run forests keep growing back over time. Packaging (paper-based) is recyclable up to as many as seven times.
Simple Recycling Process
Recycling paper is easier than recycling plastic. Most homes already have recycling bins for paper. Customers don’t need to sort special materials.
They can simply toss paper boxes in the garbage dump. The ease of recycling paper means more people will be able to recycle it.
Final Thoughts
The e-commerce market growth appears unstoppable at the moment. Recyclable packaging for e-commerce is already making a positive impact on the environment. Many e-commerce businesses are switching to sustainable packaging.
Renowned paper mills like American Eagle Paper are leading this change. They are best known for their strong, clean, and recyclable paper solutions that help the world breathe easier.
