Your business only has one chance to make a first impression and, mainly with ecommerce businesses, the product packaging plays the key role in doing this. When done right, your packaging can make a positive, lasting impact on customers and be a reason for them to purchase again, recommend to others and leave glowing reviews.
Aside from ensuring that your packaging is practical and brand-authentic, a very important element to consider is the eco-credentials.
Consumers are more concerned about sustainability when shopping than ever before. In fact, 85% of consumers have become ‘greener’ in their purchasing habits over recent years. This can mean everything and anything from using reusable shopping bags over plastic ones, researching the ethical standards of a brand before supporting them, and paying closer attention to the packaging that companies use for their products. Is it wasteful or harmful to the planet? Is all of it even necessary?
If you are not making a considered effort to move towards more eco-friendly packaging, then your business could lose out on a big portion of these more eco-conscious shoppers.
What is eco-friendly packaging?
Eco-friendly packaging can come in various forms and the type of packaging you would need for business will depend on the type of products that you are selling.
There are certain items that are required across all types of industries such as cardboard boxes and tape. Both are important for shipping goods to customers safely but they are often associated with being made from dangerous materials that cannot be recycled. Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives out there such as recycled cardboard boxes and biodegradable tape.
The packaging in which the products are stored, outside of the shipping, is also important to look at too. Switching from plastic to reusable cotton pouches or compostable bags is a great way to
Eco-friendly packaging will protect the planet
The main reason why most businesses choose eco-friendly packaging, though it can often be more expensive, is because it helps protect the planet and those that live on it.
Excessive and wasteful packaging can contribute to air pollution, take up a huge amount of landfill space and put ocean life in danger. So by being more thoughtful in how much packaging your business uses, what this packaging is made from and how it is to be disposed of, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Customers are more likely to support businesses with eco packaging
The simple fact is: consumers care more about the environment now than they ever have before. This has impacted the way that they shop and the brands that they support because they understand how purchasing habits can be damaging to the planet.
When it comes to packaging, over 70% of shoppers have stated that they would be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging which highlights just how important this aspect is to their relationship with your business.
Although the investment may be higher, the pay-off makes it worthwhile as you can charge more based simply off of the fact that you are using high-quality, durable packaging that is eco-friendly.
It also creates a more pleasant experience to the customer who is likely to be impressed when they receive a product that has been packaged minimally and sustainably. This will keep them coming back and encourage them to recommend to others because they are supporting a business that clearly values the planet.
Eco-friendly packaging improves your brand image
Establishing your brand values is an essential foundation for any successful business and, as part of these core values, you need to consider your corporate social responsibility. This encompasses all of the practices and policies you vow to undertake in order to have a positive influence on the world. One aspect of this is mapping out the ways in which your business can have as little negative impact on the planet as possible.
By using sustainable packaging, you are clearly demonstrating that your business is one that thinks about their carbon footprint and is taking active steps to reduce it.
This presents your brand in a great light and helps you strengthen your overall brand image.
Sustainable packaging can set you apart from competitors
Being innovative and original can be hard in today’s society and competition is at an all-time high in most industries. So when it comes to setting yourself apart, any opportunity to do so should be embraced.
Sustainable packaging is one way of doing this as it gives you an opportunity to create custom packaging that fits with your brand and messaging.
Furthermore, there are a lot of businesses that struggle to make the switch to sustainable packaging so if this is something that you can offer over your competitors it can be a massive USP to entice customers, especially the more eco-conscious ones.
If you want to take that step into sustainability with packaging this is eco-friendly and ethically-sourced then we are here to help you. With the full support of our team of experts, we can work with you to design and source sustainable packaging for any type of product to ensure that your business is represented in the best light possible and that your customers are more than satisfied.
Talk to a member of our team today to discuss your needs and get started on your project.