Here are ten ways to create more sustainable packaging design: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

There are three billion pieces of packaging in the United States, almost

one third of all trash. Many packaging materials end up in landfills because they can't be recycled or degraded on their own. However, packaging doesn't have to be a wasteful process. That's why Xianda's goal is to help customers minimize the environmental impact of packaging.Following the three Rs of sustainability - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - we have outlined 10 ways to make packaging more sustainable.

1.Using less packaging provides a better environment

Consumers believe 43% of products are over-packaged or contain too much packaging. Businesses often overpackage, package products incorrectly, or don't consider more sustainable materials to replace the ones they used for years. To reduce the overall amount of packaging material used, it is important to audit what you are packaging and how it is shipped. When shipping products to retailers to be sold in retail shelves, shrink film instead of a multi-box master pack can significantly reduce the amount of packaging materials required.

2.Reducing the amount of packaging dumped in landfills

Packaging doesn’t have to be big and bulky. Develop packaging that takes up less space in a landfill by switching to materials that can be crushed or that can degrade over time.

3.Simplify the overall size of the packaging

Designing packaging that ships more efficiently requires understanding how the product will be shipped, stored, and sold in order to develop solutions based on dimensional weight pricing and customer demands for greener packaging.

4.Reduce the amount of energy used in the manufacturing process

Design packaging that takes fewer resources to produce, pack and transport it.

5.Use less hazardous chemicals during the manufacturing process

Reducing or eliminating toxic materials during the manufacturing process helps protect the environment. For example, switch to non-solvent, water-based inks and manufacturing processes instead of traditional label printing techniques or packaging techniques that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

6.Create reusable packaging

Design packaging that can be reused for other purposes. In the e-commerce industry for example, switching from a corrugated box to a mailer with two seals creates a reusable packaging solution for the customer. The mailer bag can be shipped to the customer, and the customer can reuse the same bag with the secondary seal to return the item if needed.

7.Create packaging that can be manufactured using renewable resources

Partner with a packaging solutions provider who uses water, solar, and wind to manufacture packaging materials. For example, Xianda utilizes these renewable energy sources to manufacture many of its packaging materials today, such as glass and corrugated.

8.Increase the use of recycled content

Switching to packaging materials that contain virgin materials such as virgin corrugated or virgin resins is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to create more sustainable packaging. For example, switching from PE foam end caps to 100% recycled corrugated end caps can provide the same level of protection.

9.Increase the recyclability and recovery of materials

Material with a high recycled content, or material that can easily be recycled curbside or at a local recycling center, are the most suitable options. For instance, switching from wooden crates to megaboard boxes made from 100% recycled corrugated is a cost-effective way to improve your packaging's sustainability.

10.Use more biodegradable and compostable materials

Increase the use of materials that can naturally degrade back into the environment. For example, switching from packaging materials such as bubble with high plastic content to a paper based cushioning material such as Ranpak WrapPak can create a more compostable solution.

It is important to focus on creating more sustainable packaging designs in order to meet consumers' demands. They want to see change in the packaging industry—and they’re willing to pay for it. Recent polls reveal that 66% of all online consumers will pay more for products from environmentally conscious companies and 53% said they were willing to pay more for sustainable packaging options.

In addition, switching to sustainable packaging options is now often just as cost-effective as alternative packaging designs. Making this change can often lead to reduced time to package products, reduced material costs, and reduced freight costs.

For your next design project, consider working with Xianda’s design teams to help bring the vision of a more sustainable packaging design to life. Our packaging experts and designers are constantly focused on reducing the amount of packaging used in designs and reducing packaging’s impact on the environment.

Let us help you create a more sustainable packaging design. Get started here!