Packing Materials

Sustainable Packing Materials Near Me

Packing materials are essential as it ensures that the product reaches its final destination undamaged. But at the end of the day, it is also a major contributor to waste generation and ends up in landfills or the ocean, thus causing harm to the environment. With most of the packing material, either derived from nature like wood, glass, or synthetic like plastic, the depletion of natural resources is inevitable. Adopting the usage of sustainable packing materials near me would be one of the ways through which this problem can be solved to some extent. Sustainable packaging materials can be either recyclable, biodegradable, or both. Sustainable packing materials are aplenty in the market, thus making a correct choice of your packing needs to be done after a careful study of the materials.

A Few Sustainable Packing Materials That Can Be Considered Are:

· Recycled Cardboard and Paper

Recyclable cardboard and paper packaging is a viable and eco-friendly packaging option for sustainable packaging. The packaging should be without any heavy inks on it as this would make it completely biodegradable. While cardboard and paper are organic materials, if they are sourced unsustainably, their use can have a drastic impact on the environment. As they are the most recyclable materials available, one should ensure to source the material from post-consumer or post-industrial recycled paper and cardboard. Materials marked as FSC-certified will be a better choice as FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

· Mushroom Packaging

Mushroom packaging is made from non-toxic, durable, and completely biodegradable materials.

It uses cleaned and ground agricultural waste, which is then fused by a matrix of mushroom roots, otherwise known as mycelium. This material can then be moulded into whichever shape is desired, dried, and used as packaging. It biodegrades at an incredible rate thus can be easily broken down into non-toxic organic matter. It helps to reduce food waste, low energy consumption, low co2 emission, and compostable from home.

· Seaweed Packaging

Seaweed packaging is made from a gelatinous substance called agar, also referred to as agar-agar. This substance is found in a variety of seaweeds and algae and is already used as a plant-based or vegetarian alternative to thickening agent gelatine in the food industry. It can be made to form plastic-like packaging, cardboard-like packaging and can even be shaped to make products like mini capsules.

· Recycled Or Upcycled Plastics

Plastic bubble wrap or inflatable air pillows are most commonly used to pack the products within the main packing. These materials are not biodegradable, recyclable, or sustainable but can be reused. Upcycled plastics or creative reuse of plastics ensures that we can reuse the material many times before it becomes ineffective. With the availability of 100% recycled plastic, the adoption of using these types of materials will make a big difference to the environment.

Also Read: Dangerous Goods Packaging

It is important to seek out sustainable packing materials near me to avoid the usage of plastic and other materials that harm the environment. With so many eco-friendly alternatives available more businesses are recognising the opportunities in making the switch.