Get in on the green packaging movement one step at a time. Start by evaluating your current state and then set reasonable goals to move your business to its desired state. Easier said than done, right? The good news is that yours is not the first business to reduce its environmental impact. As the green movement has evolved and grown, new solutions have become available and more accessible to more businesses. Here are a few steps to consider taking in your plan to go green.
Smaller packages
Start a packaging transformation project with determining the minimum package size and material requirements to keep your product safe during its trip to the customer. Then work on the best way to achieve that. For example, does it need a box or would an envelope suffice?
Include fewer disposable things inside the package
How much material is really necessary to ensure the safe transport and arrival of your products? That’s a good question to ask when designing your packaging. Sure, packaging can play a role in the customer experience and brand management, but more packaging also costs more money to produce and send. Look for ways to give the same experience with less packaging by remembering how many have noted that constraints are good for creativity. Set a constraint on how much packaging can be used and challenge your team to come up with a greener solution.
Choose sustainable raw materials and suppliers
Physical products have to be sourced from somewhere, whether you’re choosing finished products or materials to make finished products. Look for suppliers who choose sustainable processes and suppliers in their own business.
Reduce the chances of returns
Make your product descriptions as accurate and complete as possible. This is the clearest way to reduce the chance of a return. For example, if you’re selling clothing, include a sizing guide with measurements and how to take measurements. Tell people what materials are used, whether the product has a rubber coating, or any other details the end user might want or need to know.
Choose green shipping options
This could include options like shipping products to a central location where customers can pick up their orders or letting customers choose to wait until their entire order is ready to be shipped together instead of one item at a time. Which ones fit your business and customers best?
On-package QR code promotions
Printed with sustainable thermal ink that requires fewer resources than ink jet printing, elteve QR codes and on-package ads are a quick an easy solution to further your mission to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only do they require less space to be printed than packaging inserts, they also expand the amount of information you can share with the customer.
Whatever green strategy you choose, you’ll make an impact. You may end up attracting more customers because you’ve made a green change.
The elteve QR code platform may be the easiest first step and the entire thing is yours free until December 31, 2022. Sign up today and go green while making the holiday frenzy a little easier to manage.
