Paper-based Packaging and Business’ Sustainability
If you want your business to be sustainable, you have to focus on practices that are economically viable, socially responsible, and eco-friendly. Looking for sustainability-inspired supply chain optimizations allows for more intelligent business decisions that can benefit everyone, including the consumers.
Shifting to paper packaging, for instance, is a cost-effective way to show your business’ commitment to its sustainability goals, while not affecting your business viability. It is a smart way to promote a more solid brand perception from customers while leveraging environmentally friendly material.
The Importance of Sustainability in Businesses
Based on the Harvard Business Review (HBR), there are many examples of business growth supercharged by sustainable practices. It reveals that when businesses go green, they tend to have better gains than their non-green counterparts. Also, much of the success of such businesses is associated with the growing number of consumers patronizing sustainable brands.
For example, when a food business shifts to eco-friendly food packaging, they add social, environmental and economic value to their business. For them to succeed in their field, they have to keep their eyes not only on their profit, but also on their environmental and social responsibility. When they find balance in their financial growth, eco-friendliness, and social responsibility, they can benefit from an increased business performance in the long run.
Research reveals that from 2013 to 2019, there is a 29% increase in the sales growth of products with sustainability claims on the packaging. Outside financial gains, sustainable business practices also help the planet. WWF and The Guardian reveal that an annual 3% reduction in carbon emissions translates to $190 billion savings a year and $780 billion over 10 years.
Take for example the green move of Hewlett-Packard. They optimized their packaging to minimize its weight and material use, which helped them lower their carbon footprint. This move helped them to lower their yearly carbon dioxide emissions by 5,000 metric tons, which is equal to the emissions of 1,000 cars.
Furthermore, the shift to sustainable and lighter packaging helped the company save $3-5 million in their yearly air freight expenses.
Brand sustainability and customer perception
Studies found that 48% of US consumers are willing to alter their consumption practices to minimize their impact on the environment. In 2018, for instance, sustainable fast-moving consumer goods sales reached $128.5 billion. Consumers are becoming aware of the value of sustainability and they increasingly support brands that value the same.
Shifting to paper packaging from non-biodegradable foam and plastic materials can have a great impact on the sustainability of your business, and by extension, the perception of your consumers towards your brand and business.
Here are some of the benefits of switching to sustainable paper packaging:
- Minimized impact to the environment
- Lower unit cost
- Lower return rate
- Less product damage
- Less material use
- Lower shipping cost
- Positive perception from eco-conscious consumers
- Larger influence about sustainability to other people
A comprehensive implementation of sustainable business practices can be a significant initial investment. But when businesses embrace smaller optimization measures such as shifting to paper-based packaging, they can realize how small steps can lead to greater gains. Aside from building a positive image in front of consumers who are gradually learning the value of eco-friendliness in this fast-paced world, the use of sustainable packaging also helps save on shipping costs. This can translate to a significant amount of savings in the long run, especially today when e-commerce is becoming more and more popular.
If you are looking to improve your business’ sustainability, shifting to green and eco-friendly packaging is one simple, yet surefire way to reach your sustainability goals.
