The retail industry is a major contributor to global waste, much of which comes from packaging.
While it might look the part and help make the sale – not to mention differentiate companies from their competitors – it’s often excessive, and it can be a turn-off for eco-conscious customers who are keen to see brands taking a more responsible approach.
Fuelled by new legislation and changing consumer demands, retailers now have a significant opportunity to reduce their environmental impact by minimising packaging use, shifting towards sustainable materials, and adopting innovative practices.
Let’s take a look at some strategies that firms like yours can adopt to reduce the amount of packaging you use and boost your sustainability credentials!
Embrace minimalist packaging design
One of the simplest ways to reduce packaging is by getting on board with minimalist designs that require fewer resources to create.
It’s a simple means of focusing on functionality and getting rid of any unnecessary layers or components. For example, if you’re a shoe retailer, you could replace traditional bulky shoe boxes with lightweight, recyclable shoe bags.
A minimalist approach also helps to cut the costs associated with raw materials and shipping, leaving you with more cash in your pocket.
Shift to more sustainable packaging materials
Another impactful strategy is switching to eco-friendly materials. Conventional plastics and non-recyclable composites are significant contributors to landfill waste and ocean pollution – so if you can avoid them where possible, this will go a long way.
You can use biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable materials such as:
- Kraft paper: A strong, recyclable alternative to plastic. (We offer Kraft packaging on low MOQs. Here are 3 great examples of our custom-designed Kraft paper mailing bags in action)
- Cornstarch-based packaging: Ideal for food products and totally biodegradable
- Mushroom packaging: Grown from agricultural waste and completely compostable
- Recycled plastics: Keeps plastic waste in circulation and out of landfills
You might also want to implement plastic-neutral initiatives, whereby any plastic you use is offset by your recycling or clean-up efforts.
Introduce refill and reuse systems
Refill and reuse systems have gained popularity, particularly in the FMCG and beauty spaces. Shops can offer bulk sections where customers bring their own containers to purchase items such as grains, spices, oils, and cleaning products. Beauty brands can also encourage their consumers to return empty containers for refills.
These systems not only reduce packaging waste but also help to promote customer loyalty through incentives like providing discounts for bringing reusable containers or earning loyalty points for returned packaging. Food for thought if you have a brick-and-mortar premises, for sure.
Offer unpackaged or “naked” products
For certain businesses, removing packaging entirely can be a viable option. For example, soaps and solid shampoos can be provided without outer shells, and simply wrapped up in a label or compostable paper instead. Reusable garment bags can be used for clothing and accessories.
Obviously ‘naked’ products won’t travel well, so if you’re planning to ship them out to customers, you’ll still need to invest in packaging that provides suitable protection.
Optimise your packaging for shipping purposes
Following on from above, it IS possible to minimise packaging where transportation and logistics are involved. The trick is to find right-sized boxes and bags that suit the specifications of your products.
Automated packaging machines enable you to create custom-sized boxes for each order, so take advantage of the latest tech where you can. Additionally, you could use materials like recycled cardboard or air pillows made from biodegradable plastics as eco-friendly alternatives to Styrofoam peanuts.
Engage in more robust supplier partnerships
As a retailer, you can influence your supply chains to prioritise sustainability. Collaborating with suppliers to redesign product packaging can lead to less waste at the source – as well as reduce overheads and boost the reputation of both brands.
If you’re in the food industry, why not request bulk shipments of items like grains or spices in reusable containers? Or if you’re in the clothing sector, have you thought about asking your suppliers to ship garments in recycled polybags, or skip any unnecessary tags and labels?
Implement a packaging return program
Packaging return schemes allow your customers to return used packaging to your store for recycling or reuse. Retailers in the fashion or cosmetics industries can encourage their buyers to return product packaging through convenient drop-off locations or free shipping labels, if this works better for their audiences.
These kinds of initiatives not only reduce waste but also strengthen your customer relationships by showing your communities that you’re making a real, tangible commitment to sustainability.
Leverage technology to track and reduce your waste
Technology can play a critical role in reducing packaging waste. Data analytics can help you identify any inefficiencies in your packaging processes and track your progress towards your sustainability goals. Why not try:
- Setting inventory systems in place to make sure products are packed and shipped with minimal waste?
- Using QR codes or NFC tags to replace paper manuals, instructions, or promotional materials, reducing the need for printed inserts?
- Analysing shipping patterns through AI to minimise the size of your packaging and the use of any particularly non-eco materials?
Conduct packaging audits
This is an easy way to identify areas for improvement and set new measurable targets for waste reduction within your retail business. Your packaging audit will need to cover:
- Analysing material types and quantities
- Reviewing product life cycles to lower packaging waste
- Identifying alternative materials and designs that do the job just as well, without the eco guilt
The added bonus is, you’ll be able to make sure your materials, systems and processes are in line with regulatory requirements.
Promote digital alternatives
In certain scenarios, digital innovations can be used to replace traditional packaging approaches. E-gift cards, for example, get rid of the need for physical packaging, while digital receipts and invoices can help to reduce paper waste. Augmented reality setups also enable you to replace printed product information with interactive digital displays.
Commit to your long-term objectives
Reducing packaging is an ongoing process. You’re not going to crack it in a matter of months. SO, you need to establish long-term sustainability goals – such as becoming carbon-neutral or achieving zero waste – that you can work towards over time.
Customers and stakeholders will love to hear all about the initiatives you’re putting in place, so don’t be afraid to share your targets and practices with them; being transparent is a great way to keep your business accountable for change, too.
There’s no doubt that reducing packaging within your retail business is a challenge – but with a little thought and some targeted action, it really is possible to reduce the impact your operations have on the planet.
At Hallmark Labels, we’ve always been at the forefront of the eco revolution, and we offer plenty of environmentally friendly packaging options to support you in your mission.
From arguing the case for paper bags to monitoring sustainable consumer trends and exploring our role as an FSC certified company, you’ll find plenty of information and advice on shifting to sustainable packaging alternatives over on our blog. Contact us directly to speak to us about our fantastic environmentally conscious packaging options, too, which includes plenty of recycled and reusable labels, bags, boxes and more.
