Reducing packaging waste is not only great for the environment, but also for saving your company money. Let’s look at 5 ways you can reduce packaging waste for your business.
#1 Reduce Packaging Waste with Minimal Material
A great way to reduce packaging waste is to only use as large of a bag as you need. Choose the right size bag for your product by carefully measuring the minimum dimensions and work with your supplier to design a minimalist package.
If you package products of different sizes, then use packaging in varied sizes as well. A box that is too large will be more expensive to ship, and generate more waste when it’s not filled to capacity.
#2 Use Recyclable Plastic for Packaging Materials
Recyclable plastic packaging is significantly lighter than plastic alternatives such as cardboard or paper; Less material can be used to produce it, which is less to go to waste. By switching to plastic packaging with poly bags, you can reduce the amount of waste your company produces for packaging and save on shipping costs — when the bags are delivered to your facility and when your packaged products are sent to your customers.
Poly bags are the most efficient packaging material thanks to their strength-to-weight ratio. If you’re looking to save on packaging costs, you simply can’t go lighter than plastic.
#3 Protect Your Products to Limit Returns
Use protective packaging when the product quality demands it. If you cut too much packaging and your products are less protected and more likely to fail, you’ll end up spending and wasting more in the long run. Shipping your product once is less waste than having to reship it due to product failure or return.
#4 Train Employees to Reduce Packaging Waste
Training ensures your employees know how to package items correctly and with minimal waste. Employees should know which packaging materials are used for different products, and which materials are not appropriate for certain products.
Consider starting initiatives with your packaging team to make the process more efficient. Encourage employees to innovate ways to reduce packaging waste through using fewer packaging materials, reusing loose filling, or recycling damaged materials.
#5 Offer Bulk Shipping Options
Bulk shipping is cost-effective for both you and your customers. Shipping larger amounts generates less waste than shipping small quantities more frequently. You can incentivize this by providing a slight loyalty discount for customers who purchase larger orders.
Also, try to ship orders in as few packages as possible to reduce packaging waste. If expediency is too important, offer the option to your customers to receive their package sooner (in more shipments) or to wait until it can be shipped in one, reducing packaging waste and their carbon footprint.
Work with a Custom Poly Bag Supplier
Poly bags offer a great way to reduce packaging waste. They’re lightweight, thin, and endlessly customizable to your unique product and application. If you’re looking to reduce packaging waste, poly bags might just be the option for you. Give us a call or contact us online to learn more about our custom poly bag options.
Reducing packaging waste is not only great for the environment, but also for saving your company money. Let’s look at 5 ways you can reduce packaging waste for your business.
#1 Reduce Packaging Waste with Minimal Material
A great way to reduce packaging waste is to only use as large of a bag as you need. Choose the right size bag for your product by carefully measuring the minimum dimensions and work with your supplier to design a minimalist package.
If you package products of different sizes, then use packaging in varied sizes as well. A box that is too large will be more expensive to ship, and generate more waste when it’s not filled to capacity.
#2 Use Recyclable Plastic for Packaging Materials
Recyclable plastic packaging is significantly lighter than plastic alternatives such as cardboard or paper; Less material can be used to produce it, which is less to go to waste. By switching to plastic packaging with poly bags, you can reduce the amount of waste your company produces for packaging and save on shipping costs — when the bags are delivered to your facility and when your packaged products are sent to your customers.
Poly bags are the most efficient packaging material thanks to their strength-to-weight ratio. If you’re looking to save on packaging costs, you simply can’t go lighter than plastic.
#3 Protect Your Products to Limit Returns
Use protective packaging when the product quality demands it. If you cut too much packaging and your products are less protected and more likely to fail, you’ll end up spending and wasting more in the long run. Shipping your product once is less waste than having to reship it due to product failure or return.
#4 Train Employees to Reduce Packaging Waste
Training ensures your employees know how to package items correctly and with minimal waste. Employees should know which packaging materials are used for different products, and which materials are not appropriate for certain products.
Consider starting initiatives with your packaging team to make the process more efficient. Encourage employees to innovate ways to reduce packaging waste through using fewer packaging materials, reusing loose filling, or recycling damaged materials.
#5 Offer Bulk Shipping Options
Bulk shipping is cost-effective for both you and your customers. Shipping larger amounts generates less waste than shipping small quantities more frequently. You can incentivize this by providing a slight loyalty discount for customers who purchase larger orders.
Also, try to ship orders in as few packages as possible to reduce packaging waste. If expediency is too important, offer the option to your customers to receive their package sooner (in more shipments) or to wait until it can be shipped in one, reducing packaging waste and their carbon footprint.
Work with a Custom Poly Bag Supplier
Poly bags offer a great way to reduce packaging waste. They’re lightweight, thin, and endlessly customizable to your unique product and application. If you’re looking to reduce packaging waste, poly bags might just be the option for you. Give us a call or contact us online to learn more about our custom poly bag options.
