Implementing a zero-waste packaging strategy should be a priority for any business and the reason is simple: with it comes a considerable number of extensive benefits.

Looking for ideas on how to switch to zero-waste packaging? Implementing a zero-waste packaging strategy should be a priority for any business and the reason is simple: adopting such a strategy brings with it a considerable number of extensive benefits.

A zero-waste approach will diminish material consumption and signal the end of the scourge of over production. It will play a key role in combatting unsustainable levels of rubbish and, at the same time, prevent the depletion of natural resources and the associated damage to the environment. It will combat the issue of water scarcity and drastically reduce green-house gas emissions.

Closer to home, it will enable any business - both big and small - to achieve maximum cost efficiency, at the same time creating a more resilient, streamlined operating model.

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Assess Your Current Packaging Process

First things first, don’t rush in where angels fear to tread. Do it right and avoid costly mistakes.

As a starting point, take the time to assess your current packaging process. Evaluate all aspects of your packaging, from the materials used to processes in place and then, additionally, take a close look at consumer trends and habits.

It’s vital to identify waste points and inefficiencies – however small - in your current system. This might come down to box size, box variety (i.e., too many) and unnecessary void fill. Inefficiencies, however, are also caused by inadequate packing stations, lack of proper training and equipment or resources that aren’t fit for purpose. Sometimes, the stumbling block is that there’s an unwillingness to reassess and innovate. Maybe there's a less than optimal relationship with customers fed up of over packaging or packaging that isn't fit for purpose.

This is where conducting a specialised audit can pay dividends. An audit will provide an unbiased, data-driven overview and is pivotal in assisting a business reduce their packaging waste footprint. At the same time, it helps obtain levels of operational efficiency previously thought out of reach.

2. Choose Recyclable and Biodegradable Materials

Opting for materials that are recycled and easily recyclable is fundamental on the drive towards zero-waste. This is because, currently, there are highly effective waste management systems in place for cardboard and paper-based packaging so it makes sense to use these materials. Instead of being thrown away (or best case scenario, composted), they can instead re-enter the supply chain to be used repeatedly.

Not to be ignored on the quest for zero-waste are compostable plastics and other biodegradable materials: packaging made from seaweed, mushrooms and even edible coatings. Labelled as packaging trends for 2024, we’d beg to differ. These options aren’t a temporary fad. As they continue to gain traction, hitting the mainstream, their popularity will grow as their viability is recognised and they, too, will help significantly reduce the amount of waste taking up space in landfill. 

3. Minimise Packaging Material Usage

Implementing right-sizing techniques and using software tools to determine the optimal size and amount of packaging needed is one way of going about decreasing the problem of over packaging. 

Today, we’re lucky. We have the expertise as well as the technology to be able to tailor packaging to the exact dimensions required. Features can be incorporated easily into basic net designs to include security tabs, pop-up mechanisms, folding wings and cardboard zips. Smart design eradicates the necessity for layers and void fillers and it doesn’t necessarily cost more. If you want to see an example of smart design in action, take a look at The Packaging Club's FlyPak.

4. Implement a Return and Reuse Programme

In their quest to adopt a zero-waste strategy, an increasing number of businesses are adopting return and reuse programmes, as well as offering repair or collection services.

Return and reuse doesn't just work with electrical components, furniture or clothes, it also works for packaging. Though not without challenges, pioneering circular packaging initiatives are having increasing success, especially amongst eco-savvy customers and those given incentives to participate in returning their used boxes and envelopes, or those offered the choice as to whether they want to opt for returnable packaging or not. Get people used to an idea and before long, there will be a sea change.

Return and Reuse programmes do rely on customer buy-in (as well as other obstacles – sanitising being just one), but with customer buy-in comes customer collaboration and greater levels of communication and loyalty and it's widely recognised that these programmes are “an effective instrument towards a zero-waste future.”

5. Optimise Warehouse and Storage Solutions

In the battle for zero-waste thought should be given to how warehouse space is used. Poor inventory management as well as holding onto excess or seasonal inventory translates into squandered storage capacity and high holding costs.

Reducing the amount of inventory (in this case, packaging materials) kept at any one time by tracking consumer consumption habits, as well as ensuring that the packaging that is on hand is the right sort for the job, is hugely important when it comes to reducing levels of waste, as is using the best storage practices, for example stackable and reusable storage containers. 

6. Educate and Train Your Team

Ensure that staff are trained to pack in the most efficient way possible. This might entail specialised training, or it might mean investing in packaging automation machines which dispense exactly the right amount of material needed and not a millimetre more.

It’s not just those doing the packing that need to be trained. Educate your whole team on zero-waste practices and the importance of sustainability. Empower employees at every level so they feel actively encouraged to suggest improvements and innovations. Maybe a green team could be established specifically to oversee waste reduction initiatives, both big and small.

7. Partner with Sustainable Suppliers

If you’re serious about zero-waste, then reassuring yourself that your suppliers adhere to sustainable practices is vital. Select those who offer eco-friendly packaging materials and if your current suppliers can’t or won’t, choose ones who do and will. It might also be wise to review and audit their practices from time to time to make absolutely certain that you continue to be on the same zero-waste page.

It’s possible to develop long-term relationships with partners who share sustainability goals, consequently building up whole supply chains based on the circular model. Sustainable supply chains benefit everybody, ecologically and financially. Socially responsible practices - or as they have come to be known, corporate social responsibility - improve the quality of the environment and people’s lives and moreover, they support the long-term growth of an equitable global economy.

8. Utilise Packaging Consolidation Techniques

Consolidation is the name of the game when it comes to zero-waste. Combining multiple items into a single package is one of the best ways in which to reduce material use.

Consolidation can be achieved in two ways. Firstly, bundling strategies can be implemented in order to minimise the number of packages shipped thus saving materials and reducing CO2 emissions. 

Secondly, packaging can be utilised which has been designed to transport items of different shapes and sizes safely and securely, whether at the same time (i.e., bundling) or as a ‘one type fits all’ package for a variety of products.

Finally, packaging can be designed with multi-use purposes in mind: transport then storage, for example. The internet is awash with frivolous examples (a box containing tins of cat food that transforms into a playhouse for cat), but behind the frivolity there is a serious message: Don’t throw it away, repurpose and/or reuse it.

9. Enhance Material Recyclability

As businesses, it is our responsibility to help customers reuse and recycle by labelling packaging with the appropriate recycling information and making sure that it is clear, accessible and easy to understand. 

The main thing is to use materials in the first place that are widely accepted into waste management programmes and to avoid mixed materials that are difficult to separate and recycle. But if packaging is a little harder to recycle, provide instructions on how to go about doing so. If necessary, this could be detailed on a company’s website accessed via a QR code printed on the package itself.

10. Monitor, Measure and Improve

If you aren’t able to achieve zero-waste in one fell swoop, rest assured that small steps add up. At the same time, be honest with your customers about both your limitations and the direction in which you’re heading. This can reap its own rewards in a marketplace where transparency and integrity are proving more important to consumers than ever before.

Once a state of zero-waste has been achieved, then resting on laurels is not an option. Optimising then minimising packaging and eradicating waste is just the tip of the iceberg. Continuously tracking how your packaging is performing, noticing shifts in consumer habits as well as keeping an eye on recycling rates will ensure that zero-waste becomes a viable constant rather than a trendy phase.

Set measurable goals and regularly review your progress, then, based on hard data and feedback, adjust your strategy accordingly to improve continually.

11. Implement Digital Labelling and Documentation

Transforming to digital brings enormous benefits, financially and environmentally, and labelling and documentation make up the tip of this iceberg. Here, we examine a few reasons why switching to digital labelling and documentation can be so successful from a zero-waste point of view.

Conventional, flexographic label printing gives excellent results and large print runs are often fast and efficient. However, there are two major downsides. Firstly, it’s wasteful; once the plates and rubber blankets needed for a print run have been used, they are simply thrown away. Secondly, it isn’t possible to make amendments, however minor. If mistakes are made, or customer feedback dictates adjustments or revisions, then additional plates have to be made and the process has to start all over again from the very beginning. 

In contrast, digital printing – where the label design is transferred from an electronic file to a digital printer - means a level of unparalleled control over any print run, however big or small. This enables you to customise every print run and make tweaks if necessary. You can also print exactly what you need, when you need it which leads to fast turnaround times, perfect when responding to consumer trends and seasonal variations. So no wasted plates, plus digital printing requires 4x less ink.

Most of us have been receiving our bank statements online for a considerable time and there's no reason why we packaging documentation can't switch to digital. Digital documentation has as many benefits as digital labelling. It means that both the business AND the customer have easier and faster file accessibility and retrieval, which will inevitably lead to better customer service and collaboration as well as improved accountability and transparency. Going paperless also saves on resources - not just paper, but also ink and manpower – and it means increased security in transit.

12. Focus on increasing brand loyalty

Focusing on increasing brand loyalty and implementing zero-waste packaging strategies should go hand in hand as both are mutually beneficial. When a business shows itself to be aiming for a zero-waste culture, brand loyalty increases and with increasing brand loyalty, comes even more opportunity to work with consumers and to showcase how your business is sustainable, thus cementing its good reputation further and gaining the trust of consumers who will hopefully become repeat customers.

A business should therefore aim for its packaging materials to showcase both its brand logo and its ecological credentials as both increase visibility and appeal. Since branding and sustainability affect customer perception, linking the two makes sense and plays a key role in increasing customers' overall confidence in a company's environmental integrity. You want your consumers to buy your products and feel good doing so.

It might well be that increasing brand loyalty by adjusting packaging to be more sustainable - or even obviously sustainable - could incur up-front costs. But don't be daunted, this is a long-term investment that will pay off. Consumers are willing to pay more if they know that a company is environmentally proactive. According to a Vypr survey, the majority of British consumers are happy with higher prices if a company proves that it is truly ecologically minded. Only a third, however, believe that companies are doing enough to be sustainable so make sure both your business's packaging and branding demonstrate quite clearly that you are.

13. Adopt a Circular Economy Approach

Adopting a circular economy approach means eschewing the make, use, discard mindset and instead, embracing the reuse, repair, regenerate model. The philosophy behind the circular economy is to extend the lifespan of products so as to avoid extracting natural resources and not to consume the resources we already have wastefully. Recycling is an important part of the circular economy, but single use is discouraged. In fact, a circular economic model aims for the repeated reuse of items with recycling taking place as a last resort or where strictly necessary and straightforward, e.g., aluminium cans.

Working towards a circular economy approach isn't particularly difficult or expensive. A simple way to begin is to reduce packaging size, so accumulatively, far less space ends up being used during transit. Nowadays, eco-friendly void fillers and inserts are also easily obtainable.

Avoiding single-use packaging and instead, investing in quality, durable packaging is also a good place to start and where there is no viable alternative to plastic packaging, then ensuring it's recycled or able to be recycled is preferable over using virgin stock. It might even be that a plant-based alternative could be possible.

14. Utilise renewable Energy Sources in Packaging Processes

Whatever the size of your business, it’s worth considering switching to a part or whole renewable energy source. The cost and logistics might be dependant on several factors (structural integrity of building, location, etc.), but there's a lot of free expert advice out there (e.g., The Renewable Energy Hub, U.K.)

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources: wind, solar energy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean energy and bioenergy (when organic matter is burned as a fuel). The beauty of these energy sources is that they are replenished at a higher rate than they’re consumed.

It might seem too complex to be worth making the switch to renewables, but the field of renewable energy is one which is constantly developing and the upshot is that the cost of installing commercial renewable energy equipment is becoming far more affordable and utilising renewable energy sources can be a smart business strategy. It could help contribute to building up the good name of your brand, appeal to investors and also, provide some degree of energy certainty in a market which can be extremely volatile. Plus, not only will you significantly reduce your carbon footprint and become energy independent, but you may well be able to sell back to the grid any surplus power, making your business money and more marketable at the same time.

15. Incorporate Modular Packaging Designs

If you’re a business that has product combinations and configurations like components or multipacks, designing and developing modular packaging is one way in which you can significantly cut down on your levels of waste.

Modular design is all about creating packaging units that are specifically tailored to fit a product or products. It's typically employed when working with a family of products (i.e., sent in the same box), or when packaging is needed for one specific item only and so to avoid extra packaging (and waste), it’s best that the packaging subdivides in order to be both suitable and cost effective.

Some businesses are in a position to offer significant savings to customers by encouraging them to place multiple product orders and, in these instances, modular packaging is the perfect option. It enables a business to consolidate their shipments and, once delivered, it enables customers to disassemble and sort out packaging materials for recycling far more easily. Modular packaging means flexibility, versatility and sustainability.

16. Promote Minimalist Packaging

Look at a plethora of products in today's market place and it's obvious that minimalist packaging fits the current trend of less is more. In direct contrast to overcomplicated, fussy designs, a minimal approach to packaging means shedding any excessive layers, non-recyclable materials and unnecessary frills. Designers of minimalist packaging often make use of organic materials which mirror the natural qualities of the products and resonate with environmentally aware consumers. Minimal design coupled with minimal packaging makes a powerful statement, especially to consumers who consider sustainability before making a purchase not to mention that less packaging means adaptability, especially when responding to fast-paced, evolving market demands.

In a crowded market place, this style makes products stand out for all the right reasons and the environmental benefits of minimal packaging are just as good as the aesthetic ones. For example, packaging that focuses on one or two material types alone means that energy consumption during production is drastically reduced. Additionally, minimal packaging is more lightweight and compact, reducing volume and weight during transit which is a surefire way of reducing carbon footprint.

17. Collaborate with Eco-Friendly Logistics Providers

Ensuring the values of your suppliers and distributors align with your own is one way of making sure that your move towards zero-waste has more impact. Not only are you doing your due diligence, but by choosing logistics providers who are professional and eco-friendly, you’re encouraging and supporting the proliferation of circular economy ideals and looking beyond your four walls to acknowledge the bigger picture.

Go for couriers who have proven greener delivery options. Have they increased their fleet efficiency by expanding the use of low-carbon fuels? Perhaps they're in the process of scaling electric and alternative fuel vehicles? Do they have sustainable transport methods and energy sources? Who are their partners and how are they going about shaping their own greener futures?

We all have to start somewhere and collaboration is key. Be on the lookout to support those logistics companies who have not only embraced green technologies and adopted energy-efficient designs, but also those who are on the road to improvement.

18. Encourage Customer Feedback on Packaging

You’ve got your sustainable packaging in place and you're happy with your sustainable logistics providers. What now?

A good next step would be to ask your customers how they feel about your zero-waste packaging and how easy it is to reuse or recycle. It might be clear to you that it’s 100% reusable or recyclable, but is this message as clear to them? And if they are reusing or recycling it, are they aware of the environmental benefits of doing so? Remember, if you don't ask, you won't know and there must be both incentive and support for your consumer so reusing and recycling becomes second nature to them.

An even deeper dive into customer opinion will always be worthwhile. What motivates your customers to use recyclable packaging? Is it an intuitive, normal process for them or do they feel they have to go out of their way? Do they find technology - like QR codes - overwhelming and is this a stumbling block? Do they get on with digital documentation? Do they understand reuse systems? Perhaps, when it comes to placing an order, they’d prefer options on packaging. After all, different parts of the county have different recycling infrastructures and people are at different stages of eco-consciousness.

A business aiming for zero-waste should let their customers know that they're serious about the environment and committed to being sustainable for the long haul. Obvious ongoing commitment, making a point of explaining what you’re doing and why, as well as asking for feedback, creates resonance, fosters familiarity and builds strong bonds.

19. Develop an In-House Recycling Programme

Businesses in the U.K. generate a lot of waste, but the type of waste depends on the type of business. So, the first thing to do when creating an in-house recycling programme is a waste audit. Much like a packaging audit, a waste audit will identify just what you’ve got to deal with. Essentially, it whittles down your waste management requirements and informs you what exactly and how much you and your employees are throwing away.

Once a waste audit has been carried out, you’ll have a good idea of the waste streams you’re going to need to provide for. These could range from confidential paper, plastic bottles, mixed glass, food waste, printer cartridges to electrical items. Don't forget to communicate with your staff about your environmental targets. Are they onboard? Hopefully, the answer will be yes and if so, the next step is to hire a waste collection and disposal company. Whomever you select, make sure they have a waste carrier’s license and, as you would with any business contract, run through terms and conditions carefully so as to avoid any surprising extras. You might, for example, want to know whether you can terminate your contract if you’re not happy with the service or if there's an unexpected price increase. Once that's squared away, you can finally have fun choosing your recycling bins.

A word of caution. As with any initiative, an in-house recycling programme will have to be measured and monitored, so think ahead and make sure this task has been accounted for. After all, you want the programme to be beneficial, not just a box ticking exercise.

20. Stay updated with Industry Innovations in Sustainable Packaging

Prioritise time given over to keeping up to date with industry innovations in sustainable packaging. Subscribe to newsletters, magazines, blogs, podcasts and social media accounts that cover topics such as packaging design and innovation, materials, technology, regulations and market trends.

Seek out companies with similar environmental values to yours and see what they’re doing. Share information. Be generous with your own ideas and initiatives and consider creating platforms to share resources (and customers). The packaging industry is competitive and though not always straightforward, collaboration can be a win-win situation, especially if businesses are able to work together to lay the groundwork for standards that will benefit the industry as a whole.

A good place to keep informed is The Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s website. Even if you don’t become a member, this organisation – which has 550+ members - has valuable information on upcoming events and news from within the industry. It also has a bank of resources available to download.

Zero Excuses to Wasteful Packaging

Of course, implementing a zero-waste packaging strategy is all about saving the environment, but just as importantly, it's about protecting and benefitting your business, maximising its financial potential and viability now and in the future.

If you implement these 20 steps, not only will you reduce your waste footprint, but you’ll also appeal to eco-conscious consumers, cut costs and re-energise your operation. And however far along you are on the zero-waste road, the cumulative effect should never underestimated.

There's zero excuse. Start today. Make a positive impact on the planet and your business and if you want to know how exactly The Packaging Club can help you take meaningful steps towards becoming zero-waste, talk to us now.

Tags

Eco Friendly Packaging Sustainability Zero Waste

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email

---