How Custom Packaging Can Help You Improve Your Sustainability
As awareness around climate change and grows, brands are increasingly expected to take responsibility for the packaging they put on to the market. Today’s consumers are more informed about the environment and many now identify more with companies that adopt sustainable practices.
Plus, with Plastic Packaging Tax and EPR legislation already in play in the UK, businesses needed to scrutinise their packaging more than ever for to avoid significant costs for packaging that isn’t eco-friendly.
Businesses need to assess their packaging strategies for long-term sustainability and compliance with legislation in mind. Enter custom packaging. While you may think custom packaging is more expensive, it can be key to driving cost and environmental efficiencies.
In this article, we’ll review how custom packaging can help you improve your sustainability and steps to implement sustainable custom packaging. You’ll also see a real-life example of how custom packaging helped one of our customers reduce the packaging waste and CO2e.
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How custom packaging supports sustainability
On the face of it, opting for custom packaging can seem like the more expensive choice. But packaging that’s tailored to your product and business needs can ensure you’re minimising your environmental impact, while protecting your profits and reputation.
If you chose packaging that’s tailored to your business, it enables you to consider the full life cycle of the packaging. From the material it’s made from and the design to its supply chain journey through to end of life, you have control over the process. This allows you to opt for the most sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions. It also gives you the opportunity to brand it.
Packaging that’s just the right size for your products will offer optimal protection while minimising waste, cutting transport CO2e and enable more effective recycling.
The benefits of sustainable custom packaging
While it’s important to focus on the reduced environmental impact of sustainable custom packaging, there are plenty of other areas that would also benefit:
- Enhanced customer experience – Consumers care more about sustainable packaging than ever before. Brands that use sustainable materials and clear disposal instructions will be viewed more positively.
- Customer loyalty – If your customers are conscious of value-led business, highlighting your commitment to long-term sustainability will build trust
- Cost efficiencies – Optimised packaging designs will reduce material usage and waste. If your packaging solution is appropriately sized, you’ll also benefit from reduced carbon emissions during transit.
- Legislation and regulation – The UK has many evolving regulations that focus on packaging and sustainability. Custom packaging allows you to build a solution that will work perfectly for your business and meet any requirements.
Steps to implement sustainable custom packaging
If you’d like to embrace more sustainable packaging practices, here are a few steps you can take to implement sustainable custom packaging:
- Consider what’s important for your business
Each business is difference. The sustainability priorities of one business and your target audience can vary vastly compared to other companies. If you have overall ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals covering large sites or even multiple locations, figuring out what area is crucial to you is necessary. Are you looking to reduce carbon emissions? Maybe you’d like to minimise waste or use less plastic? Is having all kerbside recyclable packaging your key aim?
While it is possible to hit all these points, knowing your business problem areas will give you a great place to start.
- Review your current packaging
Take time to assess the materials and design of your current solution. Now is a great time to consider what consumer feedback you’re getting, visiting online review websites or social media unboxings will show you your customers’ experience.
- Implement immediate improvements
While the benefits of a custom sustainable solution would be amazing right away, you still need to account for development and implementation.
If, through your research, you’ve noticed small wins like consumers not knowing how to dispose of your packaging, think of how you could solve this now through simple messaging on stickers or thank you cards.
- Partner with a packaging expert
Figuring out the perfect sustainable solution can be tricky, but working with a partner like Macfarlane Packaging allows you to benefit from industry experience and insights. We can help you develop the perfect solution to reflect your brand, and your commitment to sustainability.
Case study: Childrensalon’s sustainable packaging journey
Childrensalon was seeking ways to reduce packaging waste and enhance operational efficiency without compromising their luxury brand experience.
The Solution
Macfarlane Packaging worked closely with the Childrensalon team to redesign key transit cartons and develop new luxury gift boxes. The optimisations ensured less material was used, removed unnecessary space and increased recycled content used to make the boxes.
The Results
- The solution removed 54 tonnes of material and 44 tonnes of CO2e from Childrensalon’s supply chain each year
- Significant reduction in packaging waste
- Enhanced unboxing experience aligned with their luxury brand image
- Improved warehouse productivity
- A strong alignment with the company’s sustainability values
“Macfarlane Packaging really understood our brand and our goals. We’ve made huge strides in sustainability while still delivering the luxury experience our customers expect.”
– Childrensalon representative
Starting your journey to sustainable custom packaging
Custom packaging doesn’t have to be complex. And it can drastically improve your sustainability. If you want to get started with your sustainable packaging journey, Macfarlane Packaging is here to help.
We can offer a broad range of custom packaging solutions, design just for your business. From facilities like our Innovation Labs to access to thousands of packaging products, we can help you ensure your packaging is eco-friendly, benefitting your business and the environment. Speak to our expert team today.