How Does Implementing Sustainable Packaging Solutions Benefit Your Company?

Packaging becomes integral to your product’s journey once it reaches the market, moving through delivery trucks, store shelves, shopping carts, and eventually into your customers' homes. While it plays a crucial role in setting your brand apart and protecting your products, it also significantly impacts the environment. Many traditional packages are made from plastic and other synthetic materials, contributing to substantial environmental challenges. Less than 50% of the 80 million tons of packaging waste produced yearly in the US alone is recycled. What remains often ends up in landfills or as litter.

Consumers worldwide are moving away from the old 'take, make, dispose' cycle and are urging companies to adopt sustainable practices. As of 2023, about 46% of consumers expect brands to lead in sustainability efforts. Sustainable packaging is a small way to respond to eco-conscious customers' expectations. It’s also a chance to show your genuine concern for the environment.

While it’s clear that they can potentially increase your sales and attract eco-conscious customers, sustainable packaging solutions offer more strategic advantages to your company. Let’s take a look at how it works.

Why Should You Shift to Sustainable Packaging?

Greener packaging options help protect the environment and enhance your business's financial performance. A survey shows that the sustainable packaging market is growing at an annual rate of 7.52%, as many industries recognize the need to change their ways consciously. Government regulations and policies promoting sustainable practices have fueled the growth of the sustainable packaging market.

Here’s how your company can benefit from sustainable packaging solutions:

Sustainable Packaging is Versatile

Regardless of what you need to pack or ship, you can use recyclable materials to create packaging that closely fits the product's shape and leaves as little space inside as possible while providing needed protection. This way, you can transport your products from point A to point B without shifting or getting damaged.

Sustainable packaging also provides the durability to protect bulky items. Double and triple-wall sheets give corrugated packaging the strength and cushioning required to keep these items safe during transit.

Besides its durability, corrugated packaging is easy to cut, fold, and shape into different forms. This flexibility makes it ideal for retail-ready designs. Your company can create visually appealing displays that stand out on store shelves while keeping them practical for transport and storage. 

Partnering with a packaging company that utilizes efficient and responsible production processes lets you create custom packaging that reflects your brand. Your corrugated packaging manufacturer can also offer a range of liner combinations to enhance structural integrity and provide a smoother surface for printing.

Efficient Logistics and Transportation Costs

Is going green more expensive than traditional packaging? Many worry that sustainable corrugated packaging costs more than plastic alternatives. Considering both the short-term and long-term costs when switching to sustainable packaging options is understandable.

Sustainable corrugated packaging is a forward-thinking choice for environmentally friendly, solution-minded, and financial-savvy companies. It is often lighter than other materials and makes efficient use of space. Its stackable design can lower transportation costs by optimizing trips and fuel expenses.

Pallet of corrugated KDF shippers at York Container's Elgin, IL facility.

Durable corrugated packaging can also help reduce the costs associated with returns and replacements due to product damage during transit. Custom-designed corrugated inserts can effectively increase the protection and isolation of your product within the box.

Tip: Choose a corrugated container company with extensive experience creating sustainable packaging to get the most out of your corrugated packaging. They have the materials, advanced methods, and infrastructure to produce high-quality packaging at the right cost.

Improves Brand Image and Attract More Customers

In many ways, a company's success depends on customers' confidence. When customers feel confident about your brand, they are more likely to choose your products, even if there are alternatives on the shelf. This is why we often see conspicuous phrases such as "100% organic," "with Vitamin A," "made from natural ingredients," and—in this case—“made from 100% recycled materials.”

Consumers increasingly favor brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Over 70%  are willing to pay a premium for sustainably produced goods. Customers who see you’ve invested in sustainable packaging associate your company with responsibility, innovation, and forward-thinking values. Switching to sustainable packaging directly boosts customer trust and strengthens your brand image.

Make the Most of Sustainable Packaging with York Container Company

Packaging is meant to contain, transport, and present products, but its environmental impact extends beyond its primary functions. Choosing sustainable packaging solutions means investing in the environment and your company's future success. Select a packaging partner to deliver solutions that meet your needs and enhance your brand's commitment to sustainable practices. 

York Container Company offers decades of experience in creating corrugated packaging. As a part of the Atlantic Packaging (Canada) family, York benefits from the pervasive Atlantic culture of sustainability. We have 100% recycled containerboard paper mills, which proudly manufacture 100% recycled paper to lead the way in environmental responsibility.

Partner with York Container Company to meet your sustainable packaging needs. We’re excited to create custom retail-ready packaging made from recycled materials according to your requirements.