According to the International Trade Administration, Europe ranks as the third-largest retail e-commerce market globally, generating $631.9 billion in revenue in 2023. With a robust CAGR of 9.31%, this growth is accelerating, and by 2027, retail e-commerce sales in Europe are projected to soar to $902.3 billion.

As e-commerce continues to thrive in Europe, the demand for packaging for goods transportation is surging. However, this has also led to a significant increase in packaging waste. According to Eurostat, packaging waste in the EU has been steadily rising from 2010 to 2021, with the average per capita waste reaching 188.7 kilograms in 2021. The majority of this waste comes from "paper and cardboard," followed by plastic and glass.

Packaging is a highly visible contributor to land contamination and has emerged as a major challenge for the e-commerce industry in its pursuit of sustainability. To tackle this pressing issue, brands can explore a range of innovative environmentally friendly packaging options and strategies designed to promote sustainability in e-commerce packaging.

9 Eco-Friendly Packaging Ideas for Ecommerce

1.Use Sustainable Packaging Materials

Recycled Cardboard

Recycled cardboard is a popular sustainable packaging material for eCommerce shipping parcels. Made from post-consumer waste, this material is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Many online retailers use cardboard boxes as sustainable shipping boxes to ship a variety of products, from clothing and electronics to books and home goods. The sturdy nature of recycled cardboard provides excellent protection during transit while reducing the environmental impact of packaging.

Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

Biodegradable packing peanuts, often made from cornstarch or potato starch, offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic peanuts. These packing materials dissolve in water and break down naturally, leaving no harmful residues. Companies use biodegradable packing peanuts to cushion fragile items such as glassware, electronics, or delicate collectibles. This material ensures items arrive intact while minimizing waste and environmental harm.

Compostable Mailers

Compostable mailers are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch or bamboo fiber and are designed to decompose in composting conditions. These mailers are often used for shipping lightweight items such as apparel, accessories, or small household goods. After use, compostable mailers can be disposed of in composting facilities, contributing to a circular economy and reducing landfill waste.

Reusable Fabric Bags

Reusable fabric bags, made from materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester, provide a sustainable option for packaging that can be repurposed by customers. These bags are commonly used to ship items such as groceries, gifts, or personal care products. Their durability ensures they can be used multiple times, reducing the need for single-use packaging and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Inflatable Pillows

Inflatable pillows, made from air-filled plastic pouches, offer a lightweight and protective packaging solution for eCommerce shipments. These pillows are often used to cushion and secure fragile items such as electronics, glassware, or delicate collectibles. When deflated, they take up minimal space, which helps reduce shipping costs and storage. Additionally, many inflatable pillows are made from recyclable materials, making them a more sustainable choice compared to traditional plastic fillers.

Corrugated Bubble Wrap

Corrugated bubble wrap combines the cushioning power of traditional bubble wrap with the strength of corrugated cardboard. This material is ideal for protecting delicate items during shipping, such as ceramics, electronics, or artwork. The corrugated layer provides added strength and rigidity, while the bubble wrap layer offers cushioning. Corrugated bubble wrap is often made from recycled materials and can be recycled or repurposed after use, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to standard bubble wrap.

2.Reduce Plastic Use - Minimize the use of plastic tapes for sealing

Sealing tape plays a crucial role in packaging, ensuring that product packages remain secure. However, traditional plastic tapes are not eco-friendly and contribute significantly to e-commerce packaging waste in the EU. To address this issue, reducing the use of plastic tapes is a key focus for achieving sustainability in e-commerce. A viable alternative is water-activated tape made from kraft paper, which is both recyclable and biodegradable. Water-activated tape forms a stronger, more durable bond than conventional tapes because it activates its adhesive with water, creating a lasting seal with just one application. This not only reduces the need for multiple layers of tape but also cuts down on tape costs and sealing time.

3.Reduce Package Size and Weight

To move towards more sustainable packaging solutions, brands should reconsider their product packaging strategies. By minimizing excess space and reducing the weight of packaging, companies can tackle environmental waste and improve transportation efficiency. For e-commerce, it’s ideal to use packaging that is appropriately sized for the product and includes only essential materials.

A notable example is Apple, which significantly reduced the size of their packaging starting in 2020 for the iPhone 12 and Apple Watch Series 6 by omitting charging adapters. This adjustment allowed Apple to fit 70% more products onto shipping pallets, thereby reducing transportation emissions.

4.Use Inkless Thermal Printer for Shipping Labels

For printing the shipping labels, companies can choose inkjet printers, laser printers and thermal printers. Inkjet and laser printers, while effective, have notable drawbacks when it comes to shipping labels. Inkjet printers require ink cartridges that contribute to plastic waste and often involve frequent replacements. Laser printers use toner cartridges, which also contribute to environmental waste and require substantial energy to produce.

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In the quest for more sustainable packaging solutions for eCommerce, utilizing inkless thermal printers for shipping labels offers a significant advantage. Unlike traditional inkjet or laser printers, inkless thermal shipping label printers use heat to produce high-quality, smudge-proof labels without the need for ink or toner, ensuring that shipping information remains clear throughout the delivery process. This not only eliminates the environmental impact associated with ink and toner cartridges but also reduces waste and energy consumption.

5.Use BPA Free Thermal Papers for Shipping Labels

Adopting BPA-free thermal paper for shipping labels is a crucial step toward sustainable eCommerce packaging. Traditional thermal papers often contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that poses environmental and health risks. BPA can leach into the environment during production and disposal, contributing to pollution and potential harm to wildlife. In contrast, BPA-free thermal shipping label is a safer, more eco-friendly alternative that eliminates these concerns.

Using BPA-free thermal paper not only reduces the environmental impact but also enhances the safety of handling and recycling packaging materials. This paper is designed to be free from harmful chemicals, making it a responsible choice for eCommerce businesses committed to sustainability. By integrating BPA-free thermal paper into your packaging process, you not only ensure compliance with environmental regulations but also protect your customers and the planet from the adverse effects of BPA.

6.Opt for Carbon-Neutral Shipping

The e-commerce industry can't grow without logistics and transportation, but the process of transportation emits large amounts of black carbon, which affects the carbon dioxide in the air. To reduce carbon emissions from the e-commerce industry, more and more online brands are engaging in sustainable practices, including choosing carbon neutral shipping.

Carbon neutrality means having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks. Carbon neutral shipping aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with parcel shipping. As carbon dioxide is one of the main causes of climate change, switching to carbon-neutral shipping brings us one step closer to helping to protect the environment and is an important exercise in helping to monitor carbon dioxide emissions.

7.Ship Goods in Bulk

By consolidating multiple items into a single shipment, businesses can minimize the amount of packaging materials required, such as boxes, fillers, and sealing tape. This approach not only reduces the consumption of raw materials but also decreases the overall volume of waste generated.

Furthermore, bulk shipping reduces the frequency and number of deliveries, leading to fewer transportation trips and, consequently, lower greenhouse gas emissions. Fewer shipments mean less fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact, making bulk shipping an efficient and sustainable choice for eCommerce. By adopting bulk shipping practices, businesses can enhance their eco-friendly credentials while also optimizing logistics and cost-effectiveness.

8.Local Sourcing - Reducing Total Corporate Carbon Emissions

Shipping international products often leads to higher carbon emissions due to the extensive transportation required, whether by air, sea, or land. To mitigate this environmental impact, sourcing materials locally is a strategic approach that not only speeds up delivery times and reduces costs but also significantly lowers a company’s overall carbon footprint. By choosing local suppliers, businesses can cut down on long-distance shipping, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions associated with global transport.

9.Pass On the Environmental Protection Concept to Customers

Today, consumers increasingly associate brand loyalty with sustainability. Let your customers know about your commitment to sustainability - right on the packaging itself. Posting a sustainability statement about your packaging on your website will help pass on the environmental protection concept to consumers. You can then also put a QR code on the packaging that customers can easily scan to view the web page containing detailed information about the packaging, including the source of the material and its advantages over traditional plastics.

Embracing these 9 environmentally friendly packaging ideas is more than just a commitment to sustainability—it’s a strategic move that can drive eCommerce success. By adopting sustainable packaging practices, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, appeal to eco-conscious consumers, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Sustainable packaging not only aligns with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products but also leads to cost savings, enhanced brand loyalty, and improved operational efficiency. As the eCommerce landscape continues to evolve, integrating these sustainable solutions will not only contribute to a healthier planet but also position your business for long-term success and growth.

FAQs

Will environmentally friendly packaging increase my packaging costs?

In some cases, eco-friendly packaging may have higher upfront costs compared to traditional packaging materials. However, these costs can be offset by the long-term benefits, such as reduced waste, lower shipping expenses due to lighter and more efficient packaging, and potential bulk savings. In addition, investing in sustainable packaging can enhance your brand's reputation, attract eco-conscious customers, and potentially increase sales. Over time, the cost of eco-friendly packaging can balance out or even lead to savings as sustainability becomes an integral part of your business strategy.

Do customers prefer eco-friendly packaging?

Yes. According to NIQ’s 2023 CPG Sustainability Report, 92% of customers say sustainability is important when choosing a brand today. In fact, studies also show that a significant portion of consumers are willing to pay more for products that come in sustainable packaging, making it a competitive advantage for businesses that adopt environmentally friendly practices.

What strategies should I follow to implement environmentally friendly packaging?

The 5R Strategy: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and renew.

Refuse unnecessary packaging materials and excess packaging to minimize waste from the start.

Reduce the amount of packaging used by optimizing sizes and materials to cut down on overall consumption.

Reuse packaging materials whenever possible, such as repurposing boxes or using reusable containers.

Recycle materials that cannot be reused, ensuring they are processed correctly to be turned into new products.

Renew by opting for renewable resources, such as plant-based or sustainably sourced materials, which have a lower environmental impact compared to non-renewable options. 

What qualifies as biodegradable material?

Biodegradable materials are those that can naturally break down into non-toxic components through the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, within a relatively short time frame. For a material to be considered biodegradable, it must decompose into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass without leaving harmful residues in the environment. Common examples of biodegradable materials include plant-based plastics, paper, cardboard, and certain types of packaging made from organic materials like cornstarch or bamboo. The key factor is that these materials decompose naturally and safely, reducing environmental impact compared to non-biodegradable alternatives like traditional plastics.