Ecological packaging materials for e-commerce

The goal for e-commerce is, for most of the time, to deliver to customers on time. From the point of view of the e-merchant, a real challenge is imposed in recent years – it is a question of balancing speed of delivery with the carbon footprint.

While your first instinct is to prioritize the end result, it is important to remember that your customers are actually increasingly interested in environmentally friendly delivery options and are waiting for information on the subject… According to a survey by Dotcom Distribution, a US supplier of logistics solutions for commerce, 61% of consumers take account into the ecological nature of packaging when they shop online and 57% consider these packages important.

That is why here we are discussing about some ecological materials for an environmental friendly packaging…

Try soy-based ink

Did you know that many types of ink are petroleum-based and contain volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment? Soy based ink is a natural alternative! This vegetable-based solution is often cheaper and perfect for vibrant color printing. Green is not dull…

Take biodegradable and compostable materials

You will be able to act, but also to communicate with your customers by opting for durable packaging materials. According to The Guardian, some companies choose to use compostable materials based on corn starch or sorghum, while others like Dell, Crate, Barrel and Puma use the Ecovative – a high-tech packaging company’s mushroom materials.

Select appropriate packaging

Packaging cartons are the backbone of e-commerce shipping. This being the case, each product does not need to be used. As a customer, it is often disconcerting to receive a small product in a large box. In addition to not being practical it is a considerable waste. Shipping options such as cardboard envelopes, bubble envelopes, kraft paper, tubes etc. respond to this problem, even when it comes to bulky items like clothes. Generating a packaging SKU system to adapt to different products may help a lot.

Opt for the phenomenon of the Box

Following the example of Amazon, which has been a huge success in the last two years, grouping items into a single package has two advantages: you send fewer packages and can reduce a large part of the packaging material. If customers tend to buy a multitude of small items on your online store, grouping these items together is an effective way to send your products in style… Your customer will be very enthusiastic when opening his package, when his products will appear suddenly under his eyes, and, in an abundant style!

Pay attention to the customer’s choice

In addition to offering your customers eco-friendly packaging materials, offer them the option of choosing eco-friendly shipping options, can be a good way for both economizing the package and reinforcing the customer communication. As mentioned in the online magazine <Entrepreneur>: – To avoid customer dissatisfaction and abandonment of shopping cart, e-merchants should offer additional delivery choices. – The expedition is important, offering more options than standard or expedited shipping allows a consumer to select the best option for himself and the planet.