Sustainability has emerged as the new hot trend in the global business landscape for all the good reasons. While global business is booming, the business fraternity is equally conscious of the repercussions the world is facing due to conventional business practices.
When it comes to waste generation from the shipping industry, packaging ranks the chart as plastic becomes the ultimate culprit for all the ground, water, and air pollution. The non-degradable plastic directly leads to a spike in greenhouse gas emissions and the fuel emissions from the heavyweight shipping industry clearly call for taking immediate actions towards embracing sustainable packaging.
While the last-mile delivery trend is at an all-time high and demands businesses to swiftly cater to the increasing demand for green packaging among consumers, let’s explore the sustainable alternatives for packaging in the shipping and logistics industry in this blog.
What Does Sustainable Packaging Exactly Mean in Heavyweight Shipping?
Sustainable packaging is basically using materials and methods that reduce environmental impact while delivering products. It involves choosing packaging materials that are eco-friendly, like biodegradable plastics, recycled paper, or compostable materials.
The aim is to minimize waste and pollution throughout the supply chain, from production to disposal. This means designing packaging that uses fewer resources, generates less carbon emissions, and can be easily recycled or reused. By adopting sustainable packaging practices, companies can lower their environmental footprint, conserve natural resources, and contribute to a healthier planet. It’s about finding the balance between protecting goods during transportation while also preserving the environment for future generations.
A new trend is emerging in the global shipping and logistics industry, which involves green and sustainable logistics. The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023 revealed that green logistics is growing bigger in demand, with 75% of shippers eagerly exploring environment-friendly options while exporting to high-income countries.
How Can Any Shipping Company Gradually Make a Transition Towards Sustainable Packaging?
A gradual transition to sustainable packaging is possible by first assessing its current packaging practices and identifying areas for improvement. This might involve researching and testing alternative packaging materials that are more environmentally friendly, such as recycled cardboard or biodegradable plastics.
Further, they can gradually introduce reusable packaging options and encourage customers to return packaging materials for reuse. Training employees on proper packaging techniques and educating customers about the importance of sustainability can also help with the overall transition.
Over time, monitor the effectiveness of these changes and make further adjustments as needed to align with its sustainability goals, ultimately reducing its impact on the environment while maintaining the quality and safety of shipped items in the last-mile delivery process.
Steps Towards Sustainable Packaging: Exploring Green Alternatives in Heavyweight Shipping
Biodegradable Packaging
Utilize packaging materials that are biodegradable, such as bioplastic, compostable materials, or plant-based packaging. These options break down naturally, reducing environmental impact.
Recycled Materials
Opt for packaging materials made from recycled content, including recycled cardboard, paper, or even recycled plastics. The utilization of recycled materials will lead to reduction in waste generation and better use of resources.
Reusable Packaging
Implement reusable packaging solutions whenever possible. Containers, crates, and pallets designed for multiple uses can remarkably reduce the amount of packaging waste generated during heavyweight shipping.
Embrace Minimalist Packaging
Embrace minimalist packaging designs that prioritize using only the necessary amount of material to protect the product during transit. Avoid over-packaging and excess padding, which can contribute to unnecessary waste.
Biodegradable Fillers
Instead of traditional packing peanuts or bubble wrap, consider biodegradable alternatives such as shredded paper, air pillows made from compostable materials, or even biodegradable starch-based packing peanuts.
Water-Activated Tape
Switch to water-activated tape for sealing packages. Unlike traditional plastic tape, water-activated tape is made from paper and is fully recyclable and biodegradable.
Innovative Packaging Solutions
Explore innovative packaging solutions such as mushroom packaging (made from mycelium), seaweed-based packaging, or other bio-based materials that offer sustainable alternatives to traditional packaging materials.
Supply Chain Optimization
Streamline your supply chain to minimize the distance travelled by shipments, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation.
By implementing these sustainable packaging alternatives in heavyweight shipping, businesses can largely reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining the integrity and protection of their products during transit.
The Road Ahead
Packaging waste is a universal crisis, and the severity of the problem is highlighted by startling numbers. Worldwide, 412 million tonnes of packaging waste are produced annually, yet only 14% of that garbage is effectively recycled or repurposed into the production cycle. The great majority of the remaining material is disposed of in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems, where it degrades and harms the environment extensively. Specifically, plastic packaging has become notorious for its part in contaminating oceans, threatening marine life, and remaining in the environment for decades.
A single small step towards taking active participation in achieving sustainability today will set the ground for better economic viability tomorrow. The good news is that global leaders in the shipping and logistics industry such as NimbusPost are responding well to adopting the earth-friendly approach and innovation in the new-age technology, which will set the stage for green and sustainable heavyweight shipping in the forthcoming days.
