If you’re running a business, no matter what size, chances are you have to use packaging at some point. In this post, you’ll find five simple steps to switch your business to biodegradable packaging. For many customers, plastic has rightly become a bone of contention.
Why Use Biodegradable Packaging?
The question, “why wouldn’t you use biodegradable packaging” is probably an easier one to answer. There is no reason you would choose not to switch! Your customers will prefer it, the planet needs you to switch and making the change will future-proof your business when regulations inevitably become tighter.
There are endless horrifying facts about the effects of plastic packaging both on our health and the environment, so I won’t dwell on those too much. I’ll outline just a few shocking truths: plastic chemicals can be absorbed by the body and 93% of Americans age six or older test positive for BPA (a plastic chemical). Virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some shape or form. Think back to all the times you’ve taken out your household rubbish. Shocking, right? Plastic accounts for around 10% of the total waste we generate, so now is the time to change.
Plastic accounts for around 10 percent of the total waste we generate.
– EcoWatch
1. Order Biodegradable Packaging
So you’ve decided to switch your business to biodegradable packaging. Now all you have to do is redesign your packaging and order it. Maybe your business delivers takeaway food or you serve drinks at a local market? There are so many reasons to switch to eco-friendly food packaging alternatives. We splash out nearly £30 billion each year on delivered dinners in Britain, so your decision to switch to biodegradable takeaway packaging will help to reduce the amount of needless plastic polluting our planet.
Order: Switch to Biodegradable Takeaway Packaging
2. Phase Out Old Packaging
Once you have ordered your beautiful new biodegradable packaging, now you need to phase out your old boxes, labels, wrapping etc. This will take time and change rarely happens overnight. Be patient and know that you have made a positive change. You can communicate your sustainable business journey with your customers, they will appreciate your open and honest approach. Transparency is always key.
An example of this in action can be found on the Ace & Tate Website. They are being very honest about being work-in-progress. Making glasses isn’t great for the environment. Every frame produced, every lens that’s cut and every package that’s shipped is connected to natural resources — so we need to do our best to reduce our impact (we like living on this planet, after all). It’s okay to not be perfect, as long as you’re making positive progress.
3. Gradually Begin Delivering Your New Packaging
Once you’ve phased out your old packaging, start delivering your sustainable choice. This is a very exciting step and one your regular customers will no doubt pick up on.
Try delivering your new packaging quietly at first to make sure your process is seamless.
4. Officially Introduce Your New Packaging To Customers
So, you’ve created your new biodegradable packaging and feel confident your have your process running smoothly. Now is the time to officially announce that your business has new packaging. It’s good to acknowledge your companies progress and celebrate a step in the right direction. Be happy you’ve reached a positive milestone!
5. Encourage Your Customers To Share
When you announce that you have switched to biodegradable packaging, you might like to encourage your customers to share their parcel. Add your brand’s hashtag to your packaging to prompt customers to tweet or share an unboxing video on social media. This will promote a sense of community and hopefully inspire competitors to follow in your green footsteps! Going green is good for business and the planet.
Stay fabulous
Christine
Photography by Annie Spratt
