{"id":15444,"date":"2024-04-16T07:30:50","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T14:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/?p=15444"},"modified":"2024-05-08T09:09:26","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T16:09:26","slug":"sustainable-packing-materials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"A List of Non-Plastic Packaging Alternatives and the Challenges They Present Operationally"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A recent consumer poll reported <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/new-data-reveals-consumers-increasingly-choose-products-in-sustainable-packaging-globally-despite-rising-prices-301804273.html#:~:text=Narrowing%20in%20on%20sustainable%20packaging,younger%20consumers%20and%20high%20earners.\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">82% of respondents<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> would be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, which was up four points since 2022. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/fulfillment\/eco-friendly-ecommerce-fulfillment\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sustainable practices<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> across the supply chain are becoming a must-have for some consumer brands.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most ecommerce brands use light weight, plastic <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/dunnage\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">dunnage<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> like air pockets or polybags to pack their products for shipping. There are many reasons that this is the preferred packing material. They are more cost-effective, easier to source at scale, keep products more secure in transit, and less air pockets are needed overall compared to other materials, naturally reducing any manufacturing and shipping which may lower the overall carbon footprint of the product. But plastics are now widely known to be a burden on landfills\u2014they are single-use, and not able to biodegrade making their end-of life path one that is creating more trash.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For brands seeking to increase their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/news\/doing-our-part-to-support-sustainability\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">sustainability efforts<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, non-plastic packaging materials are something to consider. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why Consider Non-Plastic Packing Materials?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While plastic may be ubiquitous, cost-effective, and easy to store and source, it is not the only option. Plastic materials are not always biodegradable and contribute to landfill trash.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alternatives to plastic are growing in popularity and availability. This is due to several factors:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consumer demand\u2014many buyers are looking for brands they know they can trust to make quality decisions that positively impact their community and their world.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regulations\u2014local and federal governments are implementing stricter rules around environmentally friendly business operations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brand image\u2014many ecommerce businesses want it to be known that they are supporting a bigger cause.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are looking for more eco-friendly packaging to make your brand greener, non-plastic materials are a great alternative.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A List of Alternative Packing Materials\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bioplastics. Derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or algae, bioplastics offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. They are biodegradable or compostable, reducing the burden on landfills and oceans, foam, or packing peanut substitutes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Standard Recyclable Materials. Recycled paper, cardboard, or glass can be used to reduce the need for new-raw materials and minimize waste. Many companies are incorporating post-consumer recycled content into their packaging to close the recycling loop.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bio-regenerative Materials. Mushroom, also known as mycelium packaging, is created by growing mycelium (the root structure of mushrooms) around agricultural waste. It is biodegradable, lightweight, and can be molded into various shapes to replace traditional foam packaging. Seaweed is also being used in a similar fashion. These materials are abundant and widely available, with seaweed being particularly prevalent. Bioregenerative materials are typically 100% home compostable, although some may still contain a mixture of fossil fuel polymers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reusable Vessels. Reusable containers, bags, or packaging systems can reduce waste generation and resource consumption. Some companies offer refillable packaging options to encourage consumers to return and refill their containers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Natural Fibers. Bamboo, palm leaves, jute, cotton, and banana leaves are being used to create packaging that is both biodegradable and renewable. These plant-based alternatives offer a sustainable option for single-use packaging.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Paper Based Alternatives. Paper-based packaging is a renewable and recyclable option that is widely used as an alternative to plastics. Additionally, advancements in paper packaging technology have led to innovations like water-based coatings and barrier coatings to enhance recyclability and durability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Disadvantages to Using Non-Plastic Packaging for Ecommerce<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Making changes to your product or packaging, however small they may seem, can have big consequences throughout your business. Your product profile, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/supply-chain\/3pl-sustainable-supply-chain\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">fulfillment flow<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and stage of business may not be a good candidate to add these alternative materials.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are a few big disadvantages to consider when using new packing materials.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Higher Cost Implications\u2014Green Premiums\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sustainable packaging materials often come at a higher cost compared to traditional packaging materials. This causes increased packaging expenses for businesses, which at the parcel level may seem small, but added up over thousands of packages sent makes a big impact on overall budget. This is especially critical for small parcel shipments that are lighter in weight and have tight profit margins to <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">begin with.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Costs also increase upstream with new and alternative packing materials. Investing in new equipment to process alternative materials can be expensive for fulfillment providers, who will then pass this higher <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cost to the businesses they support.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prices might drop as the supply of sustainable packages grows, demand rises, and the capacity to meet this demand becomes more consistent.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Causes More Waste or Increases Carbon Footprint<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider the comparison between air pockets and paper dunnage. Despite a significant portion of air pockets being made from plastic, achieving equivalent product protection might necessitate substantially more paper dunnage. This excess can lead to more waste and notably increase the package&#8217;s weight, thereby elevating the carbon footprint associated with transportation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many materials marketed as biodegradable might actually a very long time to decompose or require more energy and green house gas emissions to produce. While a material might have a more eco-friendly downstream life, the overall net improvement on environmental factors may not actually supersede those of plastic materials. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s important to do full due diligence on any new materials. A lot of recycled or biodegradable material\u00a0may have components that cannot be recycled. For example, ink is petroleum based\u2014if your paper dunnage is branded or has any designs to it, that unit itself can&#8217;t be recycled without harm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Supply Chain Complexity<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Switching to sustainable packaging may require sourcing materials from different suppliers or regions, which can introduce complexities into the supply chain.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Materials may need to be transported a longer distance, adding to their carbon footprint<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If sourced from overseas, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/supply-chain\/guide-to-import-taxes\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">import fees<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> may change<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Procuring newer materials at scale may not be available\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ordering lead time may change and affect forecasting, sales and promotional cycles\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Materials may need different storage conditions to ensure contaminants, rodents, temperature, or humidity do not negatively affect their viability.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Packaging Performance Declines\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Newer packaging materials may not always offer the same level of protection or durability as traditional packaging materials. Product protection during transit is critical to prevent damage or returns, which can impact customer satisfaction and increase costs for businesses.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consumer Perception and Acceptance\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Despite the growing demand for sustainable products, consumer preferences and expectations regarding packaging materials may vary. Some consumers may perceive certain sustainable packaging materials as less attractive or less convenient compared to traditional options.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Educating consumers about the benefits of sustainable packaging and addressing any concerns or misconceptions is essential for widespread acceptance. This is a costly endeavor that also affects <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/package-design-affects-shipping-costs\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">branding<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and your business\u2019 reputation. One widely adopted way to educate customers\u00a0about your packaging is to include a barcode that leads the customer to further end-of-life instruction.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Operational Limitations and Infrastructure Issues<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Existing packaging infrastructure, such as sorting and recycling facilities, may not be equipped to handle certain types of sustainable packaging materials. This can limit the recyclability or composability of packaging materials and contribute to waste management challenges.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you rely heavily on automated operations, some newer materials may not fit well into your existing infrastructure. Moving to manual processes may increase errors, higher <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/inventory\/order-cycle-time\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">order cycle time<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, increased labor costs, and lead to poor customer experience.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Logistical Challenges\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Changing your packaging materials will have a ripple effect on other aspects of your supply chain. A new material may have different weight, volume, or handling characteristics compared to traditional materials, affecting transportation and storage logistics.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Optimizing packaging design and transportation routes to minimize environmental impact while maintaining efficiency requires careful planning and coordination.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The decision to include sustainably made and eco-friendly packing materials can be a frustrating endeavor. Much research is needed to ensure you choose a material that fits into your supply chain, your fulfillment and makes sense for your product and business. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some brands allow the customer during the checkout process to decide on their packaging or type of transit. It helps nurture the sustainable focused customer without adopting a universal sustainable practice that is often costly. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A recent consumer poll reported 82% of respondents would be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, which was up four points since 2022. Sustainable practices across the supply chain are becoming a must-have for some consumer brands.\u00a0\u00a0 Most ecommerce brands use light weight, plastic dunnage like air pockets or polybags to pack their products [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[95],"tags":[2058],"class_list":["post-15444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shipping","tag-sustainability"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.5 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Alternative Packing Materials for More Sustainable Ecommerce | DCL Logistics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What packing materials are more eco-friendly? Paper vs. plastic packaging, plus advantages &amp; disadvantages of non-plastic packing materials.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A List of Non-Plastic Packaging Alternatives and the Challenges They Present Operationally\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What packing materials are more eco-friendly? Paper vs. plastic packaging, plus advantages &amp; disadvantages of non-plastic packing materials.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"DCL Logistics\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DCLLogistics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-04-16T14:30:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-05-08T16:09:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Maureen Walsh\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@dcl_logistics\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@dcl_logistics\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Maureen Walsh\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Alternative Packing Materials for More Sustainable Ecommerce | DCL Logistics","description":"What packing materials are more eco-friendly? Paper vs. plastic packaging, plus advantages & disadvantages of non-plastic packing materials.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"A List of Non-Plastic Packaging Alternatives and the Challenges They Present Operationally","og_description":"What packing materials are more eco-friendly? Paper vs. plastic packaging, plus advantages & disadvantages of non-plastic packing materials.","og_url":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/","og_site_name":"DCL Logistics","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DCLLogistics\/","article_published_time":"2024-04-16T14:30:50+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-05-08T16:09:26+00:00","author":"Maureen Walsh","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@dcl_logistics","twitter_site":"@dcl_logistics","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Maureen Walsh","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/"},"author":{"name":"Maureen Walsh","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#\/schema\/person\/bc81d881eb8b181d8c951e6ac0087a06"},"headline":"A List of Non-Plastic Packaging Alternatives and the Challenges They Present Operationally","datePublished":"2024-04-16T14:30:50+00:00","dateModified":"2024-05-08T16:09:26+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/"},"wordCount":1330,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#organization"},"keywords":["Sustainability"],"articleSection":["Shipping"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/","url":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/","name":"Alternative Packing Materials for More Sustainable Ecommerce | DCL Logistics","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#website"},"datePublished":"2024-04-16T14:30:50+00:00","dateModified":"2024-05-08T16:09:26+00:00","description":"What packing materials are more eco-friendly? Paper vs. plastic packaging, plus advantages & disadvantages of non-plastic packing materials.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/sustainable-packing-materials\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"A List of Non-Plastic Packaging Alternatives and the Challenges They Present Operationally"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#website","url":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/","name":"DCL Logistics","description":"Logistics and Fulfillment Experts","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#organization","name":"DCL Logistics","url":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DCL-Icon-Transparent.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DCL-Icon-Transparent.png","width":153,"height":153,"caption":"DCL Logistics"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DCLLogistics\/","https:\/\/x.com\/dcl_logistics","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/dcl\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#\/schema\/person\/bc81d881eb8b181d8c951e6ac0087a06","name":"Maureen Walsh","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/92a8327f195b45b2998fbb72af53feaf6cd55207b691df23673cd0c3fc9dbb10?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/92a8327f195b45b2998fbb72af53feaf6cd55207b691df23673cd0c3fc9dbb10?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Maureen Walsh"},"description":"Maureen is the Marketing Manager at DCL Logistics. A writer and blogging specialist for over 15 years, she helps create quality resources for DCL's innovative customers and many other ecommerce brands looking to optimize their business.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/maureenwalsh\/"],"url":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/author\/maureen\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15444"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15444\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}