Improve your packaging consumption with these 7 tips
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. You probably know the three R's. But how do you put the principles into practice? Packaging does not rhyme with sustainability, but you can do a lot to reduce your packaging consumption. We have put together seven tips, but we believe you can use them as a starting point for coming up with more!
REDUCE
It may be difficult to reduce the number of shipping boxes or jewellery boxes you need, but by adjusting the sizes to suit your needs, you are helping to reduce material consumption.
1 Reduce waste space
No matter what type of packaging you use, there will always be some air left over. Unless you vacuum pack your jewellery. Avoid excess air in the packaging by choosing the correct sizes. We are ready to guide you if you need help.
2 Down-size
Choose the jewellery boxes that best fit the size of your jewellery, and help reduce material consumption. Many of Westpack's jewellery boxes have multifunctional inserts. This means that they can be used for chains with pendants, earrings and even jewellery sets. We would like to help you find the right jewellery boxes, and we would be happy to send a free sample.
REUSE
When a product is recycled in its original form (a box like a box), it gives good environmental karma. This means that there is one product less to be manufactured and transported. Here are some suggestions on how to recycle Westpack products:
3 Use the void filling for gift-wrapping.
The next time you receive a package from Westpack, try noticing that we have used brown kraft paper as void fill. This paper is actually great for gift-wrapping. The curly, coarse look gives the perfect, crackling recycled feel. Give it a try.
Do you need void filler for your own shipments? See the shipment materials from our eco range >
4 Gift-wrap without using tape
Do not misunderstand us; we have nothing against tape (and we don't think tape holds any grudges toward us). But, sometimes, you can advantageously think twice before reaching out for the tape dispenser. If you can avoid using tape in your gift-wrapping, you give your customers the opportunity of reusing the wrapping paper. Instead of tape, you can use a satin ribbon or wood fiber fabric ribbon, which can be easily untied and reused. Over. And over…
See the full range of packaging materials from our ECO range >
5 Encourage recycling
We think most people would like to recycle packaging. The question is simply: How? Here, you could offer some good advice to your customers. Pass on your ideas by having them printed inside the postal boxes. You can also attach a small card.
RECYCLE
The end-of-life options for your packaging products play a big role. When your packaging can be recycled, the production and consumption of virgin raw materials is saved.
6 Avoid mixed materials
Packaging made up of several layers of material loses the ability to be recycled. You can therefore make it easier for your customers to sort the packaging for recycling if you choose packaging that consists of one type of material; eg plastic or cardboard.
7 Choose recyclable or renewable materials
Wood, cotton, and linen are good examples of renewable and recyclable materials. If you choose certified products, such as FSC®, you know that the supply chain is well-managed.
Why are FSC®-certified products a good choice?
The FSC mark is your guarantee that the material used comes from an FSC forest, where no more wood is cut down than the forest can reproduce. It also means that the animal and plant life in the forests in question is protected, just as the forest workers are trained, have proper safety equipment and receive a fair wage.
All FSC certifications worldwide are based on the same basic principles. In other words, when you buy an FSC-labeled product, you know what you are getting - whether the product is from Denmark or Bolivia.
Use the ECO-Friendly label as a guide
ECO is Westpack's own brand, and it is used as a guide for our customers.
A product can achieve the ECO mark on the basis of several environmental considerations. The label is awarded to products that are made from raw materials that are FSC®-certified, Fairtrade®-certified, organic or recycled - read more about ECO here.
Use the ECO label as a benchmark for products that are a better alternative to traditionally produced products. On each product you can see the environmental considerations that have been taken and decide if they are suitable for your brand.
FSC® is the mark of responsible forestry. www.fsc.org. Our FSC license number is FSC®C112509.