Eco-Friendly Postal Packaging for eCommerce

Getting a competitive edge over your rivals in the online arena might come down to your choice of eCommerce packaging — even more so if it’s sustainable!

If there’s one thing we can learn from the giants of online retail, it’s that eco-friendly product packaging matters. 72% of consumers in the last five years have started mindfully choosing eco-friendly products, and sustainable eCommerce packaging plays a large role. eCommerce businesses are striving to offer the most stylish and eco-friendly packaging possible to win over eco-conscious customers. Presentation and sustainability matters. 

So what does this mean for smaller businesses in the world of eCommerce? Whether you’re an eCommerce veteran or you’ve only just taken to the internet to retail your products, the packaging you use forms an integral part of your customer’s experience. Unboxing a product now isn’t just a practical act, it’s also an experience that influencers want to share with their followers and subscribers, which gives even more reason to get your packaging right. 

Sustainable eCommerce Packaging

Ecommerce has offered a lifeline for businesses across countless industries since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports suggest that an additional $900 billion was spent online globally in 2020 due to the shift towards online shopping. This dramatic increase in online purchases has presented numerous tantalising opportunities for companies to take their business online, but it’s not been plain sailing.

In 2022, global eCommerce sales are expected to hit $5.7 trillion. The retailing of products and services online has skyrocketed, making the eCommerce sector increasingly competitive. To make matters worse for online retailers, many UK businesses suffered a cardboard shortage due to the increased demand for eco-friendly product packaging. Combined with the recent introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) in April of this year, eCommerce retailers find themselves in a challenging position. 

Fortunately, there are still plenty of eco-friendly product packaging options for businesses looking to ship their products without harming the environment. But, online retailers need to be box-clever to make their packages go the distance. Let’s look at how Packaging Supplies can help. 

Related: How to Beat the UK Plastic Tax in 2022

The Best Eco-Friendly Shipping Packaging

Eco-friendly packaging is a primary focus for consumers who buy products online, so what are the best eco-friendly eCommerce packaging solutions for online businesses? 

Without a doubt, cardboard packaging is paving the way towards a greener future for online and offline retailers alike. Lightweight, durable, biodegradable and made from recycled materials, it’s easily one of the most effective eco-friendly packaging materials available. It’s also incredibly cost-effective, so how can you make the most of cardboard packaging for your eCommerce business?

Brown Postal Boxes

If you’re dealing with a high volume of orders and tight profit margins, our high-quality mailing boxes are cost-effective, versatile and sturdy by design. Featuring a hinged lid, you’ll be able to ship your orders safely and effectively without breaking the bank or causing undue harm to the environment. Available in an array of sizes, you can get the 

best sustainable eCommerce packaging you need for less.

White Postal Boxes

If brown boxes aren’t your thing and won’t suit your custom design, we also stock white mailers that feature the same durability and eco-friendly qualities as their rustic counterparts. These boxes are ideal for eCommerce businesses that want clean and simple eco-friendly packaging on a budget. Every postal box in our range is made from 100% recycled paper and is 100% recyclable, home-compostable and biodegradable. It’s never been easier to be greener. 

Book Wrap Mailers & Twist Lock Book Boxes

Offering simple yet versatile packaging, these cardboard mailer boxes have a multi-depth feature, giving each packaging size the flexibility to pack a range of products of different sizes. This is the best option for eco-friendly shipping packaging for smaller products and twist wrap book boxes are five times faster to pack than standard boxes. 

Book wrap mailers also feature a peel-and-seal closure, as well as a tear-open strip. This reduces the time it takes to pack and unpack products. 

Self-Seal Postal Boxes

If convenience is what you’re after, self-seal boxes can save your dispatch and delivery team precious time packing larger products that require a little extra protection. Offering both tamper-evident protection and a cool unboxing experience, they make the perfect eCommerce boxes for businesses retailing high-value goods.

Cardboard Shipping Boxes

For the highest level of protection possible, our shipping boxes can give you peace of mind when packaging large, heavy or fragile products. If your products are particularly breakable, we’ve even got an eco-friendly void fill. Available in single-wall and double-wall designs, you can reduce the likelihood of customer returns for damaged products by securing your shipments with robust packaging boxes.

Compostable Mailing Bags

Made from Cornstarch with PBAT and PLA, our mailing bags are 100% compostable and biodegradable. With easy peel-and-seal closure, they can biodegrade into organic fertiliser in just 90 days. Plus, they’re printed with a compostable logo and message to let your customers know about their eco-friendly credentials. 

Personalised eCommerce Packaging

The humble cardboard box is perfectly suited to packing dozens of different products retailed online, but some customers might find them a little underwhelming, especially if you’re retailing premium or personalised products. While paper-based packaging is still favoured by consumers over plastic packaging, brands are taking their packaging to the next level and striving to outdo each other in the eCommerce arena with customised packaging.

When considering custom packaging, it can be a balancing act between functionality and flair, but you can get the best of both worlds with our custom-branded eCommerce packs. Comprising a self-seal mailing box and an eye-catching custom-printed sleeve, you can give your customers something to get excited about as they anticipate their much-awaiting deliveries. And, if you want something a  little more special, consider investing in luxurious custom rigid boxes.

Not only does this give you a cost-effective packaging solution with some added style, but you also have the extra opportunity to shout about your super sustainable eCommerce packaging that your customers will love. 

Adding a unique hashtag along with your bespoke design can boost your online presence even further by allowing your customers to engage with your brand on various social media platforms. This enhances your brand recognition as a valid eco-friendly packaging option amongst your other eCommerce competitors.

Bespoke Eco-Friendly Product Packaging

Our in-house design team is always on-hand to answer your questions and queries about custom, sustainable eCommerce packaging. If you’re looking to buy eco-friendly packaging, we have over 40 years of experience in the packaging industry. You can rely on us for the best eco-friendly packaging advice to suit your products. For a free custom design quote, simply get in touch with our friendly design team or start designing your packaging today. Please note that our minimum order quantity for custom packaging is around 500 units.

Explore our extensive range of eco-friendly packaging and make your business more sustainable, for less. No minimum order value and free next-day delivery on orders placed before 1 pm.