Change the Product to Reduce Packaging
Fortunately, lots of brands have taken steps to improve their packaging. However, when you are on a mission to reduce waste and costs, a different approach could yield results. Could you change the product to reduce packaging?
Reducing Excess Packaging
80% of customers prefer products sold in environmentally friendly packaging. (Source: Statista) What’s more, research* by packaging company D S Smith reveals that a quarter of online shoppers would avoid a company that sent an online order in excess packaging.
In response to consumer demands, many companies have worked to remove, reduce or find more sustainable packaging options.
Some examples include:
- Plastic washing tab packets switched for 100% recyclable cardboard boxes
- Layers of unnecessary packaging removed from Easter eggs and gift boxes
- Removal of outer boxes from tomato paste tubes
- Bio-films on food packaging
- Bulk products for refill shops and stations
However, sometimes a change to the product provides the solution.
Change of Product Cuts Packaging
Concentrated fruit squash, cleaning products and toiletries can be sold in smaller bottles. This is one example of how a change to the product reduces the volume of packaging.
More recently, Sainsbury’s has decided to sell all pineapples without the crown. The green spiky top of this exotic fruit is usually removed and discarded by the customer. By chopping it off before shipping, more items can be packaged into every box. This simple solution doesn’t compromise the quality or flavour of the fruit. However, it will save thousands of shipping boxes every year.
Are there ways in which a change to your products can reduce the need for packaging without impacting quality?
*https://www.circularonline.co.uk/news/1-in-4-uk-consumers-would-avoid-brand-due-to-excess-packaging/
