Sustainable Packaging Sources for Small Businesses
In 2021 we took steps to ensure our packaging was zero waste, and it was honestly pretty easy. It just took some time researching so I hope to make it quicker for you to find reliable sources here.
These are not affiliate links, we are just passionate about sustainability and hope more small businesses will support these companies providing eco friendly options!
Shipping Boxes & Tape EcoEnclose
These are made from 100% recycled content, are curbside recyclable, biodegradable, and made in the USA. They have standard sizes but you can also order custom sizes that best fit your products. And they even offer custom branding for a low minimum.
Water-Activated Kraft Paper Tape is used to seal our boxes (instead of plastic tape). It's made from paper and has a biodegradable plant-derived adhesive.
One of our printing partners introduced me to sugar cane paper. There are a few companies to order from - we get ours from Hahnemuhle. Sugarcane paper more eco-friendly and pollution-free than wood-pulp paper. Bagasse is usually burned after sugarcane is processed into cane sugar, which will cause extra pollution to the environment. It can be turned it into paper instead of processing or burning bagasse.
When I started out in 2018, I used to print my labels on regular paper and then use plastic tape to adhere, which unfortunately makes the shipping box impossible to recycle unless the customer knows to remove the plastic tape. I'm so happy we switched to labels made from recycled paper and to take it a step further the the labels come on a liner that is recycled and recyclable!
Our single sided surfaces are thinner and therefore transport better with a cardboard core to wrap around for support. So I was thrilled to find Yazoo Mills offers cardboard cores made with 100% recycled materials. You can order custom sizes and add your logo for a minimal additional cost.
This Certified B Corporation uses 100% organic cotton and produces all their products carbon neutral. They make our surface carriers and drawstring bags with our logo subtly embroidered.
Carbon Shipping Offset Cloverly
Cloverly calculates the carbon emissions created from each shipment and then bills me the offset cost. It's usually just $.17 per shipment, and I like that it is automatically done on our end with every single order. It integrates easily with our Shopify store but I believe they have plenty of integration options. I also know that you have the option to ship your EcoEnclose orders carbon neutral through Cloverly.
We continue to work through our supply chain to find opportunities for sustainability improvement so we can make the business carbon neutral in the next 2-3 years.
As a small business it is easy to wonder how much of an impact you are really making, but I believe every little bit adds up especially if we are all in it together.
