Corrugated cardboard, recycled paper, bioplastics, jute, cotton, cellulose, wood, recycled plastics, poly mailers, and bubble mailers are top packaging materials for ecommerce. These materials keep items safe, help the environment, and save money. They also make customers happier. Corrugated board is very popular. It has more than 36% of the world market because it is strong and easy to recycle. Brands pick packaging that fits their products and shows what they care about. Good packaging for ecommerce stops damage, cuts down on returns, and helps customers trust the brand.
Key Takeaways
Pick packaging that keeps products safe to stop damage and returns. – Use eco-friendly materials like corrugated cardboard and kraft paper to help the Earth and make customers happy. – Choose packaging that matches your product size to save money and make less waste. – Good packaging makes customers feel good and helps them trust your brand. – Try reusable and compostable packaging to make less waste and help the environment.
Why Ecommerce Packaging Matters
Product Protection
Ecommerce packaging is important for keeping products safe. Packages travel far and get handled roughly. If packaging is weak, things can break. In 2018, 20-30% of returns happened because items were damaged. This was often from bad packaging. Using bubble wrap or molded pulp helps stop breakage. These materials keep products safe. Boxes that fit well stop items from moving around. This lowers the chance of damage. Companies watch delivery times and listen to customers. They change packaging to make shipping better and reduce returns.
Cost and Efficiency
Saving money is important in ecommerce packaging. Good packaging design makes packing orders faster. This also lowers work costs. Using the same box sizes helps in warehouses. It makes storing and finding things easier. One fashion store saved 15% on shipping by using machines to pick box sizes. Light and eco-friendly packaging cuts shipping costs and waste. Buying in bulk and picking the right box size saves money too. Companies check their packaging plans often. This helps them keep up with new shipping prices and market changes.
Customer Experience
Packaging is the first thing customers touch from a brand. Good, eco-friendly packaging shows the brand cares. Custom boxes and nice designs make opening packages fun. This helps customers trust the brand and buy again. Over 80% of shoppers want packaging they can recycle or use again. Brands that use green packaging and give clear recycling tips make customers happy. People share unboxing videos online. This helps more people see the brand and brings in new buyers.
Sustainability Impact
Sustainability is very important for ecommerce packaging now. More online shopping means more waste and CO2. Paper-based packaging, like corrugated boxes, gets recycled more than plastic. It also breaks down faster in nature. Biodegradable packaging makes less CO2 but can cause other problems, like water pollution. The table below shows how different packaging materials affect the environment:
Packaging Material Type | Environmental Impact Highlights | Recycling Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Plastics | Last a long time, harm oceans | Low | Most ocean plastic is from packaging |
Paper-based | Breaks down, not as lasting | About 85% | Easy to recycle |
Biodegradable | Less CO2, some downsides | N/A | Can pollute water |
Picking green packaging and using less material helps brands. It also meets what customers want and supports the planet.
Top Packaging Materials for Ecommerce
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is the most used packaging for ecommerce. Brands like it because it is strong and keeps products safe. Almost all goods in North America ship in these boxes. They are made with recycled fibers and are easy to recycle. This makes them a top choice for eco-friendly packaging.
Pros:
Gives great protection and soft padding for many products.
Uses mostly recycled material and can be recycled again.
Can be made in different sizes and styles.
Light, so it is easy to carry.
Cons:
Not good in rain or snow.
Costs more than poly mailers.
Can bend if stacked too much.
Best Use Cases:
Good for electronics, clothes, food, and beauty items.
Used for custom boxes with brand names and fun openings.
Double-wall boxes work well for heavy or breakable things.
Tip: Brands can use boxes that fit their products to cut waste.
Aspect | Pros of Corrugated Boxes | Cons of Corrugated Boxes |
|---|---|---|
Protection | Strong and sturdy, gives good padding | Sometimes needs extra padding |
Cost | N/A | Costs more than poly mailers |
Weight | Can hold heavy things | Shipping costs more because of weight |
Customization | Easy to design for brands | N/A |
Environmental | Made from recycled material and can be recycled | N/A |
Paper and Kraft Paper
Paper and kraft paper are light, bendy, and good for the planet. Kraft paper is strong and looks simple and natural. Many brands pick kraft paper because it is green and looks nice.
Kraft paper breaks down in nature and can be recycled.
It is made with long fibers, so it is stronger than normal paper.
Brands can print on it and make it look special.
Wax or special coatings can help keep out water for food or fragile things.
Pros:
Helps the planet by being easy to recycle.
Can be used for wrapping, filling space, or as mailers.
Breaks down in compost if done right.
Cons:
Does not protect heavy or breakable things as well as corrugated cardboard.
Not waterproof unless coated, but coating can make it less green.
Costs a bit more than regular paper.
Best Use Cases:
Good for light things, clothes, books, and food.
Brands that want a simple, natural look use it.
Note: Honeycomb kraft cardboard can take the place of plastic foam and is easy to recycle.
Poly Mailers and Bubble Mailers
Poly mailers and bubble mailers are light and cheap for shipping things that are not easy to break. Many online stores use these to save money and use less packaging.
Poly mailers can be used again and recycled, and some break down in nature.
Bubble mailers have extra padding for things that need more care.
Both types come in green versions to help the planet.
Pros:
Light, so shipping is cheaper and better for the earth.
Keeps water out and bends easily.
Can be made special for brands.
Some are recyclable or break down in nature.
Cons:
Poly mailers do not protect breakable things well.
Bubble mailers are heavier, so shipping costs more.
If not thrown away right, plastic can hurt the planet.
Best Use Cases:
Good for clothes, papers, small gadgets, and accessories.
Bubble mailers are best for things that need soft padding.
Packaging Type | Resource Usage Impact | Environmental Footprint Compared to Boxes |
|---|---|---|
Poly Bubble Mailers | Makes less waste and uses less energy | |
Corrugated Boxes | Uses a lot of resources | Makes more waste and uses more energy |
Eco-friendly brands should pick poly mailers that are biodegradable or recycled to help the planet.
Recycled and Recyclable Plastics
Recycled and recyclable plastics help brands be greener while staying strong and flexible. These plastics come from things people or factories have already used.
Recycled plastics can be made into mailers, bags, or wraps.
Many places will take these plastics for recycling, so it is easy for customers.
Brands can still print their logos on these plastics.
Pros:
Strong and light.
Helps cut down on waste and saves resources.
Comes in many shapes for different products.
Cons:
Not every recycling center takes all plastics.
If not handled right, they can still make microplastics.
Best Use Cases:
Good for flexible packaging for clothes, accessories, and electronics.
Brands that want to show they care about the planet use these.
Note: Always tell customers how to recycle packaging the right way.
Bioplastics and Compostable Options
Bioplastics and compostable packaging are better for the planet than normal plastics. They are made from plants like corn or other natural things and break down in the right conditions.
Bioplastics help us use less oil-based plastic.
Compostable packaging turns into safe compost and helps nature.
Some need special places to break down the right way.
Pros:
Cuts down on plastic trash and helps green goals.
Can be recycled or composted.
Good for food and things that do not last long.
Cons:
Costs more than normal plastics.
Does not last as long and may not protect as well.
People need to know how to throw it away the right way.
Best Use Cases:
Good for food, beauty items, and brands that want to be green.
Best for things that are used once or do not last long.
Tip: Biodegradable plastics last longer and can be made in more ways than compostable ones.
Jute, Cotton, and Fabric Packaging
Jute, cotton, and other fabric packaging can be used again and again. These materials help the planet by cutting down on single-use packaging and making opening packages feel special.
Bags made from cotton, jute, or recycled fibers are strong and can be used many times.
Brands often put their logos or designs on these bags.
Jute bags let air in and save money over time.
Pros:
Very strong and can be used many times.
Made from things that grow back or are recycled.
Makes brands stand out and helps customers remember them.
Cons:
Costs more at first than throw-away packaging.
May not protect heavy or sharp things well.
Some fabrics do not like water.
Best Use Cases:
Good for clothes, gifts, and fancy products.
Brands that want customers to keep the packaging use these.
Note: New ideas like waterproof jute bags help fabric packaging work better for online shopping.
Cellulose and Plant-Based Materials
Cellulose and other plant-based packaging are green, break down in nature, and can be recycled. They come from things like cotton, wood, corn, and even mushrooms.
Packaging Material | Sustainability Credentials | Limitations / Challenges |
|---|---|---|
Cellulose Packaging | Made from cotton or wood pulp, breaks down, can be recycled, comes from plants, good instead of plastic | Soaks up water, which can cause mold and shorten shelf-life |
Cornstarch Packaging | Made from corn, fats, old food, or veggie oil, fully green, breaks down, safe for food, does not burn easily, can be printed on | Not many places can handle it, can be mixed up with recycling or composting |
Mushroom Packaging | Made from mushroom roots and farm leftovers, breaks down, green, can be composted at home | Takes longer to make, not as fire-safe as polystyrene |
Kraft Paper | Made with fewer chemicals, strong, can be composted | Not waterproof, rough feel makes printing harder |
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts | Made from plant starches, 100% plant-based, melts in water, can be composted at home, does not stick to things | Heavier than normal peanuts, so shipping costs more |
Best Use Cases:
Good for food, beauty, and electronics.
Brands that want to use less plastic and be green use these.
New ideas like mushroom and seaweed packaging break down fast and help brands make less waste.
Wood and Aluminum
Wood and aluminum packaging are used for special products that need to be tough or look fancy. These materials have special benefits but also some problems for online stores.
Material | Unique Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
Wood | Tough and does not break easily, good for heavy things, can be made special, can be used again, helps the planet if certified | Worries about cutting down trees, heavy so shipping costs more, needs to be treated to handle water |
Aluminum | Light but strong, good for delicate and expensive things, does not rust, can be made special | Costs more to ship than lighter materials, recycling can be hard, how green it is depends on how it is made and recycled |
Best Use Cases:
Good for big machines, fancy goods, and expensive electronics.
Brands that want packaging that can be used again or collected use these.
Note: Using certified wood and better recycling for aluminum can help solve green problems.
Innovative Packaging Materials
Packaging Material | Description | Adoption Examples | Performance Metrics and Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
A bubble wrap made from recycled paper that breaks down in nature. | N/A | Breaks down fully, gives soft padding, and is good for the planet | |
Mushroom Mycelium | Packaging made from mushroom roots, can be composted, light, and strong. | Dell, IKEA | Can be composted, shaped to fit, and is a green choice |
Seaweed-based Packaging | Edible and breaks down, made from seaweed, used for straws, cups, and water packs. | Notpla, Loliware | Breaks down in weeks, cuts plastic waste, can be eaten |
Cassava Starch Bags | Bags that break down, made from cassava starch. | Avani Eco | Breaks down in 180 days |
These new packaging materials help brands be leaders in green packaging and meet what shoppers want.
Choosing Packaging Materials for Ecommerce
Product Type and Fragility
Picking the best packaging starts with knowing your product. Every item needs something different. Fragile things need strong boxes and soft padding like bubble wrap or kraft paper. Heavy products need tough corrugated cardboard. Small, not-breakable items can use poly mailers or biodegradable mailers. Food or items that spoil need gel packs or liner bags to stay fresh. The table below helps you match the right packaging to each product:
Product Type | Outer Packaging | Infill Materials |
|---|---|---|
Small, non-fragile items | Poly mailers, compostable mailers | Minimal or none |
Large or fragile items | Corrugated or double-wall boxes | Bubble wrap, kraft paper |
Heavy items | Corrugated boxes | Durable infill |
Perishable/delicate items | Insulated boxes, liner bags | Gel packs, paper infill |
Tip: Try to balance protection, price, and eco-friendly choices for your products and brand.
Shipping Methods
How you ship things changes what packaging you need. Standard and fast shipping work best with light, right-sized packaging. This saves money and keeps items safe. Shipping to other countries needs strong, weather-proof packaging. It must last through long trips and many stops. Corrugated boxes and padded mailers keep things safe for global shipping. Green packaging like recycled cardboard and compostable fillers is good for all shipping types. Custom packaging should not be too heavy or hard to use.
Pick light, right-sized packaging for standard and fast shipping.
Use strong, weather-proof packaging for shipping far away.
Choose green packaging to match your brand and what customers want.
Brand Values and Customer Expectations
Packaging changes how people see your brand. Good, steady packaging builds trust and keeps customers coming back. Eco-friendly packaging makes people want to share and leave good reviews. Brands should use colors, textures, and designs that show who they are. Clear labels and smart design help customers feel sure and happy. Many shoppers now want green packaging. Using recycled or biodegradable materials shows you care about the planet and meets what customers want.
Packaging should show your brand’s style and values.
Green packaging makes customers happier and more loyal.
Fun unboxing makes people share and helps your brand get noticed.
Balancing Cost and Sustainability
Online stores need to save money but also help the planet. Using the right size box cuts waste and lowers shipping costs. Light, green materials like recycled cardboard, kraft paper, and cornstarch are better for nature. Custom packaging that fits well uses less material. Using machines to pack can save on work costs. Checking your packaging plan with experts helps you keep saving money and being green.
Use the right size box to cut waste and shipping costs.
Pick cheap, strong, and green packaging materials.
Use machines to pack faster and easier.
Work with experts to make your packaging better.
Packaging models and tools help companies compare choices, try new materials, and make smart decisions. These tools look at trends, what customers want, cost, and how green the packaging is.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Eco-Friendly Packaging Options
Ecommerce stores now have lots of eco-friendly packaging choices. These options help brands keep products safe and protect the earth. Companies use recycled ocean-bound plastics, tough paper mailers, mushroom-based packaging, and compostable packaging solutions. The table below lists some top eco-friendly packaging options and how they are used:
Packaging Option | Description | Brand Examples / Notes |
|---|---|---|
Recycled ocean-bound plastics | Stops plastic from getting into oceans, lowers carbon footprint | The Better Packaging Co., bamboo options |
Paper and card mailers | Strong, can be recycled, easy to design, good for returns | Paptic, recycled paper mailers |
Mushroom-based mycelium packaging | Breaks down in nature, can be composted, protects breakable items | Ecovative, breaks down naturally |
Compostable packaging | Made from cassava or seaweed, leaves no plastic behind | Hero, Evoware, compostable mailers and stickers |
Repurposable packaging | Made to be used again, helps people remember the brand | Hemp bags, looks fancy |
Eco-friendly secondary packaging | Takes the place of plastic bubble wrap, uses recycled or green materials | GreenWrap, AirPlus air-filled packaging |
Customers send it back and use it again, cuts down on trash | Returnity, used by New Balance and Estee Lauder |
Eco-friendly packaging choices often save money over time. They also make brands look better and meet what customers want for green actions.
Compostable and Biodegradable Materials
Compostable packaging solutions and biodegradable materials break down safely in nature. These choices include mushroom-based packaging, seaweed bags, and compostable mailers. Many brands pick compostable packaging solutions to stop plastic waste. Certifications help people trust these materials. The main rules are ASTM D6400 and D6868 in the US, EN 13432 in Europe, and TUV Austria for home composting. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and TUV Austria check if packaging follows these rules. These certifications make sure compostable packaging solutions break down without hurting the earth.
Reusable and Returnable Packaging
Reusable packaging materials help ecommerce brands make less trash and save money. Companies use strong mailers, boxes, and bags that customers can send back and use again. These packaging solutions cut solid waste by up to 86% and use 64% less energy to make. Stackable and nestable designs make storage and shipping easier. Brands like Returnity use reusable packaging materials for shoes, clothes, and beauty items. This way, customers stay loyal and see that the brand cares about eco-friendly packaging.
Tip: Brands should start with small test programs and teach customers how to send back and reuse packaging.
Implementing the Seven Rs
Ecommerce stores can use the Seven Rs to build strong sustainable packaging solutions:
Reduce: Only use the packaging you need, skip extra stuff.
Reuse: Pick tough, reusable packaging materials for shipping.
Recycle: Choose things that can be recycled and give clear recycling steps.
Rot (Compost): Use compostable packaging solutions that break down safely.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Use clean energy and safe ways to make packaging.
Efficient Distribution: Plan shipping to lower pollution and save energy.
Promote Recycling and Reuse: Teach customers about recycling and reuse programs.
Eco-friendly packaging brings many good things, like a better brand image, happier customers, and saving money in the long run. Brands may face problems like higher costs, supply chain issues, and needing to teach customers. Still, sustainable packaging solutions help ecommerce companies reach world goals and build trust with shoppers.
Ecommerce brands need to use eco-friendly packaging. This packaging should keep products safe, save money, and make customers happy. Here are some important steps:
Make sure products are safe, costs stay low, and packaging is good for the earth.
Pick wood-based or plastic-based packaging for heavy or breakable things.
Use packaging that is light and flexible to ship easier and make less trash.
To get better, companies can do these things:
Check their packaging to see if it works well.
Change to eco-friendly packaging and use smaller packages.
Teach customers about making green choices.
Good packaging choices help brands grow and take care of the earth.
FAQ
What is the most eco-friendly ecommerce packaging material?
Paper-based packaging is the best for the earth. Corrugated cardboard and kraft paper are top choices. These materials break down fast and are easy to recycle. They come from things that can grow back. Many brands use them to help the planet.
How can ecommerce brands reduce packaging waste?
Brands can pick boxes that fit products well. They should use materials that can be recycled or composted. It is good to skip extra packing stuff. Brands can ask customers to recycle or use packaging again. Some companies now let people return or reuse packaging.
Are poly mailers recyclable?
Some poly mailers are made with plastics you can recycle. Customers need to look for recycling signs on the mailers. They should follow local rules for recycling. Many stores now sell mailers made from recycled or biodegradable plastics. These are better for the earth.
Why does packaging design matter for customer experience?
Packaging design is important for first impressions. Custom designs and clear brand names look nice. Easy-to-open packages make unboxing fun. Good packaging helps people trust the brand and buy again. Many customers share happy unboxing moments online. This helps brands get more buyers.
