2019 was a big year for sustainability – the ban of single-use plastic bags in New Zealand that came into play in July not only had a big effect on the way people shop, but the flow-on effect from this and how many consumers now choose to shop was massive. The phase out of plastic bags was a catalyst in making people (especially Kiwis) think about what they’re purchasing, what their purchases are made from, and how they will dispose of any packaging materials.
As more and more people focus on how they can live more sustainable lives, we are seeing that many consumers are looking for sustainable alternatives to products such as day-to-day items they can purchase from the local supermarket, to what they wear, even to supplies they use in the workplace. Research shows that at least 47% of New Zealanders say they care about sustainability when choosing a brand or product to purchase making it crucial for businesses to embed sustainability into their operations.
Here at Primepac we’re always looking for alternatives to packaging products that are more often than not destined for landfill. We know that it’s important to try and reduce the amount of waste the products we purchase produce, which is why we wanted to highlight some common sustainable packaging products available.
In this blog you’ll find some sustainable alternatives to common retail and packaging products like bubble wrap and courier bags. Read on to find out more.
Sustainable alternatives to plastic shopping bags
With single-use plastic bags well and truly a thing of the past, it’s been crucial that we find alternatives that are not only sustainable, but suitable for consumers' shopping requirements. Consumers are looking for products that are sturdy and will last, or alternatively can be easily recycled. This is where the paper bag is making a big comeback!
What went out of fashion in the 70s is now rising in popularity again as consumers look to pack up their weekly shopping into something that can easily be recycled in their home recycling bin. Paper bags are not only sustainable and convenient but they can be purchased in bulk making them a great option for supermarket chains like Countdown and popular clothing retailers like Glassons. Paper bags also come in a range of different sizes making them a great choice for a range of different items.
While many people like the convenience of paper bags and the fact that they can be easily recycled, other people are looking for an option that is durable which can be used time and time again. Tote bags are a great option for those people that are looking to invest in bags that can be used for months on end. This natural tote bag is 100% biodegradable and comes with a generous gusset making them great for packaging groceries.
Sustainable alternatives to bubble wrap
It’s not just plastic bags that have gone out of fashion – for those of us that are avid online shoppers, we’re becoming more and more aware of how brands package what we purchase so that our items arrive to us in one piece. Gone are the days when fragile items were wrapped in an abundance of bubble wrap. As a product that isn’t easily recyclable, brands are now seeing the importance of finding sustainable alternatives to this, and many consumers now expect that their online purchase will be wrapped in sustainable packaging products that can be easily recycled.
As a packaging company ourselves we see the importance of being able to offer our customers sustainable packaging items. With different options available on our website like eco bubble wrap and Geami Wrappack protection wrap, we've got you covered for bubble wrap alternatives.
Sustainable alternatives to courier bags
Many businesses are unaware that there are sustainable alternatives to traditional courier bags now available. While courier bags that you would purchase from your local post shop are convenient, most of them cannot be recycled so will end up quickly going to landfill once opened. For those of you that want to offer your customers something sustainable, you can’t go past paper courier bags or compostable courier bags. 
Made from corrugated cardboard to protect your orders, our paper courier bags are made from recycled and FSC certified paper which means they can be easily recycled at home. Compostable courier bags on the other hand are made from cornstarch and a few other biodegradable ingredients to make them tough for the job, they also use non-toxic inks. Certified by international standards to be both home and commercially compostable, these matte black bags not only look great, but have less environmental impact!
Sustainable alternatives to plastic tape
While most bigger items are sent out to customers in cardboard boxes that are easily recyclable, what about the tape that we use to package these boxes? As something that is quickly torn off of packaging boxes by customers and quickly thrown in the bin, it got us thinking here at Primepac – what if there was a better option? Something that wouldn’t be chucked away and instead easily recycled? Paper tape was the answer!
Use it the same way you would normal packaging tape and package up cardboard boxes you need to send out to customers. A great sustainable alternative that can be recycled – sure to keep your customers happy!
For those of you that operate an e-commerce business or retail store, using some of the above products is a great first step in ensuring you’re providing your customers with sustainable packaging options. Not only are these products better for the planet, but your customers will feel even better knowing that they can easily recycle or compost the packaging at home.
For more sustainable packaging solutions for your business, check out more of our range here.
