The Benefits Of Three Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials
Many packaging materials end up discarded and taking up space in landfills. Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap and plastic air bags can all take decades to degrade, taking up valuable space in these areas. However, many companies have decided to change things up and switch to eco-friendly packaging materials. Learning about the benefits of these materials will help you decide if this is something your company should switch to if you want to lessen the carbon footprint your business has on the environment.
Bamboo Packaging
Bamboo packing materials are quickly gaining in popularity and becoming a sought-after shipping material. This material has increased in demand due to how eco-friendly it is. Bamboo is environmentally-friendly to grow and doesn't use as much water as trees. It also grows quickly, as much as two feet per day, allowing it to be replenished quickly as need increases.This is a great alternative to using trees for paper or cardboard shipping products. Another reason bamboo is becoming popular is because of how strong and durable bamboo is. Bamboo packaging products can help insulate an item during shipping without the risk of it breaking, cracking or becoming damaged. It can also be reused multiple times before its strength begins to decrease.
Mushroom Packaging
One of the most unique types of eco-friendly packaging materials on the market today is mushroom packaging. Mushroom packaging is taking the place of Styrofoam. Mushroom packaging is made from the stems of mushrooms, which are extremely flexible and impressionable. This means that they can mold to the product that they are placed against, offering maximum protection to the item that you are shipping. Another benefit to this material is that it is eco-friendly. Mushrooms can be easily grown and re-supplied. They don't need to be treated with chemicals that can harm the environment. And it's a great way to make use of the parts of the mushroom that many people consider to be tough or inedible. The mushroom is mixed with another environmentally-friendly product called mycelium. This is the root and vegetative system of a mushroom and other funguses. When mixed, the mixture is strengthened and given it's pliable characteristic. The last benefit to this product is that it is manufactured in the United States. This helps you to show your customers that you care about the environment as well as supporting the US economy and its labor force.
Post-Consumer Waste Boxes
Post-consumer waste boxes are made up of consumer and industrial waste. This includes recycled newspaper, cardboard boxes and even plastic bags. The material is all mixed together to make a new shipping box. One of the best features of this type of box is that it can be made entirely from recycled materials, yet still be as strong and durable as a shipping box made from brand new materials. Another benefit is that most customers won't even be able to tell the difference between a post-consumer waste box and a traditional cardboard box. And when the customer is done with the box, it can be recycled again, becoming another post-consumer waste box.
These days, there are many alternatives to shipping materials that don't degrade and can't be recycled. If your business ships out a lot of product, you may want to consider changing your shipping materials. Mushroom packaging and bamboo packaging can replace Styrofoam materials designed to keep products safe during transit. And most customers won't even be able to tell that the box you are using is made from recycled materials rather than new materials. All of these things can help your business do it's part to lessen its impact on the environment.
For more information on packaging, talk to a professional supply company, such as Associated Paper & Supply.
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