03 November 2021 An Easy Solution To More Sustainable eCommerce Packaging - ABL's Compostable Mailers
COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING
Since the beginning of Covid-19 and the physical restrictions imposed by governments worldwide, online businesses have grown immensely.
During this time customers have chosen to order and fulfill their requirements online from the safety of their own home or office.
To attract more of these customers, retailers are choosing to play the sustainability card in hope to appeal to a wider audience. This includes switching from regular cardboard and plastic packaging materials to an eco-friendly compostable alternative.
To attract more of these customers, retailers are choosing to play the sustainability card in hope to appeal to a wider audience. This includes switching from regular cardboard and plastic packaging materials to an eco-friendly compostable alternative.
What is Compostable Packaging Materials?
Compostable packaging materials are made from plant-based, recycled materials that can break down and be disposed of in a way that is better for the environment than plastic.
When disposed of in the correct environmental conditions, compostable packaging materials return to the earth as soil.
Compostable packaging materials require less carbon to produce, provides the earth with nutrients and does not produce any toxins when they deteriorate and significantly reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill.
So What's The Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging?
Biodegradable
When we say a packaging material is Biodegradable, it simply means when disposed of correctly it will break down completely and return to natural elements. This can take a year or more. Biodegradable packaging materials can be disposed of in any landfill area.
Compostable
Compostable packaging material goes one step further. When disposed of correctly they provides vital nutrients to the earth as they decompose and convert to soil manure. For compostable packaging to compost correctly they can only be disposed of in specifically designated compost piles.
ABL's Compostable Mailers meet requirements for Home Compostable AS5810 and Compostable AS4736.
Home Compostable AS5810
Home composting (AS5810) is the simple process of collecting food/vegetable/fruit scraps and discarding them with garden waste to create compost. This waste needs to be mixed and turned frequently in order to decompose correctly.
What Can Go In My Home Compost Bin?
- Compostable packaging and disposables
- All fruit and vegetable waste (cooked and uncooked)
- Old bread and anything else made from flour
- Grains and pasta (cooked or uncooked)
- Coffee grounds, tea bags, filters
- Outdated boxed foods (check the packaging material)
- Crushed egg shells
- Undyed paper and card
What Can't Go In My Home Compost Bin?
- Glass, metal or plastic packaging
- Meat or meat waster (bones, gristle)
- Fish and fish waste (bones, skin)
- Dairy products and fatty foods
- Grease and oils
Compostable AS4736
Commercial composting (AS4736) requires a more technical process. Commercial composting requires organic and inorganic material to be separated. It also requires optimal moisture, temperature, wind conditions and drainage facilities. This process allows for more complex products to be broken down.
The Significance Of Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging is a GREAT sustainable swap to replace plastic and other non recyclable materials.
When disposed of correctly, compostable packaging is the ideal option for extending the world's life. Compostable packaging materials use less energy and are much more environmentally friendly.
Compostable packaging materials main advantage is that is can be done easily at home, either in a conventional compost heap or worm bins, or even compost bags each of which promote the growth of new plants.
Unlike plastic packaging, certified compostable packaging products (such as ABL's Compostable Mailers) disintegrate after 12 weeks and completely break down after twelve months - the same speed in which organic matter decomposes.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Compostable Packaging?
Break Free From Plastic
With the rise of eCommerce and online retails (especially since the onset of Covid-19) plastic waste, business and consumers have a role to play in protecting the earth from plastic pollution.
The Covid-19 pandemic created a rise in Amazon sales with a reported 37% increase in net sales in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This created fear for environmentalist since plastic packaging is the main material for shipping.
This is where compostable packaging materials play a crucial role.
By using a sustainable alternative like ABL's Compostable Mailers you can help alleviate or at least lessen the current plastic waste problem. If more businesses and online retailers offer an alternative to plastic packaging materials (such as ABL's Compostable Mailers) and more consumers support these businesses that uses it, we can work towards creating a new, sustainable method of shipping.
By using compostable packaging materials, you create an opportunity for other businesses within your industry to do the same.
Compostable packaging is a chance for the world to break free from plastic use.
Consumers Are Looking for Sustainable Packaging
Recent survey's show consumer's are willing to pay more if their products are shipped in eco-friendly packaging. This shows us that more and more consumers are concerned about the growing plastic problem.
Retailers today cannot afford to ignore green packaging. Customer's are looking for sustainable packaging options. The environment matters to today's consumers, especially if you are looking to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z.
By using compostable packaging materials (such as ABL's Compostable Mailers), not only does your business make sustainable packaging available for consumers, but you also demonstrate a social commitment to improving the negative effect packaging has on the environment.
Reduce Shipping Costs
Generally speaking, shipping costs are determined by cubic weight. This means when items are packaged in items such as a box, it costs more.
Compostable packaging materials (such as ABL's Compostable Mailers) are tough, but flexible and less rigid than a box. Compostable Mailers are also smaller in shipping size and weight which in turn reduces shipping costs. Reduced shipping costs means higher customer conversion rates, and ultimately more sales for your business.
Environmental Benefits
We have already covered the environmental benefits of compostable packaging above, but to summarise:
- Compostable packaging uses less carbon than other packaging (such as cardboard and plastics)
- Compostable packaging (when disposed of correctly) does not go into landfill
- Compostable packaging helps businesses make a positive contribution to reducing pollution of water, soil and air
- Compostable packaging helps to reduce the amount of 'virgin materials' used to make packaging
Social Benefits
By using compostable packaging products (such as ABL's Compostable Mailers), you put yourself in a great position to appeal to consumers concerned about the impact consumption has on the environment.
Green Packaging Is The Way of The Future
More and more eCommerce customers are demanding packaging that won't end up in landfill.
Research shows that customers care less about how the packaging looks when it arrives than how they feel when they discard of it.
As time goes by, customers will expect environmentally friendly packaging as standard. Businesses that make this choice now will set themselves in a good position for the coming years.
There has never been a better time to start lowering your plastic consumption.
That's why ABL Distribution offers an earth-friendly alternative to your usual cardboard and plastic packaging - Our fully Compostable Eco-Friendly Mailers.
Do I Need To Start Thinking About Sustainability?
The simple answer is YES.Businesses across every industry need to accept they have a responsibility to go green and help protect mother-earth.
The environment matters to the customer, and that has a flow-on effect to a businesses profit and loss . If consumers believe you're operating irresponsibly and not working towards an eco-friendly future they may choose to boycott your brand and seek out responsible businesses and products instead - this in turn will effect your revenue and sales (which is the main goal of any profitable business).
Why It's Time To Consider Eco-Friendly Packaging
People are under the impression that switching to more eco-friendly packaging materials (such as ABL's Compostable Mailers) can be costly for small businesses. BUT it can be cost-effective to 'go green'.The more businesses that demand compostable packaging materials (and other environmentally friendly packaging materials), the more the costs of these products are brought down (simple supply and demand principles apply).
Reports also show that consumers would actively choose brands if they made their sustainability credentials clearer on their packaging and in their marketing - so SHOUT about your eco-friendly packaging, your customers will hear you!
Consumers do not expect you to be a 0% waste business in a week, but even small changes over time can help make a positive difference to the environment and your reputation as a business.
A simple way to make a change is to think about the type of packaging and consumables you use within your business, and what eco-friendly alternatives are available to you.
DID YOU KNOW: 11 of the world's leading brands including PepsiCo, Coca Cola, Mars and Evian are working towards 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.
How Can ABL Distribution Help?
ABL Distribution are a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation and offer a wide range of Eco-Friendly products - including our own certified 100% Compostable Mailers that can help jumpstart your sustainable business journey.
ABL's Compostable Mailers are 100% home compostable and can be conveniently composted at home or at your nearest composting site.
View ABL's full Eco-Friendly Range here!
