There’s no question about it – environmental awareness should be an essential consideration for all retail business owners.
Not just a fleeting trend, sustainability is a necessary part of responsible business ownership, and embracing change will benefit the planet, enhance your brand image, and attract new environmentally-conscious customers.
There is a consumer expectation that all companies, large and small, adhere to sustainable practices in operations, from manufacturing to the in-store retail experience. One of the key areas where companies can make a greener change is by transitioning to more eco-friendly retail packaging. With this shift comes a variety of considerations, challenges and opportunities for business owners, but for those on the journey, the benefits will far outweigh any barriers in the long term.
Advantages of eco-friendly packaging
- Reduced environmental impact
Undoubtedly, the primary reason for switching from traditional plastic packaging to a compostable, renewable alternative is that it’s much better for the natural environment. It’s no secret that, as humans, we’ve already caused irreparable damage to our planet due to our excessive use and disposal of plastic products. By transitioning to organic packaging, it will lessen the carbon footprint created by your company from its day-to-day operations and reduce your overall waste.
- Improved consumer sentiment
Consumers today are more eco-aware than ever before, and it’s now an assumption that the brands and companies they purchase from have sustainability at the forefront of their operations and supply chain. If this isn’t happening, companies can quickly lose favour, and customers will look to purchase from other companies that align with their values.
- Regulatory compliance
In many parts of the world, it’s now illegal for retailers to provide customers with plastic shopping bags. In progressive steps forward, governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are cracking down and have new regulations regarding the make-up of retail packaging materials. Transitioning to compostable retail and produce bags early ensures your business stays ahead of regulatory requirements and avoids any potential legal infringements.
Challenges of moving to eco-friendly packaging
- Potentially higher costs
As with anything innovative and new, organic products come at a slightly higher cost than traditional plastic packaging. Initially, this cost may have been prohibitive for some businesses. Still, the cost margin is quickly decreasing in direct correlation to the increasing corporate demand for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. Now, the cost is far outweighed by the benefits of a positive public image and reduced environmental impact. - Limited product options
Likewise, product variety in eco-friendly packaging is still catching up to its plastic counterparts. With more widespread usage and greater demand from retail businesses, more and more types of compostable packaging will become available to the mass market. If the product you’re looking for isn’t already available, consider placing a bespoke order in the colour and design you need. - Customer apprehension
Sometimes, the eco-friendly packaging option isn’t as colourful or eye-catching as your brand’s vibrant, laminated box or shopping bag and may not fulfil your brand’s established ‘unboxing’ experience. It’s important to be transparent with your customers about the changes you’re making and take them on the journey with you as you move to more sustainable operations. It may be that, as part of your transition, you give brand members and loyal customers the option to receive the highly designed packaging or to switch to your more plant-friendly alternative. The original packaging can then be phased out over time as the new packaging becomes more accepted and your customers are comfortable that the quality of your products is not changing.
To ensure a smooth shift into eco-friendly packaging in your retail business, it may help to make changes gradually. This slow and steady change rollout will make incremental alterations more digestible to stakeholders and customers and give them a chance to get used to the new products over a longer period of time. This approach lets your business test different products and refine its sustainability strategy before committing to a full-scale transition to new packaging.
If you need support or would like to speak to an eco-friendly packaging specialist, get in touch with the Because We Care team, peruse the over-the-counter range of products, or enquire about a custom-made order.
