Industry leader Amazon is already taking significant steps in sustainability. The company has invested in eco-friendly packaging solutions and has achieved a 41% reduction in the weight of outbound packaging since 2015, eliminating over 2 million tons of packaging material.
Changing attitudes towards plastic packaging
Globally, plastic packaging production reaches 141 million tonnes annually, with The Australia Plastic Packaging Market size estimated at USD 2.79 billion in 2024. It is expected to reach USD 3.09 billion by 2029, growing 2.14% during the forecast period of 2024-2029.
The impact of single-use plastics on the environment is increasingly concerning to Australian and New Zealand consumers, who are willing to pay more for products packaged in paper-based materials, indicating a strong preference for sustainable packaging.
Strategies for reducing plastic packaging waste
1. Source alternative materials
- Eco-friendly alternatives: Replace plastic with biodegradable or recyclable materials such as cardboard and paper.
- Refillable/reusable containers: Offer products in refillable containers and provide recyclable packaging options for refills.
- Easily recyclable packaging: Opt for materials like paper or cardboard that are more commonly accepted in household recycling programs, rather than plastic film.
- Circular economy: If plastic use is unavoidable, implement a system where packaging can be returned, cleaned, and reused or recycled. Consider reward schemes to encourage returns.
2. Replace plastic wrap in transport and storage
- Non-plastic alternatives: Secure pallets with non-plastic materials or methods such as ratchet straps or reusable pallet wraps.
- Recycling programs: If using plastic wrap, establish recycling bins for flexible plastics and partner with recycling companies to handle these materials appropriately.
3. Adopt recyclable order fulfilment prackaging
- Mailing bags and boxes: Use paper mailing bags or cardboard boxes instead of plastic.
- Filling materials: Replace bubble wrap with shredded cardboard or brown paper.
- Avoid over-packaging: Use appropriately sized packaging and consolidate shipments to avoid excessive packaging.
- Recycled plastics: If plastic packaging is necessary, choose recycled plastic over virgin plastic.
Taking action to reduce plastic packaging waste
We know a lot of this stuff is easier said than done, and there are real and significant challenges to building a more sustainable supply chain. But businesses are increasingly pressured to address plastic packaging waste and adopt sustainable fulfilment practices. Reducing carbon emissions alongside plastic waste can further align with consumer expectations, and is something increasingly under the political microscope.
Here are three common challenges, and how you can resolve them:
- Cost. Switching to eco-friendly packaging may involve higher costs, which some businesses may hesitate to pass on to clients or consumers. However, the long-term benefits and positive impact on client relationships can offset these costs.
- Brand awareness. Businesses often use packaging to reinforce brand identity, and non-plastic alternatives may pose branding challenges. Despite this, many companies successfully print on sustainable packaging and find that eco-friendly options enhance their brand image.
- Consumer behavior. Concerns about losing customers due to packaging changes may arise, but research shows that consumers prefer paper-based packaging. Emphasising eco-responsibility on packaging can also attract environmentally conscious buyers.
To start, evaluate potential improvements and implement changes gradually. Begin with small, manageable adjustments and expand over time to make sustainable practices the norm.
Seeking a sustainable supply chain
In our guide to seeking a more sustainable supply chain, you’ll find sustainability practices you can make a focus for managing your warehouses and supply chain.
How can warehouse management software help?
While we don’t deal in solar panels or forklifts, our Warehouse Management Software (WMS) can support your sustainability efforts in several ways:
- Paperless operations: Access information digitally and use mobile picklists to reduce paper use.
- Remote working: Cloud-based software enables some supply chain employees to work remotely, thereby reducing carbon emissions from commuting and reduces office resource consumption.
- Inventory management: Monitoring inventory levels prevent overordering and stock wastage. This is particularly important when dealing with perishable goods.
- Optimised warehouse layout: Improved warehouse organisation can maximise your space efficiency and reduce forklift travel distances. It seems minor, but you’d be surprised how this kind of incidental carbon output adds up.
- Help with waste reduction: While Access Mintsoft’s order fulfilment software doesn’t directly reduce plastic packaging, it can streamline ecommerce operations and minimise errors that lead to excess packaging or unnecessary returns.