Tested Sustainable Packaging Materials & Trends for 2023

Stacks of cardboard for recycling

At OPC Direct we partner with mother nature first, this means more than just sustainable packaging solutions but sustainable practices too. Our sustainable practices include our vendors, products, team, and our customers. Due to global awareness of environmental sustainability practices, companies and consumers alike have demanded greener practices. 

 

Eco friendly packaging ensures that we are providing materials and methods that are friendly to the environment but also take economic and social factors into consideration too. Many companies have already made the commitment to environmentally friendly packaging. 

What is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable packaging solutions simply put, includes packaging that reduces its environmental footprint. 

This includes: 

  • Materials: Materials that are 100% recycled or able to be recycled, or are biodegradable
  • Methods: Minimize carbon footprint through the production process and supply chain
  • Reusability: Extend the life cycle and usability of packaging, creating a cyclical economy

Sustainable Materials

One of the most important aspects of green packaging is the materials involved. Sustainable materials are becoming more familiar as suppliers are eagerly seeking out materials that can be recycled or reused or are biodegradable. Materials that are safe and non-toxic to humans and the environment are an essential aspect of eco-friendly packaging. This includes options like compostable packaging, sustainable containers, sustainable jewelry packaging and eco-friendly disposable food containers.

Whenever possible, OPC Direct sources post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging products. In addition, we offer packaging made from recycled resin, biodegradable packaging, and other sustainable solutions. 

The Green Business Bureau lists 9 eco-friendly packaging alternatives:

  • Biodegradable packaging peanuts
  • Corrugated rolls
  • Air pillows made of recycled materials
  • Cornstarch packaging
  • Mushroom packaging
  • Seaweed packaging
  • Recycled cardboard and paper
  • Eco-friendly plastic and recycled plastics
  • Organic fiber

Sustainable Methods

In order to use sustainable packaging solutions, we must consider the method in which packages are handled in order to reduce our carbon footprint. We realize that our efforts alone and no single sustainable packaging solution will reverse packaging’s impact on our environment. By spreading the word and offering sustainable solutions to our customers, like compostable packaging, we can sustain generations to come. Through smart sourcing with strategic vendor partnerships, we can avoid waste, save natural resources, conserve energy, and reduce pollution. Our customers demand smart sourcing of sustainable materials, and we’re here to deliver. Literally. 

Here are some methods to consider:

  • Educating Consumers
  • Reducing Damages
  • Reusable Materials
  • Fewer Returns
  • Factory Efficiency
  • Material Design 
  • Clean/Renewable Energy 
  • Less Water Use

Why Does Sustainability Matter?

As a business owner, it is your responsibility to utilize sustainable options to better care for our environment. 

Our sustainability goals are integrated into everything we do. OPC Direct continues to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating waste, utilizing LED lighting in our facilities, and looking for better ways to distribute our products. Whether you are looking for compostable packaging, eco friendly packaging materials for your small business or other sustainable solutions we have the eco friendly packaging you are looking for.

Advantages of Sustainable practices: 

  • Improve Brand Image
  • Reduce Shipping Costs
  • Save Money Overall 
  • Expand Customer Base

Automated Packaging From OPC Direct

Overall packaging line automation can offer significant benefits, including quality control, increase productivity, employee safety, and decreased labor costs. These systems translate into increased profitability in the long run. If your business can take advantage of automatic packaging machine technology there are many options. At OPC Direct we offer industry-leading auto packaging machinery, automatic stretch wrapping machines and shrink wrap machines, automatic filling machines, automated bagging systems, and more.

partnering with the best

We partner with the world’s premier manufacturers and suppliers to be the leading low cost provider while delivering the highest level of service.

Talk to one of our awesome
pack-specialists
and see what we can do together.

Talk to one of our awesome pack-specialists
and see what we can do together.

helping streamline operations,
so you can focus on customers.