With today’s social consciousness surrounding the environment, there is an ever-growing movement for companies to go green. For the logistics industry, this includes efforts to optimize routes for reduced fuel usage or adopting greener transportation methods. However, one area that provides businesses with maximum flexibility is in their packaging.
While there are many sustainable packaging strategies available, not all of them will be appropriate for every company. It’s up to you to identify what works best for your business. Whether you use reusable containers, optimize pallet usage, remove excess air from LTL shipments, or one of many other sustainable options, your business can do its part to protect the environment.
Why Packaging Sustainability Matters
Green solutions address the importance of sustainable logistics in various ways. Aligning with consumer expectations and regulatory trends, eco-friendly less-than-truckload (LTL) packaging reduces unnecessary waste and energy and helps companies develop reusable packaging systems to minimize environmental impact. Businesses that adopt green LTL packaging help the planet and their branding, while potentially cutting costs and complying with ever-changing regulations focused on making the world less cluttered.
Ways Shippers and Logistics Companies Address Packaging Sustainability
Leading providers incorporate innovative strategies to reduce their environmental footprints. They optimize their shipping and receiving departments with environmentally friendly LTL packaging and use biodegradable packaging materials where feasible. With that in mind, let's look at these three approaches that showcase the benefits of sustainable logistics.
Less Packaging
Excessive packaging can create unnecessary waste and increase transportation costs due to the additional materials. However, you have to think carefully about how ‘excess’ is defined. Less isn’t always more in the logistics industry. For example, shipments with specific handling concerns may benefit from extra packaging, protecting them throughout the LTL process. Under-packing can lead to damage, which ultimately drives up costs for replacement and reshipment, and in turn, adding demands to the environment.
The key is to find a balance between using enough packaging to thoroughly protect your shipments without unnecessarily overdoing it. This can be a challenge but worth the time to determine the amount of packaging that is required for your unique goods.
Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Materials
Many traditional packing materials are made from plastics, including PP, PET, PE, and PS. These materials can take years (or even centuries) to decompose, creating environmental threats. However, companies committed to sustainable logistics can counter this by using biodegradable and recyclable alternatives.
For example, compostable packaging products made from cornstarch-based bioplastics, mushroom-based packaging, and plant-based fiber wraps break down naturally without leaving harmful residues behind. On the other hand, some compostable packaging requires more energy input to manufacture them, which also puts a strain on the environment. It’s important to properly vet any solution you choose to invest in to determine whether your choices are truly greener than other options.
Recycled paper, cardboard, and plastics also extend the life cycle of materials and reduce dependence on creating new packing materials. Be aware, however, that recycled materials can sometimes be weaker than their non-recycled alternatives. They may be appropriate for protective packaging but might not be the right option for primary or secondary packaging..
Ultimately, when using biodegradable and eco-friendly materials, consider all factors to determine whether the sustainable option is the best one for your needs.
Reusable Packaging
One of the most effective ways to reduce packaging waste is to encourage the reuse rather than disposal of shipping materials.
For instance, some fashion, electronics, and subscription-based companies offer returnable packaging programs that let customers return sustainable primary and secondary packaging. Others use loop systems where packaging returns to the sender after delivery, reducing demand for new materials. Still, others utilize reusable containers with collapsible or modular designs to optimize storage and transport.
While reusable packaging requires more upfront investment, reducing raw material consumption often leads to long-term cost savings and improved sustainability.
Eco-friendly LTL packaging and sustainability in primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging aren't just options—they're a necessity in the modern world. Consumers demand eco-friendly solutions, and sustainable logistics practices help companies meet that demand while complying with increased government regulation.
We hope that companies who are looking to prioritize packaging innovations that reduce waste, include biodegradable materials, and support reusable systems found this information to be helpful. The future lies in investing in strategies today that will lead to a more responsible, resilient tomorrow.
