In the 21st century, sustainable practices have become a requirement in almost every industry. For supply chains, every aspect of the industry can make changes, big or small, to help create a better future.
From couriers using eco-friendly vehicles and leveraging technology to become more efficient, to better packaging and reducing waste. Every step we take towards a more sustainable future benefits the entire planet.
Whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, delivery company or end consumer, there are actions you can take to play your part. With us all heavily invested in buying and selling online, packaging is a great place for everyone to start.
Even as a consumer, you can make the subtle differences that become a collective, global effort for a more sustainable future.
Bespoke Packaging
If you regularly send out consignments of goods that are the same, bespoke packaging is a great way to cut down on waste. Using as little, and more environmentally suitable materials helps reduce waste, leads to more recycling and reduces pollution.
By keeping packing as small and light as possible saves on fuel during transport. By reducing a 12” x 12” box to 10” x 10”, based on a 1lb weight, could save nearly 20% on the shipping costs. Spread over a large consignment, these savings in fuel contribute massively to the global efforts.
Reducing Plastic
We are all more than aware of the harm that plastics inflict on our environment. From the extraction of fossil fuels to the harmful gasses emitted by its manufacture, plastic is detrimental to every living thing on the planet.
Taking hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose, plastics continue to reduce down into microplastics. The smaller the plastic becomes, the slower the rate of decomposition.
Microplastics have been found in the food we eat, digested by marine life, most recently in human blood, and have contaminated the entire planet. Reducing plastic waste is one of the most essential steps we need to take as a species and starting with packaging, is vital to that crusade.
Alternatives to plastic are widely available. Using biodegradable and compostable alternatives, even down to the glue that holds packaging together can keep your packaging recyclable and environmentally safe.
Single Material
Avoiding multiple materials in your packaging is another way to keep it highly recyclable and cost effective. Switching to carboard packing pieces instead of the inflatable plastics or polystyrene peanuts means it can all be recycled easily, and ethically.
The foldable nature of cardboard also makes it easier to store. Boxes can be broken down and rebuilt increasing the chance of them being repurposed and reused.
At OCS, we consistently work towards a more efficient and economic business model.
You can read more about our business objectives through this link.
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