AIR PILLOWS MADE FROM RECYCLED CONTENT

Inflatable air pillows are another great eco- and cost-saving alternative to Styrofoam or bubble wrap. Available in a variety of sizes, they are ideal for filling voids in boxes or providing cushioning around packed items.

Air pillows are small bags that can be inflated – hence, they consist primarily of air. This cuts down on the amount of plastic used in their production and transport compared to other cushioning materials.

Once more, air pillows can be reused, recycled, and are even biodegradable. Yet, it’s important you seek air pillows made from 100% recycled materials, with biodegradability emphasized.

Kraft paper

Kraft paper is manufactured from wood pulp. Unlike regular paper, kraft materials use all types of wood including resinous pine, which is typically left out when creating regular paper products. Almost all of the chemicals that go into making kraft paper can be reused, so the manufacturing process is more sustainable.

noissue Kraft mailers are 100% FSC-certified and come in a range of sizes. You can even customize them with your own branding and style.

BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING 

New York has recently reinstated a ban on Styrofoam, the light, airy material used for takeaway cartons and loose-fill packaging, otherwise known as EPS (expanded polystyrene foam). And similar U.S. cities have followed suit. EPS is neither biodegradable nor is it economically recyclable, often finding its way into waterways where it can have adverse effects on marine life.

Styrofoam has been a standard in loose-fill packaging for fragile or otherwise sensitive items, cushioning against shocks and helping to prevent product movement. For businesses looking for the closest alternative to this packaging classic, biodegradable air peanuts are now available. These work in the same way as their Styrofoam brethren, but they do not linger for eternity polluting the environment. They are also less expensive.

CORRUGATED BUBBLE WRAP

We’re all familiar with bubble wrap packaging – a popular kids’ favorite. This packaging helps to protect fragile items during shipping. However, this is not an eco friendly material being plastic based. The good news is several sustainable alternatives are being developed as substitutes.

One of these is a wrap made from up-cycled corrugated cardboard. Rather than disposing of or recycling post-consumer cardboard waste, the material is given an additional life as a cushioning agent. Small cuts are made to produce a concertina-type effect that protects against shocks just as bubble wrap does. The only downside is that you don’t get the satisfaction of popping the bubbles afterward!

More Info: good earth packaging box