4 undeniable reasons reusable packaging outshines corrugated cardboard
Picture this: Your retail store employees receive a huge shipment of new items ready to be unpacked, refolded or hung up.
Yet, your items arrive in a squished package of corrugated cardboard that is:
- Extremely hard to open because they are squished
- Clearly dirty so your store floor isn’t looking as sharp
- And, now they’re left with a big mess for all to see
This is all too familiar, yeah?
Regardless if you’re using corrugated cardboard or recycled corrugated cardboard, the above is a pretty common occurrence in retail stores everywhere. Corrugated cardboard isn’t providing much value to employees, and it provides very little value to the environment considering its use is limited.
What are my options?
Two words: reusable packaging.
Reusable packaging is better for a number of reasons. At a high level, some of these reasons include:
- Safety and security
- Minimal impact on the environment
- Cost savings
- Better use of resources (think: timing and efficiency)
- Tracking ability 24/7/365
Sttil, the biggest pushback we hear when it comes to making the switch to reusable packaging is all around cost.
- Will it cost me more?
- If it doesn’t save me money, I can’t justify it
- We don’t have the budget for this right now
Lucky for you, you can actually save on costs with reusable packaging anywhere from 25-75% depending on a few factors. Ask me more about this here.
To paint a better picture of reusable packaging vs. corrugated cardboard, let’s dig into more specifics.
Reusable packaging > corrugated cardboard
Here’s why…
The Environmental Impact:
When it comes to sustainability, reusable packaging takes the crown. According to a study conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), an astonishing 46% of global waste comes from packaging materials. This statistic alone should make us stop and think about the repercussions of our choices.
Reusable packaging, on the other hand, offers a practical solution to this environmental dilemma. By opting for packaging that can be used multiple times, we reduce the need for single-use materials like corrugated cardboard boxes. This results in less waste generated and fewer resources consumed during production, ultimately contributing to a greener planet.
More on the environmental impacts from our friends at Rothy’s here.
Cost-Efficiency:
While corrugated cardboard boxes may seem inexpensive at first glance, the long-term costs of using them can quickly add up. According to research conducted by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, reusable packaging can save businesses up to 95% in packaging costs over time.
If you want specifics on your costs, fill out this quick form here.
Investing in reusable packaging solutions may require a higher upfront investment, but the savings over the long run are undeniable. By reducing the need for constant box replacements, businesses can cut down on expenses and redirect those resources toward other areas of growth.
Protection and Durability
One of the most critical aspects of packaging is ensuring the safe arrival of products to their intended recipients. Here’s where reusable packaging shines brightly. Unlike flimsy, corrugated cardboard boxes, reusable packaging options are designed with durability in mind. With reusable packaging, you can rest assured that your precious cargo will arrive intact, reducing the risk of damaged goods and costly returns.
Additionally, packaging made from upcycled and sustainable materials are designed with durability in mind. It’s not only the materials used, but the ergonomics of the packaging as well like adding handles, easy zippers, the ability to fold, etc. Protection for both your goods and your employees is key.
Brand Image and Customer Experience
Packaging is not just a means to an end; it also plays a significant role in shaping brand image and customer experience. Reusable packaging allows businesses to make a memorable impression on their customers while showcasing their commitment to sustainability.
Research from McKinsey & Company indicates that 70% of consumers consider sustainability when making purchasing decisions. Especially in today’s world where sustainability and eco-friendly practices are in the limelight more often than not. By aligning your brand with eco-friendly practices through reusable packaging, you can attract environmentally-conscious customers and foster long-term loyalty.
What would you choose?
In the battle between reusable packaging and corrugated cardboard boxes, it’s clear that the former holds the upper hand. Not only does reusable packaging reduce environmental impact, but it also offers cost-efficiency, superior protection, and boosts brand image. Embracing reusable packaging is a win-win situation for both businesses and the planet.
So, the next time you receive a package, let’s imagine a world where cardboard boxes are replaced by durable and eco-friendly alternatives. Together, we can deliver a world without waste.
To learn more about LimeLoop’s Trackable Reusable Packaging, click here.
A day in the life of a cardboard box
The life of a cardboard box is short-lived.
When was the last time that you left a cardboard box sitting in your home unopened, taking up space? This is likely not a super common occurrence for you for two reasons:
- You’re too excited to see what is inside that cardboard box, and
- It takes up space, so do you really want that in your hallway to trip over?
Cardboard boxes never really stay in the same place for very long.
Instead, the moment they land at a destination, they tend to get unpacked quickly and then either repacked (sometimes) or immediately broken down and taken to a recycling bin (hopefully) or to a waste bin.
An overview of what this may look like:
The step-by-step cardboard recycling process from the EcoMasteryProject
Is cardboard really worth all the hassle then–monetarily and environmentally–if it lives such a short life?
Let’s dig into this…
How is cardboard made?
Overall, making a cardboard box is a relatively simple process. There are two main types of cardboard: regular and corrugated.
Regular cardboard typically refers to a thick paper stock or heavy paper pulp. This type of material is typically used for cereal boxes or greeting cards. It is basically made up of a flute (made up of virgin or recycled paper), sandwiched between two liners.
Making corrugated cardboard is a slightly different process that involves cutting, folding, and gluing corrugated cardboard sheets into your desired shape.
- Paper is first made from wood pulp or recycled paper, and then it's treated with various chemicals to make it stronger and more durable (i.e. regular cardboard)
- The paper is then fed through a machine that adds the wavy middle layer, which is called corrugation. This process involves feeding the paper through a set of rollers with wavy ridges, which creates the characteristic ridges and valleys of corrugated cardboard.
- The corrugated cardboard is then cut into large sheets, which are sent to a box-making plant.
- At the box-making plant, the sheets are cut into the desired size and shape for the box.
- The cardboard is then folded along pre-scored lines to create the box's shape, and the edges are glued or stapled together to hold the box in place.
- The finished boxes are then stacked, bundled, and shipped to various distributors and retailers.
And there’s a cardboard box.
Then, what happens to the cardboard?
Away she flies…
Literally and figuratively.
Over 90% of all products in the U.S. are shipped in corrugated cardboard boxes. Most cardboard today is corrugated cardboard, both for environmental reasons and because it is more secure.
Some of the environmental reasons include:
- Most is made from recycled materials
- It is easier to recycle post-consumption
- Can reduce need for secondary wrapping or packaging
Yet, corrugated packaging is a $17 billion per-year industry-the largest segment of the entire packaging industry.
That is a lot of money.
Is it really cost > environment?
Yes and no.
What would happen if you took your portion of your spend of that $17 billion each year from corrugated cardboard and moved to reusable packaging?
Specifically, you could
- Save 35% or more on packaging costs
- Allocate 35% or more on other initiatives
- Reduce your carbon footprint by 70% or more
It’s really a win-win.
Want to learn more about your reusable packaging options?
Schedule a free call with one of our Reusable Packaging Specialists. We can tell you in real-time what your actual cost savings and environmental impact will be as well.
