How to ensure your eCommerce delivery is more eco-friendly

With consumers today showing a preference for those retailers and brands who clearly demonstrate what they are doing to reduce their impact on the environment, green logistics is fast becoming more than a “nice to have” – it’s a growing necessity.

According to an IBM Research Insights report, 57% of consumers are willing to change their eCommerce purchasing habits to help reduce their impact on the environmental impact. Companies, in turn, are having to adjust both their supply chains and logistics systems to meet these new customer expectations.

Still, many companies are hesitant when it comes to investing in sustainable delivery solutions. When the right technology and supply chain strategies are implemented, its interesting to note that such solutions could actually reduce delivery costs and enhance brand image.

So what are the best practices that businesses can adopt to create an eco-friendly delivery service?

Sustainable material

By the simple swapping of certain materials used, your business can become more eco-friendly. Our corrugated board is sustainably produced using a high percentage of recycled materials, and we are proud to source FSC® material for all of our customers. Water activated tape instead of acrylic tape, Bio-degradable or compostable products will have less harm on the environment. Our eLOK product for example is a self-locking product developed as a solution to a more sustainable way of packaging for our eCommerce customers.

Filling a void

Looking at your void fill solutions, exchanging plastic for paper and fully biodegradable products will reduce plastic waste. Compostable material breaks down into organic waste by microbial digestion to create compost which has many environmental benefits including being the best soil fertilizer! Many of the Reedbut custom corrugated boxes are “fit to product” solutions, meaning we create custom packaging to the exact product dimensions which will not only reduce waste and save money, but also protect products during manufacturing, shipping, and transportation.

Inform and educate

Educate both your team and customers on how to recycle packaging effectively through internal newsletters and the sharing of website blogs. Consider including instructions in packaging boxes on how to best recycle. Be sure to keep your website and social media channels up to date with your eco efforts too! If you sell products online you could even have fun at the checkout with little top tips…”If you recycle this product or packaging you could save x….’ for example. These little thoughts will also put your front of mind with your customers and set you apart from your competitors too!

Returns & delivery processes

Protecting your product in transit is so important. Less returns = less unnecessary fuel costs and emissions on our roads. Minimising pollution through the efficient use of materials, supplies and energy is at the heart of our own environmental policy, read more about this on our website.

Look after your equipment and machinery

Paying for regular inspection and maintenance of equipment may save your company money in the longer term – for example by improving energy efficiency, reducing your use of raw materials or avoiding breakdowns.

It’s a well-known fact that equipment often costs far more to run than to buy. Its worth investing in more energy-efficient machinery and equipment from the outset, which will save you money longer term and of course be more environmentally friendly too!

As a forward-thinking business, the Reedbut Group understands the need for commitment to the environment to ensure both economic and environmental sustainability. We continue to work with our customers, suppliers and external agencies to reduce our impact on the environment, constantly reviewing how we operate in our plant and offices.

Contact us to learn how we can help you ensure your product packaging is as eco friendly as possible!

Recent Posts