A study by packaging producer DS Smith* suggests that over 1 in 10 e-shoppers stop ordering if they feel there is too much packaging around their product. 90% of Gen Z consumers** say they are willing to pay more for a product in sustainable packaging. Leading e-commerce companies are already capitalising on these trends. We offer five inspiring examples.
Clearly, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important element in the buying process. For a new generation of consumers, the shopping experience is an extension of their identity. And that identity attaches great importance to sustainability and ecology. So packaging that feels like waste immediately causes the seller to lose all credibility. All the more reason, then, for brands and e-commerce platforms to leverage their sustainability strategy for their brand experience.
Think differently
This forces companies to think differently about each stage of their process and communicate efforts and results more transparently. But it goes further as an authentic brand experience. In many cases, reducing material consumption also allows cost savings.
In addition to this, the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will have a major impact on the sector. Packaging should not comprise more than 50% empty space. Reuse should gradually become the norm: by 2030, 10% of e-commerce packaging should be reusable. The target by 2040 is 50%.
While these ambitions will continue to present brands and e-commerce platforms with challenges in the coming months and years, many organisations have already taken significant steps.
1. Amazon without air
By 2024, Amazon was already shipping 12% of its orders worldwide without shipping packaging. That amounts to 18 million parcels. In addition, the company claims that half its cardboard boxes were replaced by bags. For products that are not very fragile, this is an efficient alternative because, unlike boxes, shipping bags can be flatted completely, so they do not contain any extra 'air'.
Source: https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/waste/packaging
2. The Playmobil 2-in-1 box
Toy manufacturer Playmobil packs some of the items in its range in a 2-in-1 box that serves as both product packaging and a shipping box. This eliminates the need for additional packaging for shipping. However, as the box is subject to wear and tear in transit, they also printed the inside. If you want to give the toy set as a gift, simply turn the box inside out for a flawless product experience.
3. Dog Chef does away with handles
Online pet food manufacturer Dog Chef reduced the amount of cardboard used by 10% by lowering the lid of its shipping boxes and doing away with the handles.
Source: https://www.verpakkingsmanagement.nl/verpakkingsmachines/nieuws/dog-chef-bespaart-karton
4. Bol.com customises packaging
Bol.com introduced the world's first multi-wrapping machine for the customised packaging of multiple products in one box back in 2021. Avoiding empty space in a box reduces packaging material by up to 40% and eliminates the need for filling material.
5. Foodbag introduces reusable box
Customers of Belgian meal box supplier Foodbag can choose to have the ingredients for their weekly menu delivered in a reusable box this autumn.
Source: https://www.foodbag.be/
How can Fost Plus help you?
Do you want to explore the possibilities for reducing and reusing your packaging, but are unsure where to start? Are you looking for the right partners? Are you working on a reuse project but you have got stuck somewhere? Or you just want to share a successful experience? We'd love to hear about it! Get in touch with our Reduce & Reuse Team via the contact form.