Category feature: Sustainable packaging

We spoke about packaging in this post during the summer last year, and the advantages of DropShipping packaging materials. It is a great category to sell in – because although it isn’t a particularly exciting category in terms of marketing (it is kind of hard – though not impossible – to create exciting content about packaging!) there is constant demand for this type of product. Taking selling packaging to the next level is relatively easy too. The global focus on becoming more sustainable means that demand for sustainable packaging – products that are made from recycled materials, as well as that are easy to recycle – is on the increase. In this post, we’ll be looking at the reasons that sustainable packaging matters, how you can source sustainable packaging for use in your business and how you can create profits by adding sustainable packaging to your inventory.

Why recycled packaging matters

It is pretty obvious why recycled packaging matters – the resources that are required to create single-use plastic are finite, and using additional trees for paper-based and cardboard packing just doesn’t make sense. Since the eCommerce industry is definitely not getting any smaller, alternatives that don’t use virgin plastics, and that are better for the environment are essential for the long-term health of the planet. We’re not saying recycled materials (especially plastics) are perfect, because they do still have some environmental impact – but they are an awful lot better than continuing to use new materials.

Polythene is a valuable, and finite resource, which means it is essential to utilise what we have as well as possible – the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle is necessary. However, with the latest technology, recycled polythene film can be just as strong as non-recycled products – which means all businesses can easily make the change.

Packaging materials have to be robust enough to stand up to rough handling by shipping providers and couriers, as well as keeping items safe, clean, and dry. In the past, recycled materials weren’t strong enough to stand up to this type of handling, but today, developments in technology mean they are as good, if not better than unrecycled options.

With that said, some types of plastic are not able to be recycled yet. Single-use plastic is widely used for food trays, and flexible pouches, and technology to recycle these types of plastics has not been sufficiently developed – so work is ongoing to find alternatives, and for ways to recycle them.

How can I source sustainable packaging for my eCommerce business?

Businesses that are looking to change to sustainable packaging for their orders can make bulk purchases from our supplier by signing up for Avasam and making bulk orders. Although after your trial period finishes, you’ll pay a small fee to source these products, our supplier has made their packaging materials are incredibly low priced, and are still very much worth ordering through Avasam. Not only that, you’ll be able to extend, and diversify your product offering by DropShipping those packaging items to your customers, or add a whole range of new items from our huge product catalogue.

How can I add sustainable packaging to my inventory?

If you’re already an Avasam user, you can simply head for the product catalogue to start adding items of sustainable packaging to your inventory, and selling them on your sales channels.

For retailers that are not yet using Avasam, it is a simple sign up process for a free trial, after which there is a small monthly subscription to access Avasam products. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to access our whole product catalogue, and start adding products to your inventory. While you’re looking at packaging items, look at diversifying your inventory further – there aren’t any limits to the number of SKUs that you can source from Avasam, and you can add your Avasam inventory to your sales channels quickly.

About our supplier of sustainable packaging

Our supplier is a specialist in packing materials for eCommerce businesses that are based in the North West. With more than 15 years of expertise and factories in China, they both create their products and distribute them, and are able to print customised packaging materials for brands that want greater exposure. The prices that our supplier can offer are unbeatable, and the quality of their products unparalleled, with exceptional quality control.

One of the main aims of their business is zero waste – particularly to reduce the amount of plastic waste that the eCommerce industry generates. Five of their aims over the next few years include:

They have committed to reducing, repairing, repurposing, and recycling, composting and recovery wherever possible. The plastics that they are using and recycling are shipped back to their plants for processing and turning into new materials, to complete the cycle and to minimise the use of raw materials.

When our supplier sends packaging to be recycled, it isn’t just packaging products that the waste plastic gets turned into. Other products include:

With so many alternative uses for recycled packaging, it becomes really clear why it is essential to recycle.

One final thing you’ll love about selling sustainable packaging from our supplier: They don’t sell their products on marketplaces, so you won’t be competing with them if you decide to sell their products on Amazon, eBay or OnBuy.