Everyone comes into contact with packaging material regularly.

Producing and disposing of these materials securely requires a significant amount of energy and careful planning that takes both economic and environmental issues into account.

As global temperatures increase, so does the need for environmentally friendly packaging. Hence, swag companies need to alter their packaging methods to keep up with the eco-consciousness and to showcase respect for the environment.

We have created this post to guide you through the concept of responsible packaging in addition to our current updates regarding this matter.

What is Eco-Friendly Packaging?

Eco-friendly packaging is defined as any packaging that is simple to recycle, safe for people and the environment, and that is created from recycled materials.

It also employs materials and manufacturing techniques that have a lesser impact on energy consumption and environmental assets. 

Eco-friendly packaging solutions – often known as sustainable or green packaging – strive to:

• Decrease the amounts of product packaging
• Encourage the use of reusable and renewable materials
• Reduce packaging-related costs
• Prevent the use of harmful materials in package manufacture

Why Does Eco-Friendly Packaging Matter?

The environmental consequences of single-use plastics don’t stop with garbage disposal.

Most customers are only aware of the last stages of the process. However, single-use plastics as a packaging style can have a significant environmental effect at every step of its creation and distribution, from raw material procurement to manufacturing, transportation, and disposal.

Therefore, switching to eco-friendly packaging is the most effective answer to this issue. Packaging makers and enterprises play a significant role in bringing environmentally friendly packaging into the mainstream.

With plastic pollution increasing at an alarming rate, enterprises must minimize, if not eliminate, their usage of plastic.

Institutions like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition are here to make that change, as the organization thinks the packaging sector has the ability to do more.

They explain why innovative sustainable packaging solutions are helpful to our whole world as follows:

• Throughout its life cycle, it is safe and healthy for individuals and communities
• Sustainable packaging meets market cost and performance standards
• Eco-packaging is physically engineered to save resources and energy
• It maximizes the usage of recycled or renewable resources

Adding to the above, traditional packaging is made of synthetic and chemical-laden materials, which is detrimental to both customers and businesses.

The majority of biodegradable packaging is non-toxic and constructed from non-allergenic materials.

Many individuals are worried about the materials used in their packaging and its impact on their health and well-being, so using non-hazardous and allergen-free packing materials will allow your customers to support environmental sustainability.

Though there aren’t many biodegradable choices available, there are enough to make the shift go smoothly.

Furthermore, eco-packaging products are made using clean manufacturing methods and ethical practices; it is recovered and used in closed-loop biological and industrial processes.

Having that eco-conscious mentality and incorporating it into your package design is also beneficial to your company.

According to research, ecological packaging can help brand owners raise their net sales by 2 to 4% because of the rising number of customers (especially millennials) choosing to support companies that care about the environment.

Hence, eco-friendly packaging is essential to these customers as part of the overall brand experience.

When it comes to making purchase selections, today’s consumers often seek out sustainable items.

As awareness grows, more individuals are shifting towards green packaging, so using green practices will attract more customers based on your stance toward the environment.

How SwagDrop’s Packaging is Changing for the Better

Every choice we make must take into account environmental and social responsibility.

As we continue to pave the road for a more responsible industry, the time has come for everyone to rethink how they conduct business today and commit to a better future.

Packaging improvements

At SwagDrop, we are dedicated to collaborating solely with retail companies who share our commitment to environmental and social responsibility for a better future.

We’ll keep looking for new materials to give you even more alternatives for eco-friendly presents.

We have upgraded our strong, rigid packaging by eliminating unnecessary polybags and incorporating Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified paper. 

FSC mark guarantees that the material or product originates from verified, responsible sources that have satisfied environmental and social criteria.

We have also transitioned from plastic to FSC material and cardboard product trays.

FSC material is extremely important as the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization founded to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.

The FSC system also ensures that items like wood and paper are obtained in a socially and ecologically responsible way.

The FSC’s Chain of Custody Certification allows the material to be monitored from the certified originating source through the production process to the final user.

Packaging innovation

We have enhanced packaging production to become more efficient, allowing products to be imprinted onto the packaging, minimizing labor time.

Improvements in branded apparel

We are converting to 100% biodegradable polybags very soon.

Biodegradable plastic bags are non-hazardous and don’t emit chemicals during the breakdown process. They are instead absorbed and dissolved by the earth’s soil, bacteria, and other living creatures, leaving no trace and being environmentally safe.

Responsible sourcing

Responsible sourcing – also known as supply chain responsibility – is a voluntary commitment by businesses to consider social and environmental factors when managing their connections with suppliers.

We now use UPS® carbon neutral shipping to fulfill products, and many of our US sites have gained Forest Stewardship Council® accreditation.

In addition, we have even loftier targets for 2025, including a 50% decrease in carbon emissions and 100% supply chain visibility.

Moreover, we’re taking accountability further with certifications from third-party organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council®.

Now Over to You

Remember that swag items can be both high-quality and sustainable. In fact, you can start getting yourself on that path as soon as possible.

In case you need any help with creating eco-friendly promotional items or need any tailored swag advice, feel free to reach out anytime, as we love hearing from you!