Having a great packaging program does not mean sacrificing your green image. Here’s how to assess and improve the environmental impact of your packaging.

Environmental consciousness is about more than just caring for the planet. Having a green mindset can save money and improve your company image. High-quality, well-designed packaging creates lasting brand recognition and customer loyalty, but seeing your logo imprinted on a unwanted piece of litter is hardly a great advertisement for your brand. Paying attention to your packaging’s material, use, and disposal, will make your packaging program a source of pride rather than shame.

Materials:
When possible, select packaging made from recycled materials, made for repeated use, or in a range of sizes that will limit trash volume.

Some of the best gift boxes and paper shopping bags are made from recycled material. For added “green” feel, select kraft paper shoppers; they are not just made from post-consumer paper, they have that natural, earth-friendly look.

Bags made of polypropelene non-woven resin (aka PPNW bags) are designed to be used weekly for two to three years. PPNW or canvas bags make environment sense because they will not be immediately discarded, their re-use will also provide a powerful platform on which to advertize your brand. High-quality paper shoppers or frosted diecut bags also see multiple use before they are thrown away.

Paper merchandise bags and plastic T-shirt bags are made for single use, but they can be a part of a environmentally friendly packaging program. Reduce the financial and landfill waste caused by oversized packaging by ordering matching gift boxes and merchandise bags in a range of sizes.

Use:
Does your packaging create added worth for your customer?

Regardless its the material, packaging that customers value is more likely to be re-used. Setting up a packaging program that considers the look and style of your brand does more than improve your company image and generate sales. A sturdy, high-quality Eurotote or Jellybag shopper with an attractive logo from a recognized brand will be used over and over again, fostering brand loyalty and providing added exposure. Custom packaging makes sense for your company and your planet.

Disposal:
Much of the attention on a product’s life cycle is given to disposal. Too much of our waste ends up polluting highways or waterways or clogging up landfills. Implementing a custom packaging program gives your packaging value, making it less likely to end up as roadside litter detrimental to your company’s brand or to be thrown away after just one use.

For added impact and to show your customers you care about the neighborhood and planet, set up an easy-to-implement packaging recycling program. This is easier than you think. S.Walter’s simple Bag It. Box It. Green. program offers collection boxes, customized labels, signage, and return reports to get you started. (call your sales rep or 1.800.523.8888 for more info).

Like any good modern company, S.Walter considers the environmental impact of the products it sells and distributes. It’s not just good for the world, it’s good for business.