Now, more than ever, companies are aware of the environmental impact of shipping. From the water pollution that shipping vessels create to the increased use of non-biodegradable materials in packaging, shipping can harm the environment in dozens of ways.
On the other hand, many companies strive to counteract harmful practices by finding sustainable shipping solutions. At Spirited Shipper, our materials are made with ECT48- and ECT44-certified, sturdy, durable, and completely recyclable cardboard. Find out more about the challenges of shipping and the environment and how eco-friendly practices can help.
The Environmental Challenges of Traditional Shipping
For decades, companies have grappled with the environmental impact of shipping. As scientific research advances, experts have determined that traditional transportation contributes to greenhouse gasses, while non-recyclable materials harm the environment after disposal and require a lot of energy to produce.
Carbon Emissions from Transport:
Traditional (gas-powered) cars, trucks, and boats emit huge quantities of pollutants such as CO2, NOx, and SOx. These compounds create smog, human and animal health problems, and even acid rain. Long-distance deliveries are especially concerning, as they require more fuel, and impact more regions.
Excessive Packaging Waste:
It’s no secret that just about every industry still relies on plastic in some way for packaging materials. When consumers toss things like bubble wrap, these non-recyclable materials usually end up in landfills. After a while, styrofoam and plastic packaging leach chemicals into the environment and break down into microplastics.
Energy-Intensive Production:
Because shipping materials are created in high-volume quantities, producing these materials also takes a toll on the environment. Traditional packaging materials require significant resources to produce.
Why Sustainable Packaging Matters
Plastic and styrofoam are easy to use in packaging, but the impact that these shipping materials can have on the environment should concern any supplier. Finding ways to use sustainable packaging is important, and can help offset pollution.
Reducing Waste:
In the US alone, landfills store over 145 million tons of waste. Companies can help reduce that number by using recyclable or biodegradable materials for packaging and shipping.
Lowering Carbon Footprint:
When companies use eco-friendly packaging solutions, they can also lower their carbon footprint and help reduce emissions. Less plastic in landfills means less pollution.
Meeting Consumer Expectations:
If nothing else, striving for sustainable packaging shows consumer awareness. Environmentally conscious buyers expect eco-friendly materials and respect when companies honor that demand, building brand loyalty.
How Spirited Shipper Reduces Environmental Impact
At Spirited Shipper, we have over 30 years of experience producing the best wine and spirits shipping boxes. Our eco-friendly shipping boxes are made from high-quality corrugated cardboard, ensuring that your items and the environment are cared for.
The Broader Benefits of Eco-Friendly Packaging
If you’re still not convinced that recyclable materials can lessen the environmental impact of shipping, consider some of these bigger-picture points.
Preserving Natural Resources:
One of the biggest reasons companies should strive for eco-friendly packaging is to lessen the strain on natural resources. When plastic is the priority, manufacturers are forced to rely heavily on nonrenewable materials like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Contributing to a Circular Economy:
Rather than maintaining a disposable mindset, we should all be focusing on using recyclable and biodegradable materials. As a renewable resource, cardboard can be recycled and repurposed, effectively keeping waste out of landfills.
Even when our eco friendly shipping boxes end up in the garbage, they decompose within a matter of months, rather than the hundreds to thousands of years it takes for plastic to break down.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a retailer, distributor, or wine enthusiast, using renewable materials from Spirited Shipper is an excellent way to offset the environmental impact of shipping. Contact us today to find out more about our premium-quality, eco-friendly shipping boxes.
