Alternative Sustainable packaging Eco-friendly packaging Biodegradable (Eco-Friendly Bubble Wrap Alternatives):
Bubble wrap has long been a popular packaging material due to its cushioning properties and ability to protect fragile items during shipping. However, its impact on the environment cannot be ignored. Traditional bubble wrap is made from non-biodegradable plastic, contributing to pollution and waste accumulation. Fortunately, eco-conscious companies like MyPerfectPack are actively seeking alternatives that offer the same level of protection while being environmentally friendly. In this blog, we will explore some eco-friendly bubble wrap alternatives and how they can contribute to a greener packaging industry.
Kraft Paper
Recyclable Kraft paper cushioning is an excellent alternative to traditional bubble wrap. Made from recycled paper fibers, it provides a similar level of protection while being biodegradable and recyclable. It offers cushioning and shock absorption properties, keeping your items safe during transit. Additionally, paper cushioning can be easily recycled alongside other paper products, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
Honeycomb Kraft Paper
Inspired by nature: honeycomb kraft is surprisingly effective for protecting products.
Imagine kraft paper that reproduces one of nature’s most advanced architectural wonders. The honeycomb structure stretches and expands, adding lightweight protection even for fragile products made out of glass or ceramic. Since this innovative material also comes in rolls, it’s easy to store on warehouse shelves and grab for convenient usage.
Honeycomb kraft paper is a type of corrugated bubble wrap. It functions just like plastic bubble wrap, but it’s 100% recyclable. And with the right equipment, you can make your own corrugated bubble wrap and take your sustainability to the next level. Recycling.com—a Dutch website teaching the world how to reduce, reuse, and recycle—explains how a cardboard shredder can transform cardboard scraps into free honeycomb kraft paper.
Cardboard
Cardboard inserts require thoughtful design, but the results are worth it.
When it comes to protecting contents, cardboard is one of the most versatile materials out there. With the right package engineering, cardboard interiors provide unrivaled protection using only a few clever folds and cutouts. Engineering does take design time and money, but the long-term benefits are worth it. After a brief assembly, all that’s left is slipping the product into the custom cutout. And it’s a printable surface, so you can extend your branding to the interior. And it’s a printable surface, so you can extend your branding to the interior. Among other uses, it’s perfect to protect kitchenware packaging design.
Molded Pulp
One of the most eco-friendly bubble wrap alternatives available, molded pulp is made from recycled paper pulp and water.
Molded pulp has become an eco-friendly daily staple for just about everyone. Your morning eggs stay protected in molded pulp trays. Your drinks from the coffee shop stay secure in molded pulp holders. Even your iPhone comes in a pristine molded pulp tray. What do eggs, lattes, and smartphones have in common? Massive quantities are sold each day, so molded pulp makes sense for these producers.
It’s a simple process, but it can cost a few thousand dollars just to make the molds. As the name suggests, recycled paper pulp is combined with water and then poured into a hot vat where a CNC-routed molds designed specifically for the product is dipped into the slurry. It’s then pressed for a few minutes just like a giant waffle maker. If you’re selling high volumes of the same product, the up-front expense makes sense as the per unit cost of the finished molded pulp is fairly inexpensive. We use molded pulp in all kinds of alternative packaging applications, such as consumer electronics packaging designs.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
Biodegradable packing peanuts dissolve in water.
Made from starchy natural materials like corn, biodegradable packing peanuts were first introduced in the 1990s. Unlike other biodegradable packaging, you can be sure these actually break down.
Just run them under water and watch as they quickly dissolve while emitting a smell reminiscent of burnt popcorn. For a cheap solution for light to medium weight products, stock up on biodegradable packing peanuts.
Suspension Packaging
Using only cardboard and a thin layer of plastic, this method actually suspends the product within the box to protect from impact as well as shifting in transit. It’s an effective solution for heavy products including electronics like cell phones, laptops, and tablets. The mechanism requires some package design to match the goods inside, but assembly is a breeze, and the cardboard-plastic can last for multiple shipments. You can further minimize the carbon footprint with biodegradable polylactic acid plastic film , derived from sugar cane or corn starch.
Retention Packaging
Just like suspension packaging, retention packaging protects products with strategically designed cardboard and a thin layer of plastic. It’s a popular choice for shipping wine and other glass bottles, allowing for slight movement to disperse pressure throughout the bottle and package.
Thermoform Trays
Biodegradable plastic comes in many forms. Check with your supplier to learn how quickly it biodegrades under certain conditions.
From snacks and food containers to small parts and tools, thermoform trays are used in every industry that needs packaging. Inexpensive and easy to produce, they are made by heating a thin layer of plastic to the point where it can stretch and form to a custom mold, similar to the molded pulp process. Now that PLA is becoming more cost-effective, the biodegradable version is a viable solution for moving towards a more eco-friendly strategy.
Air Cushions
Air cushions are inflatable packaging materials that provide protection for fragile items. They are made from recyclable materials and can be reused multiple times before being recycled. Air cushions are lightweight, reducing shipping costs, and require less storage space compared to traditional bubble wrap. They offer excellent cushioning properties and are available in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different packaging needs.
Paper Air Cushions
All the benefits of plastic air cushions without disrupting the recycling stream.
Air cushions are cheap, convenient, and effective, but ultimately, it’s still plastic. Biodegradable air pillows are another eco-friendly option for packaging fragile items. These pillows are made from biodegradable materials, such as cornstarch or plant-based polymers, which break down naturally over time. They provide cushioning and fill voids in packaging boxes, ensuring the safety of your products. Biodegradable air pillows are an excellent alternative to traditional bubble wrap, as they minimize environmental impact and can be composted after use.
Eco-friendly Shipping: Something for Everyone
As awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, it is crucial for companies to prioritize sustainable packaging alternatives. #MyPerfectPack and other eco-conscious brands are leading the way by offering eco-friendly bubble wrap alternatives that maintain the same level of protection while reducing environmental impact. From recyclable paper cushioning and biodegradable air pillows to mushroom packaging and biodegradable bubble wrap, there are numerous options available to make packaging more sustainable. By embracing these alternatives, we can contribute to a greener future and reduce our reliance on non-biodegradable materials.
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