Unwrapping the benefits of eco-friendly packaging
Did you know that Australians use over 150,000 kilometres of wrapping paper each festive season? That’s enough to circle the globe 4 times.
Packaging waste isn’t just a December dilemma though. For small businesses, sustainable wrapping is a smart move all year round. It reduces landfill waste, builds brand trust and turns every sale into a statement.
Your customers will love a well wrapped parcel and that’s a great moment to amplify your brand. Whether you’re providing in-store gift wrapping, selling wrapping paper or fulfilling online orders, your wrapping can shine by going green this year.
Is wrapping paper recyclable?
Not all wrapping paper is recyclable. Glitter, fancy dyes, metallics and velvet will redirect your packaging to landfill. Even delicate tissue paper can’t hack it; its fibres are too weak to be reborn as new paper and will hit the bin after unboxing.
We asked the pros at Sustainability Victoria who had this simple tip:
The best option to reduce waste is always to use as little packaging as possible and, for the packaging you do use, check it is both made from recycled content and that it can be recycled again or composted after use.
Cellophane and shiny papers are a no-go. They’re tricky to recycle and wrinkle beyond saving if you try to reuse them. Skip the plastic tape too and opt for recyclable ribbon, twine or paper tape instead.
‘Simple shifts like these can help reduce resource use and support a circular economy where materials are recirculated rather than discarded. It’s a small act with a big impact, especially over the festive season.’ Sustainability Victoria says.
Where can you find recyclable wrapping paper?
The good news for Victorians is that there are local businesses here that supply 100% Australian-made and sustainable wrapping paper for all your Christmas and year-round needs.
The Wrapping Paper Company
The Wrapping Paper Company (Wrapco) is a small, sustainable, family-run business that has been designing and manufacturing wrapping paper in Braeside, Victoria, since 1997.
The business is dedicated to keeping their products ethical, fully recyclable and fully Australian made. This means you can trust that they not only understand the environmental impact of gift wrapping but do everything within their power to minimise it.
Their paper is made with 100% solar energy, Australian made inks and is fully recyclable along with the packaging that it arrives in. The product range is specifically designed for retailers, online businesses and corporate businesses with wholesale and bulk wrapping requirements.
As well as wrapping paper, Wrapco also designs and prints other sustainable accessories including gift tags and seals and offers custom printing of wrapping paper products.
Learn how Wrapco has taken conscious steps in their manufacturing, packaging and distribution to lower their environmental footprint.
Image: Southern Magnolia - photo courtesy of The Wrapping Paper Company.
Brown Paper Packaging
Brown Paper Packaging are Victorian owned and have been operating out of their Moorabbin warehouse since 2003. Specialising in wholesale supply of carry bags, gift wrapping, gift boxes and packaging products to Australian businesses, they stock a huge variety of environmentally friendly products.
This includes craft paper, goodie satchels, gift boxes, raffia, tags, ribbon, as well as packaging options for online orders like hinged lid boxes, raffia, mailing bags and envelopes.
Their earthBoard © products are recycled, sustainable, environmentally friendly and Australian made, so you can wrap in peace and keep your business’s eco footprint at a minimum.
Browse their environmentally friendly products online or make an appointment to view their showroom to look into how you can prepare sustainable gift packaging for your business this festive season.
Wrapping alternatives
As well as using environmentally friendly wrapping paper, you can also investigate wrapping alternatives that present an opportunity to upsell and differentiate your business.
Consider the following 4 eco-friendly packaging alternatives:
- Recyclable: Cardboard, paper or aluminium – easy for customers to recycle.
- Recycled: Made from previously used materials, reducing the need to create new materials.
- Compostable: Paper, cardboard or certified bioplastics that break down naturally.
- Reusable: Tote bags, silicone bags, jars and baskets that can be reused.
Another option is to go with alternative packaging like beeswax or Furoshiki, otherwise known as Japanese wrapping cloth. Eco-friendly packaging doesn’t have to be a boring sea of browns and uncoloured boxes. Furoshiki, for example, is another way to add a personalised human touch to your packaging.
Use sustainable options for online orders
If you’re packaging online orders, there are ways to reduce waste. Like using recyclable materials, avoiding plastics or reusing shipping materials like boxes.
Use recyclable options for wrapping gifts for shipping, such as honeycomb packing paper or rather than traditional tissue paper or bubble wrap.
The latest research by Veolia shows that packaging matters, with 80% of Australians saying the composition of packaging impacts their purchasing behaviours.
Single-use plastics are only enjoyed for a few moments, but their impact on our environment can last thousands of years. Consider using natural materials such as native tree sprigs or dried flowers or avoiding altogether.
Sustainable packaging trends
The shift toward sustainable packaging is gaining momentum, with compostable materials leading a growing trend.
'We’re seeing more and more reusable packaging options starting to emerge,' says Sustainability Victoria.
'These provide an excellent option for businesses looking to reduce their packaging going to landfill. As consumers become more conscious of the impact of their choices, they’re favouring brands that demonstrate commitment to environmental responsibility.’
Gift wrapping is a Christmas tradition that isn’t going anywhere. Offering sustainable wrapping options will delight your customers as well as the planet.
More ways to be sustainable
Packaging is just one of many ways businesses can be more sustainable. Find out the benefits of being eco-friendly, how other businesses have become more sustainable and the ways in which your business can be more environmentally friendly with these resources.
- For more on the benefits of sustainability for businesses read – 5 ways sustainability practices are good for business.
- For real world examples of sustainable businesses read – Making your business more sustainable.
- For ways to implement sustainable practices in your business visit – Sustainability.