Every business knows that sustainability has become an important aspect of business operations and marketing in recent years. Nearly 70 percent of consumers say they would pay more for a product in sustainable packaging, and around 35 percent say they would buy more sustainably packaged products if they could find them. 

There’s an ever-increasing demand for sustainable goods, from product type to shipping materials, so switching to more sustainable custom shipping boxes is a great way to save money and the environment and position yourself favorably with the modern consumer. Here are four simple ways to make your custom packaging more sustainable.

1. Choose sustainable materials

One of the simplest and most appreciated ways to make your custom packaging sustainable is to use sustainable materials. Build A Box’s custom shipping boxes are made with 100 percent recyclable corrugated cardboard, which can even be used in a consumer’s compost.

In addition to the corrugated cardboard walls of your custom mailer boxes, additional sustainable material options include soy-based inks, biodegradable void fill and molded inserts. Ask your Build A Box designer about sustainable material options when building your custom packaging and support the environment without the exorbitant cost.

2. Ship in smaller packaging

Shipping your products in smaller boxes is a minor step that can have a significant impact on your sustainability. Using boxes with smaller dimensions allows you to fit more boxes per transport unit, reducing your shipping costs and helping reduce emissions. It also allows you to reduce or eliminate void fill, and the fewer unnecessary materials used, the better for your environmental impact.

Using standard wholesale boxes often means that you’re faced with just a few box sizes to choose from, none of which perfectly fit your product. With Build A Box’s custom shipping boxes, however, you can choose fully customized dimensions that fit your one-of-a-kind products to a tee.

3. Avoid unnecessary void fill

Even with custom packaging, void fill is sometimes necessary. However, there are steps you can take to minimize this void fill and make it more eco-friendly.

Choose biodegradable or fully recyclable void fill materials when possible. You can also opt for custom inserts that securely hold your products in place while offering additional space for branding and product information. Product inserts can be made with 100 percent recyclable corrugated cardboard to enhance sustainability while remaining fully customizable.

4. Choose a packaging supplier that cares

If sustainability is one of your brand’s core values, choose a custom packaging supplier whose values are the same. At Build A Box, we aim to create stunning custom shipping boxes that are as sustainable as they are effective. 

We use fully recyclable materials to make your customized packaging created to your exact size specifications to minimal waste. We also offer short runs with no minimum order quantity required, so you can order exactly as many units as you need with no wasted boxes left over.

If you’re ready to get started designing custom packaging boxes, check out Build A Box’s online design tool, where you can quickly and easily make your custom packaging vision a reality. You can also give us a call at (888) 406-1610 or fill out our online contact form to speak with one of our box designers and receive personalized assistance. We’re always happy to answer any of your questions and provide a free quote. No minimum order quantity is required!