Excessive Packaging: Destroying the World Without Consideration

Let’s gain a better understanding of how to avoid Excessive packaging. Proper product packaging means not overusing packaging materials. The best approach to product packaging is to use materials economically and in a measured way.

Definition of Excessive Packaging

Excessive packaging involves the overuse of packaging materials. According to the Institute of Packaging Professionals, excessive packaging happens when “the materials and items used to package a product go beyond the essential requirements needed for the product’s protection, preservation, transportation, and optimal sale.”

What is the Impact of This Phenomenon?

In 2022, the number of people shopping online worldwide surpassed 2.6 billion. These numbers are rising in 2023 and will peak in the upcoming months due to global shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas.

Imagine a situation you often encounter: ordering a product online, and when it arrives at your home, the packaging box is enormous compared to the product. It’s like ordering a simple pen and receiving it in a box the size of a suitcase! According to the European eCommerce suggestions on proper product packaging and waste regulations, the empty space in packaging should not exceed 40%. This guideline is part of a broader effort to promote sustainability and reduce waste in eCommerce and the packaging industry.

Boxes should be specifically designed to fit the contents, preventing excessive packaging. No empty spaces, no extra materials. Everything is designed to efficiently protect the product and minimize waste. Designing and using eco-friendly packaging for your products makes a significant contribution to responsible eCommerce. This commitment goes beyond using recyclable materials; it includes minimizing the consumption of primary resources. To achieve this goal, the proper use of packaging dimensions is crucial.

A Customized Solution

Online shopping ends when the box arrives. In the eCommerce world, it’s easy to see that the interaction between the customer and the product mainly happens through a computer monitor or phone screen. However, as we said, online shopping doesn’t end with a “buy” button click. It ends when the box reaches its destination. This simple yet significant transition from digital to tangible is when packaging becomes the focal point of the customer experience.

Packaging is the initial “touchpoint” in eCommerce. It’s what the customer first sees upon receiving the product. When a customer receives a product in packaging that demonstrates attention to detail, quality, and care, a positive connection between the brand and the shopping experience is created. On the other hand, excessive packaging has the exact opposite effect.

How to Avoid Excessive Packaging?

Paper and cardboard are responsible materials. Companies producing, converting, and using them for packaging are constantly committed to monitoring their life cycle until recycling to meet everyone’s economic, environmental, and social expectations. Avoiding excessive packaging is possible (and essential!). In eCommerce, adopting more sustainable practices that can reduce excess and minimize environmental impact is vital. Let’s consider some of them:

• Carefully consider the packaging dimensions and materials used throughout the packaging process. You can choose custom-sized boxes for your products to reduce material waste and improve storage and transportation efficiency.
• Prioritize recyclable materials with low environmental impact, such as cardboard, which can be recycled into new raw materials or energy.
• Minimize empty spaces. Optimize packaging dimensions to reduce empty spaces and avoid excessive packaging, thus limiting the necessary packaging materials.
• Multi-purpose packaging: This strategy focuses on designing packaging that can be reused in different contexts rather than turning into waste after purchase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, excessive packaging is a growing issue with each additional empty space. This situation calls for reflection on the importance of reducing it. The expansion of eCommerce has exacerbated this challenge, but solutions can make a difference. An appropriate approach is essential. That’s why platforms like Pivazh offer the opportunity to create custom packaging for each product, eliminating empty spaces and excessive packaging waste. The world can’t wait—start designing custom boxes. Click here to explore the templates and billions of combinations available in our library!