With business increasingly being done online, it’s important for brands of all shapes and sizes to make sure that their delivery packaging options are as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible, so as to reduce their carbon footprint and remain an attractive option for consumers, who are becoming more discerning with who they shop with as the realities of climate change increasingly make themselves felt.

While it may seem arduous to have to change how your business operates and find new ways of working, improving your green credentials will only ever yield positive results - and the even better news is that there are lots of options where sustainable packaging is concerned, so you’re sure to be able to find the right solutions for you.

In terms of what to consider, look out for eco packaging that’s made from 100 per cent recycled or raw materials and which minimises the steps involved in production right across the supply chain. 

Also think about what would happen to the packaging once it reaches the end user. Can it be reused? Can it easily be recycled? How can you extend the life cycle of your packaging and embrace more circular economy concepts as a business?

In terms of good sustainable materials, corn starch is an excellent option as it’s biodegradable and has little to no negative environmental impact. Cardboard and paper are also both strong options, as they’re recyclable and biodegradable, as well as having lots of different applications for a range of different industries.

Something else to think about is what you choose to have printed on your packaging - if anything. Chemicals in inks can cause issues from an environmental perspective, but you can get around this by not having any printing done, or by using soy inks or those made from milk protein, for example.

And, of course, always making sure that you choose appropriately sized packaging for your products will help reduce waste - and ensure that you’re not shamed online for posting something tiny in a massive box!