The term “sustainable packaging” refers to packaging materials with minimal environmental impact while still being functional enough to hold their contents effectively.
A popular example of sustainable packaging is custom mailer boxes with inserts designed with paper, cardboard, or foam. It is eco-friendly, so it has minimal environmental impacts upon disposal and can be recycled for other business purposes. It also protects and positions the product for the best unboxing experience.
The goal is to reduce the use of materials, increase the use of renewable and recycled materials, and design packaging for recycling. Adopting sustainable packaging, instead of generic packaging, can help businesses to reduce their environmental impacts and position themselves to customers as an environmentally-responsible company. It will give them a better brand and market appeal and help them get a competitive advantage.
As the focus on sustainable packaging and environmental sustainability grow, both large corporations and small businesses are beginning to incorporate sustainability initiatives as an integral part of their working operation to help minimize the effects of their business on the environment.
Businesses that do not invest in sustainable packaging stand to lose out on various benefits, such as an improved social image, cost-savings, resource conservation, and improved market appeal. Here are some of the key effects of ignoring the environmental impacts of your business.
5 effects of ignoring the environmental impacts of your business
Increased Contribution to Waste
Ignoring your business’s environmental impacts can increase your business’s contribution to waste in several ways. For instance, using packaging not designed for recyclability or reusability means that end users will throw the packaging into landfills after usage. Also, a business that ignores their business environmental impact is likely to use more resources than necessary, such as energy, raw materials, and water, contributing to more business waste and pollution.
They may also contribute to waste in other ways, such as poor disposal practices, using non-renewable energy sources, and overproduction. This leads to increased expenditure on waste management and spending of money which has been used for other important purposes.
Contribution to Climate Change
When a company does not consider the effects of their operations and products, they are more likely to contribute to climate change due to increased carbon footprint on the environment. Burning fossil fuels release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat and cause an increase in global temperatures, leading to a wide range of effects, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns.
A common example is businesses that employ majorly fossil fuels to generate energy; they produce more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. You could reduce your reliance on fossil fuels by employing more sustainable alternatives such as solar and wind power. They should also adopt sustainable energy initiatives to reduce the company’s energy usage and reduce their contribution to climate change.
Reputation Damage
There is a rise in environmental consciousness in society, and customers are becoming more aware of environmental issues plaguing the society. This has caused them to favor companies that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. According to SurveyMonkey, one in three consumers buy an environmentally friendly product over one at a lower price.
When a company is seen as not taking environmental issues seriously, its reputation may suffer, resulting in decreased consumer trust. This can lead to lost business and a decrease in customer loyalty. Also, new customers, investors, and employees may be less inclined to buy from companies with a poor reputation for environmental practices.
Regulatory Fines and Legal Actions
Many governments have laws and regulations to protect the environment, and businesses that do not comply with these laws may face fines and penalties. For example, businesses that do not comply with packaging, labeling, and product safety regulations can be sued by government agencies. They can also be sued by environmental groups or even individuals harmed by the company’s activities.
Businesses must be aware of the environmental impacts and understand the regulations that apply to their operations.
Higher Costs in the Long Run
Ignoring the effects of your company’s environmental impacts can lead to higher costs in the long run. For instance, businesses may use more resources than necessary when they do not consider the environmental impacts. They may also face higher costs for waste management. Or worse, they may face fines or penalties from the government for breaking environmental laws.
It is more cost-effective for a business to proactively address its environmental impact and implement sustainable practices rather than ignoring them and incurring additional costs in the long run.
