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Recently, I've been looking for ways to reduce the amount of plastic in my everyday life and so it makes sense that this should apply when running a business as well. After researching eco-friendly alternatives online, here are some things I've discovered...
Compostable, cellophane bags
These eco-friendly bags are made from 100% natural plant materials and can be home-composted. The bags come in various sizes and look like plastic but they're made from plants!
Simplelifeco UK Carbon Neutral Compostable Packaging Bags
- Certified Carbon Neutral: These poly mailers are manufactured using 100% compostable material that is certified to EN13432 standards. All carbon emissions related to the production of these mailers have been offset by supporting and developing wind farms in Northern Brazil.
- Unique & Robust: The mailers are designed to appeal to eco-conscious shoppers who demand change. They have been durability tested to offer strong protection from general wear & tear, with a bold design that showcases both the sender's personality and values.
- How To Dispose of: Simply pop the used mailer in the food waste collection bin and it will be taken to an industrial composting facility, where it will break down in just 6-12 weeks.
- Why Simplelifeco UK?: We are more than just green products... We are on a mission to ensure a greener future for our planet, working with other small businesses looking to reduce their impact and supporting green projects across the world.
Biodegradeable Cello Greeting Card Display Bags
- NATIVIA cello bags are made from PLA polylactic acid, a bio-based material.
- The bags have achieved the four-star OK Biobased certificate from Vinçotte and are approved for industrial composting according to EN 13432 standard by DIN CERTCO.
- NATIVIA cello bags can be industrially composted, recycled, or incinerated.
- The cellos are clear and self-seal for ease of use.
Glassine paper & paper envelopes
Glassine is a smooth, shiny and transparent paper that is water, air and grease-proof. It is made by pressing specially treated paper. It is much stronger than tissue paper and doesn't tear easily. Glassine is also acid-free and PH neutral, making it ideal for storing precious artworks, photographs and collectable stamps.
Glassine can be bought in sheets for wrapping, or as envelopes or bags. It is compostable and recyclable - making it a sustainable option for packaging material. Glassine envelopes add a touch of elegance to any product while ensuring that the contents are well-protected. Whether you are packaging cards, letters or small gifts, glassine envelopes provide a safe and attractive way to send your items.
Glassine Paper Roll for Artwork, Crafts
- Glassine paper is perfect for protecting important documents, drawings, and photographs from water damage and dust.
- The grease-resistant translucent paper can also be used to display baked goods such as cookies, brownies, candy, and other sweet treats.
- The Perfect Size: Our translucent paper roll measures 17.5 inches x 25 yards, but can easily be cut down to your preferred length, size, or shape
XOandQuin Small Peel Self-Seal Glassine Envelopes
- Eco-friendly, biodegradable, compostable and recyclable.
- Glassine is translucent/opaque in appearance
- An elegant acid-free, plastic-free packaging solution for small items with convenient self-seal tabs
- Food grade
- Weighed and packaged by hand in small batches in an independent East London studio
- Shipped in 100% plastic-free packaging
Tape
It's always made me feel uncomfortable to think about how much plastic sticky tape is used each year. Every Christmas morning as a child, I would try desperately trying to take the leftover pieces of wrapped presents off our living room floor before either carefully smoothing and folding paper or putting it in the recycling bin. But what do you do if there are still stickers left on after all this time? You can put them into soft plastics recycling at your supermarket--but even that concerns me because they may end up getting melted down into something else!
Some alternatives to the plastic sticky tape:
- Use recycled or reused paper to wrap your item and avoid using plastic sticky tape
- Use string or twine to tie it all up
- Use a recyclable, compostable sticker made of paper to seal your wrapped item
- Choose washi tape, a beautiful Japanese paper tape that is completely compostable and recyclable
- Wrap your item in nice fabric or use a fabric drawstring bag
- The Sellotape Zero Plastic Tape is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable option than regular cello tape
Rainbow Washi Sticky Paper
- 100% Brand New and Top Quality
- The tape is light-weight and easy
- Very convenient to use
- Materials: Washi Paper
- Single Total Length: about 5 metres
Sellotape Zero Plastic Tape, Multi-Purpose Clear Tape
- Zero Plastic wrapping tape does not contain plastic and is 100% plant-based, fully compostable, and the packaging is also fully recyclable
- Extra sticky adhesive tape is ideal for sticking all sorts of household objects, such as envelopes or parcels
- Everyday use strong tape can easily be torn off and is suitable for wrapping and everyday use for a range of needs including sticking cards, envelopes or parcels
- Easy to use wrapping tape comes with an easy starter tab
For packing boxes and mailers:
- The paper packing tape is compostable and recyclable, so it's environmentally friendly.
- You can write or stamp on the packing tape, which is helpful for labelling boxes or mailers.
- The glue is non-toxic and biodegradable, so it's safe to use.
Pandabode™ Paper Packing Tape
- Large 48mm wide x 50m roll length
- Made with brown kraft paper, for recyclable packaging solutions
- Strong adhesive sticks to most materials. Postage labels can be applied on top.
- A simple eco friendly alternative to plastic tape, to seal your recyclable packaging.
- Heavy duty reliability once applied, for securely packing boxes, moving house and other uses.
Mailing bags and envelopes
By using tough paper or cardboard mailers and envelopes, you can do your part in being eco-friendly as they can be composted or recycled. And if there's no plastic tape, that's even better! Plus, you can reduce waste by reusing old mailers instead of throwing them away - I know I do.
Larger items can still be mailed in used cardboard boxes, but I will attempt to avoid using plastic tape from now on (see above).
I have been collecting plastic bubble wrap from parcels delivered to me in the mail for some time now and I can't seem to part with it. Reusing bubble wrap is ecologically friendly, but paper alternatives exist and are more sustainable. Perhaps if I recycled the plastic...
Simplelifeco UK XXL Paper Mailing Sacks
- These extra large mailing sacks are made of paper from well-managed forests, making them eco-friendly.
- The packaging is 100% compostable and the carbon emissions have been offset.
- The paper is recyclable and biodegradable.
Packing Paper Cushioning Wrap
- Honeycomb packing paper roll is a multipurpose and cost-effective packaging material with outstanding protection and operational efficiency.
- Honeycomb wrap paper has a distinctive aesthetic when used for packaging wine bottles or porcelain.
- Protect your goods from making scratches that can occur during shipping. Honeycomb wrap ideals for packaging, storing and shipping ceramics, glass, dinnerware and other fragile items that defending them with a shock-resistant layer.
- SZSYumUnion cushioning Paper roll is a way that compostable to package. There not is smell of plastic in the process of shipping. It can ensure that the shipping/store environment is fresh and healthy
Conclusion:
Making the switch to eco-friendly packaging is not only good for the environment, but it can also be beneficial for your business. Sustainable materials like glassine paper and recycled mailers are more expensive than traditional plastic packaging, but they send a message to your customers that you care about making a difference. Plus, using sustainable packing materials helps reduce your carbon footprint and shows that you’re doing your part to help preserve our planet. If you’re looking for ways to make your business more environmentally friendly, start by considering your packaging options. What small changes could you make today?
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