Sustainable packaging: How companies can reduce plastic use by up to 3x

Have you ever wondered how much packaging affects not only costs and logistics but also a company’s image? Until recently, plastic was the most popular packaging material, but today it has become an increasing challenge. According to European Union data, in 2022 Europe generated 83.4 million tonnes of packaging waste, of which 16.1 million tonnes were plastic. This means an average of 36 kilograms of plastic per inhabitant per year, with only 41% being recycled.

This means two things: companies face higher waste management costs and increasing regulatory pressure. But there is also good news – with the right packaging, plastic consumption can be reduced by up to three times, saving both time and money.

Why sustainable packaging is becoming a necessity?

Today, consumers are increasingly evaluating not only the product itself but also its packaging. If price or delivery speed used to be the main factors, now the question of whether the packaging is sustainable and eco-friendly plays a much larger role.

Research clearly confirms this. TGM Research data shows that 61% of European consumers often or always consider the sustainability of packaging when choosing a product. Meanwhile, European Supermarket Magazine reveals that 84% of shoppers look for recycling information on packaging, and 60% said these details directly influence their purchase decision.

This means that eco-friendly packaging is no longer just a “bonus” for a company’s image. It is becoming a crucial competitive advantage. Businesses that adopt smarter solutions not only align with customer values but also optimize their costs. More compact and efficient packaging means lower transport expenses, better warehouse utilization, and faster packing processes.

Protective packaging for shipments – alternatives to plastic

Despite plastic’s dominance in the market, companies are increasingly turning to other, more sustainable solutions:

◼️ Cardboard fillers – recyclable but increase weight and transportation costs.
◼️ Bioplastics – more sustainable than conventional plastic but more expensive and not always recyclable in every market.
◼️ Reusable packaging – suitable for long-term logistics but not practical in e-commerce with individual shipments.
◼️ Air cushions – eco-friendly and cost-efficient, making them particularly suitable for companies seeking a balance between protection and cost-effectiveness.

How does air cushion packaging help reduce plastic consumption?

Less material, more protection

Air cushions protect products with air rather than unnecessary packaging layers. To ensure the same level of protection, up to 80% less plastic is needed compared to bubble wrap. This means less waste and lower costs for packaging materials.

Smaller volume means cheaper logistics

Since air cushions consist of 99% air, they are significantly lighter than most alternatives. Lighter packaging means lower transport weight, reduced fuel consumption, and therefore fewer CO2 emissions. This is a direct benefit for companies that want to remain competitive while being sustainable.

Recycling opportunities

According to European Commission regulations, by 2030 all packaging will need to be reusable or recyclable. This means that:

◼️ Requirements for clear recycling labels on packaging will increase.
◼️ Companies using non-recyclable packaging may face higher fees or penalties.
◼️ Packaging optimization will no longer be optional but an essential step in business sustainability.

In this regard, air cushions are made from 100% recyclable material and can be reused multiple times. Such a solution provides greater stability and predictable long-term costs.

Case study: How air cushions help reduce not only plastic use but also long-term costs

Let’s take a look at a retail chain with 376 stores. The company faced a typical large-network challenge – each store packed products in its own way. This caused chaos, inconsistent quality, significant cost differences, and a higher risk of shipments being damaged during transit. To standardize the process, the company implemented an air cushion system.

The results speak for themselves:

◼️ Packaging costs per parcel dropped from $2.22 to $1.21, saving nearly 46% per shipment.
◼️ Packaging material consumption drastically decreased – while previously 8 meters of bubble wrap were required, now only 30 cm was sufficient.
◼️ Overall, the company saved more than $6.9 million annually across all 376 stores.

This case clearly proves that implementing smart technologies not only reduces plastic consumption but also delivers significant financial benefits on a large scale.

How PAKFUL solutions help businesses go greener

We believe that sustainable packaging is not just a trend but a practical solution for business logistics. We work as a partner to help companies operate greener and more efficiently.

◼️ Lower costs: our solutions reduce plastic consumption and transportation expenses.
◼️ Less space: air cushion packaging and protective films take up much less warehouse space.
◼️ Less time: packing becomes faster thanks to automated air-filling machines.
◼️ More protection: air cushions provide better security for product deliveries.

Sustainable packaging is a smart investment, not an expense

Sustainable packaging means not only caring for the environment. It also means less plastic, more efficient logistics, and lower costs. Companies that take this step today gain an advantage in both competitiveness and reputation.

If you want to learn how PAKFUL solutions can help your business reduce costs and adopt safer, more sustainable packaging solutions, feel free to contact us. We are here to be your trusted partner!

Email: veikals@pakful.lv
Phone: +371 26660018