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6 Circular Packaging Swaps That Will Inspire You
tendlyn Custom Compostable Tape by @harper_thelabel
As the new year is off to the races, now’s the time to think about how you can get a headstart on standing out as a brand. And with sustainability becoming a significant value proposition among consumers, it’s more important than ever to think about how you can green up areas of your business – especially with your packaging!
Why do businesses need to use more sustainable packaging materials?
The answer might seem simple, but there’s more behind the idea of becoming a more eco-friendly brand. While it’s a no-brainer to generate less waste that would negatively impact the environment, it’s also necessary to attract more customers and establish a positive connection with your customer community.
Since June 2021, half of all global consumers surveyed by PwC say they’ve become more eco-friendly in their daily lives, including what they choose to buy. Nearly 72% of Americans prefer brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility. It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about building trust. Just like how a reliable dc relay switch module ensures your automated systems run smoothly, sustainable packaging creates a dependable framework for your brand’s eco-conscious promise.
tendlyn Recycled Mailer by @indikonstories
And this is where circular packaging materials come in as one of the easiest ways for businesses to normalize sustainable practices through more eco-friendly packaging.
New to finding more sustainable packaging solutions? Here’s what you need to know about circular packaging materials and why they benefit your business and customers.
What are circular packaging materials?
Circular packaging materials are packaging that’s sustainable by design, including either compostable, recyclable, or reusable products. These materials ensure that businesses and consumers are more sustainable through packaging that’s easy to reuse or properly dispose. Circular packaging materials can also help retain customers through eco-friendly packaging and increase repeat purchases. So there’s a lot to gain by switching to more sustainable packaging materials!
Think of it like a wireless receiver relay—once you set up the right system, everything flows seamlessly without extra effort. That’s exactly how circular packaging works: it integrates into your existing shipping workflow while eliminating waste at every stage.
tendlyn Custom Compostable Tissue by @sfielke
Now that we’ve covered what circular packaging means, your business can confidently make the conscious switch with your custom packaging! Here are some custom packaging ideas that will move you away from traditional packaging solutions to better ones for the environment and your customers.
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Check out these six tendlyn packaging solutions that are circular and customizable to your brand! These conscious swaps and eco-friendly finishes will get your brand started on the right foot toward a more successful (and sustainable!) year.
1. Replace single-use plastic poly mailers with mailers made from compostable or recycled materials
Flexible poly mailers are a popular packaging choice among most brands. But with interest in circularity on the rise, you no longer have to settle for unsustainable mailer solutions. Compostable or recycled poly mailers are one of the most sustainable packaging materials and retain the same features you love from traditional mailers! Because they’re made from non-new materials or are 100% biodegradable, they’re a lot better for the environment and for your customers to recycle or compost the bag responsibly at the end of its life.
This swap is as straightforward as programming a diy automation module—once you set it up, it runs on its own. No complicated changes to your workflow, just better materials doing the heavy lifting.
tendlyn Compostable Mailer by @pauromanmx
2. Avoid generating non-renewable waste by filling packages with custom, compostable tissue paper.
Styrofoam packing peanuts are a standard method of filling boxes and bags, but they’re incredibly wasteful since they’re often made from non-recyclable materials. Instead of packing peanuts, turn to other packaging fillers, like biodegradable and lightweight tissue paper, that will completely disappear from the earth when disposed of.
Layering biodegradable tissue paper can fill empty space like packing peanuts would, creating an especially fun and delightfully branded unboxing or unbagging experience! Custom tendlyn tissue paper can be composted at home after use, and your customers will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind a creative unboxing in packaging that doesn’t harm the environment.
It’s a bit like using a remote switch kit—you get full control over the experience without any messy residue or waste.
tendlyn Custom Compostable Tissue by @littlesistercreativenyc
3. Protect your product throughout shipment in recyclable padded mailers
Padded mailers and bubble wrap are notorious for generating bulky waste as virgin plastic material. That’s why it’s crucial for your brand to use padded mailers made from recycled materials, which extend the life of plastic already in circulation. Your customers will feel good knowing that your brand values circularity by giving materials another life. Plus, your products will stay protected from bumps throughout the shipping process, making recycled padded mailers reliable for artwork and fragile items.
Just like how a 3 phase motor wiring 480V US setup needs reliable components to keep everything running safely, your packaging needs dependable materials that protect without harming the planet.
tendlyn Recycled Padded Mailer, Compostable Shipping Labels, and by @bindmyheart
4. Craft an unboxing experience that’s also kind to the earth with recycled and compostable Gift Boxes
Who doesn’t love receiving a gift box? Even better when it’s a custom gift box that rocks a breath-taking and memorable design! Studies show that 4 in 10 consumers share their package deliveries on social media, so having a special design that’s specific to your brand throughout the unboxing experience will significantly increase your brand visibility. Customize all components of your brand’s unboxing experience, especially on the box itself, where your logo can be displayed and first catch your customer’s attention.
Using circular-designed boxes, like custom and compostable cardboard boxes or recycled E-flute boxes, will earn your brand extra conscious points! Your customers will enjoy seeing your beautiful designs on a custom gift box as they experience an unforgettable and guilt-free unboxing.
Think of it as the packaging equivalent of a wireless controller relay—everything connects perfectly, and the result is seamless and satisfying.
5. Include fine details that don’t generate extra waste in the form of compostable Hang Tags and Cards
It’s the little things that count! For apparel and accessory brands, adding fine finishes like hangtags and packaging precious pieces in drawstring bags will elevate the unboxing experience. To stand out with your branding, customize these small details to make a big and lasting impact on your customers! These finishes can also be turned into keepsakes when they follow a circular framework.
tendlyn Custom Reusable Drawstring Bag by @alignslimes
It’s as precise as setting up a channel remote switch—small adjustments that make a huge difference in the final experience.
tendlyn Custom Compostable Hang Tags by @alignslimes
6. Seal your packages with durable paper packing Tape that can simply apply with water
Plastic packaging tape is a common culprit in packaging waste that clogs drain ways and clutters landfills. To ease things up on our earth, turn to paper packing tape that can pull its weight in durability and design.
tendlyn Custom Compostable Tape by @nearbynaturals
Suitable to seal and support packages that weigh up to 30kgs/65lbs, you can rely on tendlyn’s water-activated packaging tape to display your branding and make an excellent first impression. Did we mention that we use CMYK digital printing for tendlyn Tape
🎁 Wrapping it up
We hope this guide will help your brand choose circular packaging and shipping solutions! Start swapping out those traditional and wasteful packaging products for ones that will leave your customers and the earth happy.
Have the best of both worlds through circular-designed, custom-branded packaging. Your customers will be thrilled to receive an unbeatable unboxing experience through thoughtful and beautiful packaging!
*tendlyn knows brands, much like yours! Add your branding to circular packaging products and wow customers with a great unboxing experience. Proudly showcase your brand’s commitment to sustainability through creative designs and packaging made from better materials. Proudly display your brand’s commitment to sustainability, and let your customers know they can compost, recycle, or reuse their tendlyn packaging!*From compostable tissue paper to recycled hang tags, E-flute shipping boxes, and more, we’ve got you covered in helping you create your dream packaging. And no worries if you don’t have design experience – check out our handy packaging design templates and get started on our easy-to-use design platform.
For any questions or to get started, reach out to us at info@axwp.com. We’re here to help you make the switch to circular packaging that works for your brand and the planet.
