Amazon
Frustration Free Packaging
This program’s goal is to reduce excess packaging. Products are shipped in their own easy-to-open recyclable products without any other packaging like wire ties, plastic bags, etc.
Plastic-Free Alternatives
Through the company’s Climate Pledge Friendly program, which Amazon is a co-founder and a signatory for, the company encourages the use of paper or biodegradable packaging. They collaborate with third-party certifications and they have also created their own certifications to highlight those products that meet sustainability standards. Customers can search for products who have met the standards by looking for the leaf icon and the sustainability features label. The sustainability features label can also be found on product pages. Only those products who have received at least one sustainability certification will be highlighted.
Amazon Second Chance
This program promotes the recycling and reuse of packaging materials by ensuring that mailers and other packaging are recyclable.
Walmart
Project Gigaton
Through Project Gigaton, Walmart encourages their suppliers to source out sustainable packaging materials, optimize packaging design and support recycling. The company is working on a number of initiatives. Among them is achieving 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging for brands by 2025.
Their plastic recycling efforts include offering collection bins for plastic bags and bins in their U.S. stores. These collected waste are then mixed into a bale with other recyclables and are then picked up by partner companies who sort and recycle the collected waste materials.
Plastic bag-free home delivery is also offered to customers who choose to opt out of plastic bags for their delivery purchases. They also offer a wide variety of reusable bag options for customers to choose from at checkout.
They continue to explore eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to the traditional single-use plastic bags.
Kroger
Zero Hunger | Zero Waste
This program encourages customers to collect recyclable packaging at home and to drop them off at any of their stores where a drop-off bin is provided.
The store also encourages the use of reusable grocery bags as a better option for plastic bags. In fact, its goal is to eliminate the use of plastic bags by 2025.
They aim to make all the packaging for Our Brands 100% recyclable, compostable, and/or reusable. They are also redesigning current packaging to avoid unnecessary waste, and are improving packaging recyclability.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Their sustainable packaging solutions also include fresh produce and baked goods where paper and biodegradable alternatives should be used.
Costco
The company has promised to release data on the total plastic footprint of its in-house brand, Kirkland in July 2024. They are also set to release a five-year plastic action plan before 2024 ends.
As part of their commitment to sustainability, they source out products with minimal environmental impact and prioritize suppliers who use sustainable packaging. They encourage their suppliers to use recycled materials for packaging and minimize the use of plastic wraps for bulk items.
Costco’s packaging requirements for suppliers include the use of recycled content for all packaging, the use of the right wood, paper, or fiber-based products from responsibly managed and certified forests, the use of packaging that can be used more than once, and the use of compostable packaging if reusing is not applicable,
As part of their initiative, Costco’s in-house brand, Kirkland, has redesigned its milk jars in such a way that it would require 10% less plastic. To add, they are manufactured from 100% recyclable materials.
Motivations of the Zero Plastic Initiatives
To reduce and eliminate the tons of packaging materials that end up in dump sites yearly, merchants have committed to formal waste reduction programs. And their motivations are not only social, but also economic. In a survey conducted by the Boston Conducting Group, almost 60% of the respondents said that they are less likely to purchase items that are packaged using materials that are harmful to the environment. In addition, they also said that they would pay more for products that are packaged using environment-friendly packaging.
Other Reasons Retailers Are Rethinking Their Packaging
Almost half of plastic waste comes from packaging. Almost 90 percent of plastic is not recycled and almost 8 million tons end up in the ocean every year.
Packaging produces by-product waste. Paper and cardboard can be just as detrimental to the environment as plastic packaging because of deforestation and processing.
Reduced packaging means less expenses for retailers. Ever wonder why Lush products are becoming package-free? According to a blog post by Lush, an estimated 40-50% of their product cost is attributed to packaging.
What Is in Store for Us?
LBy 2025, shelves will definitely look different. Even major consumer brands like Nestle, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, etc, are set to introduce a reusable and refillable packaging model. Customers will enjoy lighter trips from the store to their homes. With less packaging, there will be less load to carry.
Change Your Packaging Today
These companies are setting new benchmarks where sustainability is concerned. Their set initiatives to reduce plastic and minimize their carbon footprint do not only address the environmental impact of their business operations but also influence supplier practices and consumer behavior. The efforts of retailers and suppliers, combined with those of the customers, play a crucial part in the war against pollution, and can pave the way towards a greener, brighter, and more sustainable world. So if you are a business owner who has not yet made the shift from plastic to a more sustainable, and eco-friendly packaging, today is the time to make the switch.
Being pioneers in the field of no-waste, reusable supply chain products, eco-friendly packaging and purposeful, sustainable products, Madi Decor offers a wide variety of thoughtfully made packaging options that are biodegradable, compostable, easily recyclable, and aesthetic. They are made from 100% eco-friendly materials you can use for printed and custom-branded packaging. Whether it is made of cotton, jute, burlap, paper, canvas, cardboard, hemp, flax, hessian, etc. you can be assured of a quality, durable, stand-out, and sustainable packaging that speaks well about your brand. Explore your options today or contact us for a consultation.