As concern about environmental issues intensifies, the issue of sustainable business has emerged as an important business issue particularly in areas of e-commerce and delivery services. Owing to the increase in online shopping, packaging waste has increased as well and this has forced many firms to reconsider their packaging material. Limitation of the use of plastics and getting rid of them has never been more important than at the present time.
Another coinciding solution to this problem is the shift towards the adoption of biodegradable compostable mailers. In contrast to conventional plastic-based mailers which need from 150 to 500 years to decompose, compostable packaging mailers are created so that they can biodegrade while producing no toxic substance behind. This makes them very attractive to different businesses which want to ensure their use of resources does not compromise the environment drastically.
However, are these compostable mailers really all that eco-friendly as they appear to be? In this article, we’ll look at the materials, advantages, and disadvantages of compostable mailers to answer this question and, hopefully, allow you to decide if they’re right for your company.
What Are Compostable Mailers Made Of?
Compostable mailers are essentially biopolymers which include PLA – a bio degradable polymer that is produced from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane. These materials are important in development of socially responsible compostable mailers. Therefore, PLA is a preferred product because it biodegrades rather than decomposes in a composting environment making it quite distinct from conventional plastics.
Building on the sustainability of these products, 100% compostable mailers may contain other compostable materials including PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) to give the mailers flexibility and strength. This way the mailers provide the same protection as offered by its plastic counterparts when transporting goods.
What you need to understand is that compostable packaging mailers are created to break down within a given time period under controlled commercial composting environment. In Australia, compostable products must meet the AS 4736 standard, which is similar to the ASTM D6400 standard in the US.This certification confirms that the above said mailers do not impart toxic residues making the composting process safer.Â
Environmentally friendly shipping mailers that are made from compostable material are perhaps the best way of tackling the ever increasing use of plastics in the package and mailing sector. When selecting these products, you are selecting products that are circular economy aligned that helps convert waste into soil without a trace of toxicity.
Such a change is necessary for the delivery of firm sustainability and environmental management.
Environmental Benefits of Compostable Mailers
With the knowledge of what compostable mailers are made from let us delve deeper into appreciating some of the environmental benefits that come with their use. Biodegradable mailers are mainly made from renewable resources such as cornstarch and PLA (polylactic acid) thereby cutting on the use of fossil fuels normally used in making conventional plastics. Such a change does not only reduce the emission of carbon dioxide but also the exploitation of non-renewable materials ensuring a better circle of production.
You will also understand that these mailers are made to degrade within the course of a few months in a composting environment unlike their plastic counterparts, which take centuries to degrade. This happens because they do not remain in the landfills for ages, thus decomposing at a very fast rate and thus adding more ugly blotches to the face of the world’s environment. They biodegrade into non-toxic, organic forms which improve on the quality of compost with possibilities of reusing them to fertilize the soil, thus completing the recycling cycle of the product.
Also, it is worth mentioning that the manufacturing process of compostable mailers typically requires less energy than those typical plastic mailer solutions. Such a decrease in energy consumption is essential to decrease the entire emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in compliance with the international initiatives to mitigate climate change.
Therefore, when choosing compostable products you are in fact contributing to the development of a less harming type of packaging.
The Rise of Compostable Mailers in E-Commerce
E-commerce retailers have recently shifted to using compostable mailers for a way of minimizing their impact on the environment due to increased pressures from customers.
As you have probably observed, the growth of e-commerce sales has predictably boosted the volume of used packaging materials – a major ecological issue. It will be possible to use compostable mailers which disintegrate under certain circumstances into environmentally safe nutrients unlike the conventional plastics which decompose into micro plastics that stay in the environment.
This change is not fully about using only environmentally friendly materials; however, it is needed to fulfill the consumers’ demands. This entails that customers of today are well informed on the effects of their purchases on the environment. They noted that manufacturers are being pressured to provide these recyclable packing through the suppliers and the retailers are also adapting them into their sustainable supply chains.Â
This is coupled with a increase in regulatory forces where several regions have had to tighten their policies In matters concerning waste management and sustainability.
As you will see in the financial analysis, the up-front cost of compostable mailers may be higher; however, the advantage to the consumer and to the business-to-business client who potentially switches to LMK because of this policy can justify the higher cost ratio.
These are often created using plant-starch materials including cornstarch and PLA (poly lactic acid), that when subjected to composting environments, totally disintegrate into soil without the formation of unwanted residues.
Thus, the usage of such solutions is one of the ways to move towards making e-commerce more sustainable. If your business is considering eco-friendly options, NuPack Packaging offers packaging solutions that align with modern sustainability goals.
Top 4 Eco-Friendly Mailers for Sustainable Shipping
It is one of the logical measures that you can take towards greener shipping, and a change to eco friendly mailers is another potential solution.
When considering your alternatives for GEO it is important to not only look for those that have low environmental footprint but that also effectively address your logistic requirements.
Here are the top four eco-friendly mailers that offer sustainable shipping solutions:Here are the top four eco-friendly mailers that offer sustainable shipping solutions:
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Compostable Poly Mailers:
These mailers biodegrade in industrial composter sites within 180 days. Manufactured from bio-based polymers like PLA that is made from corn starch, they have no toxic residues hence an ideal solution for plastic waste.
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Recycled Plastic Mailers:
Using post-consumer recycled plastic in its making, these mailers contribute towards reduction of waste sent to landfill. It means that they are reusable before recycling and can last long, withstand water and be recycled making their life cycle longer than that of other plastics.
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Paper Mailers:
A green solution, paper mailers are developed from recycled paper or from trees sourced sustainably. It goes without saying that they are ecofriendly and can quickly be recycled through the street side; making it easy to drive for any business that is intending to reduce their impact on the environment.
All of the options make it possible to receive environmental benefits that allow users to meet their sustainability goals in terms of shipping materials for products while still proving to be efficient in dispatch solutions.
Why Your Company Should Invest in Compostable Mailers
As seen from the many types of recyclable mailers above, your company has the potential of greatly benefiting from use of compostable mailers. These products do not only cater for a growing market trend of sustainable packaging but also provide a solution to the waste management problem. The compostable mailers degrade in presence of compost environment in 90 to 180 days in contrast to petroleum based plastics that take centuries to degrade and contribute to environmental pollution by being dumped into landfills and seas.
Moreover, by using these mailers, you're likely to enhance your brand's reputation as environmentally responsible, an asset that can translate into customer loyalty and potentially higher sales. Studies indicate that a majority of consumers are more inclined to purchase from brands with strong environmental credentials. This shift in consumer behavior underscores the importance of adopting sustainable practices.
Financially, the initial cost of compostable mailers might be higher than conventional plastic mailers; however, the long-term savings are substantial. They reduce the need for waste management and can decrease expenses related to disposal and recycling.
Furthermore, as regulations around packaging waste tighten, compostable options could help you avoid potential fines and facilitate compliance with environmental legislation, securing your company's operational future in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Compostable Mailers Be Reused Before Composting?
Yes, you can reuse compostable mailers before composting them. Ensure they're clean and intact. Reusing extends their life, maximizing their utility before they biodegrade, contributing positively to waste reduction efforts.
How Do Weather Conditions Affect Compostable Mailer Durability?
You'll find that humid or wet conditions can degrade compostable mailers faster, reducing their durability and protective qualities. Conversely, dry climates might slow this process, potentially extending their usable lifespan before disposal.
Are Compostable Mailers Safe for Shipping Food Items?
Yes, you can use compostable mailers for shipping food items as they're typically non-toxic and safe. However, ensure they're certified for direct food contact to avoid contamination and maintain food safety standards.