Packaging; A creative opportunity for sustainable businesses.

Packaging; A creative opportunity for sustainable businesses.

Sustainability is about so much more than making people aware of the importance of the climate. It is about getting your customers engaged. Therefore, in this article, I would like to look at a different kind of recycling. A lot is already written about plastic packaging in supermarkets and how we all would like to reduce it. Almost every company has to deal with it in some way. As a customer, we often don’t know what to do with it after we unpacked our order… And we all know where it ends up. You might have guessed it, I’m talking about the cardboard box!

You might think that the cardboard box, being made out of paper, is a sustainable way of shipping products to your customers. In fact, compared to plastic packaging you would be correct. But what if I told you that even though it is one of the best packaging materials to recycle, it is quite a process?

But what if we could turn the cardboard box into a sustainable marketing opportunity? Not only that, we could save your business a lot of money in transport damage claims at the same time.

Keep your packaging, please?

When customers receive their order, they usually unpack it and dispose of the box. However, when a product turns out to have a flaw, a photo of the box can determine if the damage happened in transport or if it is a production flaw. In case of transport damage, the shipping company will only take responsibility for the damage based on a photo of the box.

If you cannot prove the box to be flawless, they often categorize don’t approve the claim. For that reason, we want customers to keep the box for a while (at least long enough for them to identify possible product flaws). So, in the case of damage, it would have a significant financial benefit if customers held on to the packaging for a slightly longer period.

How can we make our customers want to keep the box long enough for this to work?

Well… a minor modification to the box design would contribute to this goal in a straightforward (and cost-free) manner.

All we have to do is add a text to the box saying for example: “I’m finally here! It’s almost time to enjoy your order! Before you do, could you please hold on to the box and keep it until you have ensured your complete satisfaction with its contents?”

Sustainable marketing

To turn the box into a marketing opportunity, we can make it even better! How about turning the box itself into something worth keeping as an alternative to the recycling bin? Simply add a note to print the suggestions on the box itself! Here are some ideas:

“Completely content with your order? Have a little fun with the box:

1. Make a mini-playhouse or Fort: Cut some windows and doors into the box, ask your kids for help to decorate it, or let out your own inner child and go creative yourself.

2. Pet Bed: If the box is too small for your kids (or you) to fit in and you have a small pet like a cat or a hamster, fill the box with a soft blanket or cushion to create a comfy bed for them! They would love you for it!

3. Storage Organizer: For the need freaks… Decorate the box and use it to store toys, books, magazines, or whatever needs organizing in your house. If you order again next time, you can stack several boxes to create a custom storage unit.

4. Gift Box: Use the box to make someone else happy! Decorate it with wrapping paper, paint, or whatever you feel like to turn it into a unique gift box for your friend’s birthday.

5. DIY Piñata: Create a piñata by filling the box with candy, decorating it, and smash it to enjoy!

Do you have an even better idea of how to recycle your box? Don’t forget to tag us if you share your creation on Instagram!”

Written by Marc Wijnja

www.offthegridwithmarc.com