Go GREEN - The 5 Packaging Options We Chose To Use For Zero Waste Eco Shipping
Go GREEN. How To Ship Zero Waste.
This is a decision that we thought long and hard about. There are deciding factors in all business decisions, but we knew right from the start in 2014 that we had to have no negative effect on the environment.
Yes, there can be a small additional cost for these alternatives but we take that on ourselves so you can continue to have the best high quality reusable items from us with low shipping rates and a low FREE SHIPPING threshold.
So, when you order some Goodies from us there are a few deciding factors we make behind the scenes to ensure that we meet your goal.
SIZE.
We wanted to avoid having parcels arrive in bags too big or requiring excessive packaging to fill the void. Because of that we have a number of companies we work with that all provide slightly different size bags. Each bag (listed below) is chosen as it perfectly matches the sizes of our most common orders so we know exactly what to choose to do the job. And, another bonus, is that the smaller the size, the less impact on our postal and courier carriers space.
Our products are small in size, however we believe every eco parcel that we ship leads an example to each and every person it comes in contact with.
SMALL DLE + MEDIUM A5 Black: These compostable bags we source from The Better Packaging Company.
"I’m made from plants, corn to be exact, with a man-made binding agent added for flexibility. And the best bit … I can be composted at home! Yip, when you’ve finished using me, just put me in with your food scraps and garden waste, and before you know it, worms will be eating me for breakfast. Better for the environment, better for our oceans, a better tomorrow."
More Information here: https://www.betterpackaging.com/product/compost-packs/
MEDIUM A5 White: If you receive a bag from EcoEnclose then this is the information on it and what you can do with it at home.
These bags also come with a DOUBLE sticky fold so you can open cleanly and reuse the bag incredibly easily. Pop out with your recycling #4.
"Not only are these exciting mailers made from 100% recycled content, but the dual adhesive strip allows reuse prior to being recycled. The cream color means you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics to make an earth-friendly choice. Yep!--now you can have your cake & eat it too!"
More Information here: https://www.ecoenclose.com/shop/recycled-mailers/100-recycled-poly-mailers
LARGE A4: These are currently sourced from R3Pack and are 100% biodegradable.
More Information here: https://r3pack.co.nz/
BOXES: We have a few different sources for our boxes. Over the years we have worked with Smiths Sport Shoes , Rebel Sport and local Nelson shoe shop owners to collect their shoe boxes. The businesses are more than happy to give them to us (saves them time dismantling, and recycling) and we love the slight size differences as we can match a box to fit your order.
Alternatively, we collect from supermarkets or reuse our own boxes that come through the house. Some of our local stockists have boxes waiting for us to collect as we drop off orders. Love it!
TAPE.
Our tape is either 100% biodegradable cellulose or 100% biodegradable and recyclable kraft paper tape. In the past we have bought from these 3 companies. R3Pack, Hardy Packaging and EcoEnclose.
STUFFING.
Ideally we try to get away without any internal packing but if needed to ensure things are not wriggling around then we use the following:
Recycled tissue paper. Collected from businesses in town.
Box offcuts. Boxes eventually get pretty shabby or rip. These cardboard boxes we cut up into different shapes to support your goodies and pack out the parcels.
If you choose a SPRUCE SET or Tea Towel you will notice these are very simply tied. We use Trade Aid Organic Hemp Twine. 100% biodegradable.
https://www.tradeaid.org.nz/product/natural-twine/
We are more than happy to support other businesses through the journey of deciding which products to use, and having used a variety we can offer pretty fair comparisons.
All the best in your green journey x
