As we move into the holiday season, it’s crucial to think about the environmental impact of the packaging materials that are used. The #1 job of packaging is to protect the product. No one wants to be the recipient of a damaged holiday gift! It’s about more than the product. It’s about the feeling.

Beyond packaging design and performance, there are many other considerations to make when selecting which packaging to use for shipments. Prioritizing sustainability in shipping is essential. The right packaging not only reduces waste but also provides maximum protection for your items. Here are some tips to help you achieve both:

1. Choose sustainable alternatives: Look for innovative packaging solutions designed with sustainability in mind. Sealed Air offers a variety of packaging options, including recycled bubble cushioning, paper wrapping, paper void fill, and paper mailers, that provide excellent protection while minimizing environmental impact. Materials like corrugated boxes and paper mailers are often easier to recycle and thus less likely to end up as waste.

2. Right-size your packaging: Avoid oversized boxes or excessive packaging materials. Opt for packaging that fits your items snugly. This reduces material waste and minimizes the need for additional fillers or padding. Smaller, lighter packs are often more efficient and thus minimize carbon impact.

3. Educate your recipients: Make sure your package recipients know how to handle the packaging materials. Provide clear instructions on how to recycle or reuse the packaging, encouraging sustainable practices. The holiday season is a great opportunity to reuse packaging for sending gifts as well as returns.

The holiday season is not only a time for giving but also an opportunity to adopt more sustainable practices. While educating your package recipients on how to reuse or recycle is important, knowing where and how to recycle common packaging materials is equally critical. Understanding these options ensures that your holiday packaging has the best chance of being reused or recycled, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Where to recycle commonly used e-commerce packaging:

CURBSIDE RECYCLABLE: Corrugated boxes, all-paper mailers, and most paper packaging
STORE DROP-OFF RECYCLABLE: Bubble cushioning, air pillows, poly mailers. To learn more about store drop-off recycling and to find a participating retailer, visit: https://how2recycle.info/sdo
NOT WIDELY RECYCLABLE: Polystyrene (aka "Styrofoam"), paper mailers lined with bubble, most foams

When in doubt, contact your local waste management company. Most have websites that detail what they accept, but don't hesitate to email or call them if you have any questions. Remember, knowing how to reuse or recycle this year’s holiday packaging can make a significant difference towards a more sustainable planet.

Learn how to recycle, repurpose, or dispose of Sealed Air packaging products.

Make the Most of Holiday Packaging: Tips for Reusing or Recycling This Year’s Holiday Packaging

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