Much of the talk regarding sustainable business practices today revolves around energy and reducing a business's "carbon footprint." Construction of energy-efficient buildings, use of efficient lighting options, and creative HVAC systems help businesses today reduce their impact on the environment.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) says that businesses need to consider the following when implementing a plan for long-term sustainability:

• Air pollution
• Green building design
• Green power & energy
• Using paper
• Waste reduction
• Water conservation

Regarding the use of paper and packaging, it's a subject that the SBA suggests  gets forgotten in the wake of energy-efficient light bulbs and sustainability concepts that impact energy usage.

However, reducing paper and packaging use is an exceptionally easy way to reduce the energy used by a company since energy must be used to create paper products and packaging.

Of paper reduction techniques, the SBA suggests:

You may not think of your business' paper use as an area to save energy, but it is. Paper manufacturers in the U.S. consume a significant amount of energy each year in the production of paper – not to mention the energy spent harvesting and shipping trees, and shipping paper products to your business. There are some simple steps you can follow to optimize your use of this valuable resource that will save money, reduce waste, protect our nation's forests and reduce energy consumption!

Sustainable lifestyle organization Green Choices suggests that somewhere between 25% and 33% of all waste comes from packaging and that many of these packages aren't easily recycled because they're full of plastic and laminated materials.

Here are 5 Global Leaders in Sustainable Packaging

1. Equity Packaging Inc.

Counting major clients like Kraft, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Microsoft, Equity Packaging Inc designs full-scale solutions that attack sustainable packaging from every angle, from customer experience to company profits.

On sustainability, Equity Packaging Inc. suggests:

Sustainable packaging is doing the right thing!  And doing the right thing can really help you distinguish your packaging in today’s competitive market; in fact, packaging can be the distinguishing factor.  You just need the right partner to help make sense of sustainability.

2. Ecopia

This Minnesota-based company helps businesses transition from using wasteful, plastic packaging to using sustainable packaging from plant-based solutions and eco-friendly products. The company counts companies like Billabong, Lakewinds, and Doolittles as clients.

One of the notable offerings from Ecopia is its line of reusable shopping bags that not only reduce paper and plastic waste, but also feature a fully plant-based bag for incredible sustainability.

3. Fagerdala Singapore Pte Ltd

In business for over 30 years, Fagerdala Singapore has been a worldwide provider of "total protective packaging solutions" for many years. The focus of Fagerdala Singapore is to be involved in vertically integrated systems and to help design a sustainable process from concept to delivery of goods.

Of their sustainable products, Fagerdala Singapore says:

In our relentless pursuit to reduce our own environmental impact, we have developed a range of sustainable packaging solutions made 100% from recycled polyethylene content that is sourced from our closed loop recycling infrastructure and collections program. Fagerdala is committed to helping customers reduce their carbon footprint and endeavors to live the dream of "making the world lighter."

4. Howard Packaging, LLC

Established in 1959, Skokie, Illinois-based Howard Packaging has distinguished itself in packaging solutions by winning several industry awards like the Retail Packaging Association's "Distributor of the Year Award" an impressive four times.

Of their products, Howard Packaging says:

Howard Packaging has long been acknowledged as the industry leader in the design and production of custom printed packaging products tailored to fit their customers’ marketing needs. Additionally, we offer customized distribution programs for retail and restaurant operations ranging in size from 5 to 500 locations.

Howard Packaging offers several sustainable packaging solutions, such as recycled shopping bags, recycled paper bags and recyced tissue paper. Check out the company's definition of sustainablity here.

5. Penford Corporation

With a history stretching back to 1895, Penford is one of the oldest examples of a company dedicated to naturally-based ingredients for a variety of business packaging applications like papermaking and animal products, and the company is even involved in producing fuel-grade ethanol.

The company is notable for its wide variety of paper products which include printing, packaging, and tissue paper, in addition to paperboard, newsprint, and specialty papers.

Sustainable Packaging Resources

There are a number of organizations which help businesses figure out ways to use more sustainable products. These organizations are a valuable resource for any business looking for ways to reduce costs and the amount of packaging used.

• Sustainable Packaging Alliance (SPA): This organization helps businesses make "informed decisions" about packaging sustainability by providing tools services, and development advice for today's companies.
• Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC): This organization also helps businesses decide upon the best resources to create a more sustainable business model by using modern technology, science, and resources.
• Sustainability in Packaging: This yearly exhibition features experts on sustainable packaging, as well as several major players in the sustainable packaging industry. The conference is designed to help businesses maintain profitability while investigating sustainable packaging options.

Join the Sustainable Packaging Revolution

Sustainable packaging demonstrates your business's commitment to the environment and ensuring the planet's survival for centuries to come. Market your company's brand through sustainable packaging options from Howard Packaging. 

If your business is interested in using modern packaging solutions, let us know! Find out what we can do for your business. Request a Free Catalog and Sample Kit Today!