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Plastic is everywhere and takes many different forms.
We usually don’t overthink its usage, as we see plastic in our everyday lives as bottles, bags,
food containers, and cutlery.
But we also see plastic littering our oceans, streets, and parks.
Packaging accounts for about 36 percent of all produced plastics, and 85 percent of that will end up in landfills or haphazardly littered onto our suffering planet.
Poly mailers are just another form of plastic packaging used to mail goods.
Though some poly mailers can be recyclable, the figures mentioned above suggest that many will still end up in landfills or as litter at the end of the day.
There is only one earth, and we must do our utmost to mitigate pollution on our planet.
Enter paper mailers, an eco-friendly alternative!
More Than Just Brown Paper Mailers
As the term suggests, paper mailers are packaging free of plastic!
They can also come in stock paper, be padded, or even customized like poly mailers.
But the fact that these mailers are paper is not the only factor contributing to why they are an excellent alternative for an environmentally conscious e-commerce business and its customers.
Recycled poly mailers are an option for eco-friendly businesses, but that doesn’t erase the fact that plastic is not biodegradable.
Plastic can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, producing harmful chemicals that pollute the environment.
Add this to the fact that plastic disposal is frequently done incorrectly, and recycled poly mailers will not solve the issue of plastic in our oceans or landfills.
That is why paper mailers are currently the best option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Kraft paper mailers, for instance, are not only free of plastic but can also be reused several times and are made from 100% recycled paper.
They are lightweight, affordable and naturally biodegradable.
Another alternative type of paper mailer is the compostable mailer, which is waterproof!
Made of plant materials like field corn and wheat straw, compostable mailers are also an eco-friendly type of paper mailer that can break down in 180 days at home or 90 days at a commercial facility.
Since plant materials are the only ingredient for these mailers, they also leave no harmful traces or residues and are a highly sustainable solution for reducing plastic waste.
The Compromise for a Healthier Planet
While there are many positives that paper mailers offer to the environment, they currently cannot match the protection poly mailers offer.
No, paper mailers are not flimsy or fragile and can protect your items.
However, poly mailers are unquestionably stronger, more puncture-resistant, and weather resistant than their paper counterparts.
They are also less expensive to purchase than paper mailers, and for these two reasons alone, poly mailers are one of the most commonly used bags for e-commerce businesses.
Considering the above, businesses must compromise between cost and the environment.
Sustainable Paper Mailer Options
As businesses become more aware of their environmental impact, the demand for sustainable paper mailers continues to increase.
Fortunately, there are several options that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.
Kraft Mailers
Kraft mailers are an affordable yet durable option that is designed to be reused and recycled.
Kraft mailers come with their own set of options and capabilities including:
Expandable kraft mailers have a built-in expansion feature that allows them to accommodate larger items while still providing protection.
Returnable kraft mailers have a durable construction that makes them suitable for repeated use and features a resealable adhesive strip for easy returns, making them an ideal choice for e-commerce businesses shipping apparel and clothing.
Compostable and Recyclable Paper Mailers
Compostable and recyclable paper mailers are made from recycled and/or biodegradable content.
These paper mailers are designed with both customer convenience and sustainability in mind; they ensure customers can easily dispose of them after use, making it easier for them to recycle or compost their packaging materials when they’re done with them.
This type of packaging is perfect for companies who want to provide their customers with an eco-friendly experience without compromising quality or convenience.
Fluted and Padded Mailers
Made from recyclable corrugated fibreboard, fluted and padded mailers provide the necessary strength and cushioning needed to protect products during transit while still being light enough to keep shipping costs low.
Not only are these types of mailers highly durable, but they can also be easily recycled at the end of their life cycle, making them a great option for companies looking to make sustainability profitable for their business.
Though there is no argument that a poly mailer is much stronger than a paper mailer, they are still an excellent alternative for businesses looking for eco-friendly alternatives.
With the ever-increasing usage of online shopping, millions of items being shipped to customers’ doorsteps each day, and the public push for sustainable brands, e-commerce businesses must ultimately decide to leave less of a footprint on the planet.
Switching from poly mailers to paper is one easy step in the right direction.
Sustainable paper mailing options offer businesses a way to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing customer convenience or satisfaction.
From expandable kraft mailers to compostable and recyclable paper mailers made from recycled materials, there’s something out there for everyone!
By investing in sustainable packaging solutions, you can ensure your customers receive the highest quality product while reducing your company’s carbon footprint – all at the same time! It’s a win-win!