In celebration of Earth Month, Hughes presents our first in a series blogs focused on eco-friendly efforts that any company can embrace. Throughout the month of April, we’ll be giving you the lowdown on a number of green tips to reduce your distribution center carbon footprint and reduce energy. From reducing excessive packaging with Instapak to engineering integrated packaging systems for a streamlined warehouse processes, our eco-friendly packaging solutions offer you more ways to make your warehouse green!
The Fight Against Excessive Packaging
Consumers are starting to show their environmental concerns about how much waste their e-commerce shopping habits create. The New York Times recently shared one conscious consumer’s viewpoints about how his online shopping habit impacts the environment. In a recent article by Sustainable Brands, they address consumer perception:
“Nearly seven in 10 (68%) Americans are more conscious of packaging materials and design today than they were five years ago. Roughly three in ten (31%) Americans complain that packaging that creates a mess in their home and just under half (47%) also feel that extra packaging is wasteful.”
Since sustainability has become a top-of-mind concern for consumers, the right-size packaging becomes more important than ever.
Benefits of Instapak Go Beyond Protecting the Product
Sealed Air Instapak foam packaging provides protection against shock and vibration during shipping and handling…but the benefits go way beyond just that. Sealed Air’s commitment to the environment is evident in their world class manufacturing practices that aim to reduce waste, save energy and reduce water usage and emissions.
1. Reduce DIM
Sealed Air offers innovative options to reduce environmental impacts, “Capitalizing on the ability to produce low-profile material, Instapak can deliver significant protection while allowing the packager to reduce cube size and overall shipping volume. By reducing material usage, users can also save on dimensional weight shipping fees and the environmental resources necessary to transport larger volume packages”
2. Space Savings
Instapak foam expands up to 280 times its liquid volume, when, where and as you need it, significantly reducing the costs of storage and handling. Two 55-gallon drums of liquid components when combined can create a trailer-truck load of packaging material. Energy used for distribution and transportation, saved!
3. Renewable
Created with 25% renewable content, the plant-based Instapak foam formulation reduces dependence on petroleum-based components. It compacts to about 10% of its original volume in a landfill and can actually be diverted from landfills altogether via their worldwide foam return program.
Instapak from Hughes
Companies who use Instapak® green packaging solutions will find that customer satisfaction levels start to improve as well. The representatives at Hughes will thoroughly evaluate your business’ packaging operation and provide you with expert recommendations to properly protect your goods and reduce your carbon footprint. For help with ordering Instapak® Foam Packaging products, contact a Hughes Sales Representative for assistance.