{"id":13142,"date":"2026-05-06T03:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T07:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=13142"},"modified":"2026-05-06T03:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T07:15:00","slug":"how-custom-packaging-can-help-you-improve-your-sustainability-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=13142","title":{"rendered":"How Custom Packaging Can Help You Improve Your Sustainability"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"post-meta\">\n<div class=\"author\">\n                    <a class=\"portrait\" href=\"https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/blog\/author\/rfellows\/\"><br \/>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Rachel-Fellows-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Rachel Fellows - Macfarlane Packaging Retail &amp; 3PL Director\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Rachel-Fellows-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Rachel-Fellows.jpg 185w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\"\/>            <\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As awareness around climate change and grows, brands are increasingly expected to take responsibility for the packaging they put on to the market.\u00a0Today\u2019s consumers are more informed about the environment and many now\u00a0identify\u00a0more with companies that adopt sustainable practices.\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Plus, with Plastic Packaging Tax and EPR legislation already in play in the UK, businesses needed to\u00a0scrutinise\u00a0their packaging more than ever for to avoid significant costs\u00a0for packaging that\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0eco-friendly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Businesses\u00a0need to assess their packaging strategies\u00a0for long-term sustainability and compliance with legislation in mind. Enter custom packaging.\u00a0While you may think custom packaging is more expensive, it can be key to driving cost and environmental efficiencies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In this article,\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0review how custom packaging can help you improve your sustainability and\u00a0steps to implement sustainable custom packaging.\u00a0You\u2019ll\u00a0also see a real-life example of how custom packaging helped one of our customers reduce the packaging waste and CO<sub>2<\/sub>e.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<section id=\"table-of-contents-block_b8bbc790da22ffd20997ee48562373ca\" class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-custom-packaging-support-sustainability\"><strong>How custom packaging supports\u00a0sustainability\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>On the face of it, opting for custom packaging can seem like the more expensive choice.\u00a0But packaging\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0tailored to your product and business needs can ensure\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0minimising your environmental impact, while protecting your\u00a0profits\u00a0and reputation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you chose packaging\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0tailored to your business, it enables you to consider the full life cycle of the packaging. From the material\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0made from and the design to\u00a0its\u00a0supply chain journey through to end of life, you have control over the process. This allows you to opt for the most sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions. It also gives you the opportunity to brand it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Packaging\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0just the right size for your products\u00a0will offer\u00a0optimal\u00a0protection while minimising waste,\u00a0cutting transport CO<sub>2<\/sub>e and\u00a0enable more effective recycling.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/macfarlanpack.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sustainability-Page-banner.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34461\" srcset=\"https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sustainability-Page-banner.png 1600w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sustainability-Page-banner-300x84.png 300w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sustainability-Page-banner-1024x288.png 1024w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sustainability-Page-banner-768x216.png 768w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sustainability-Page-banner-1536x432.png 1536w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sustainability-Page-banner-350x98.png 350w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sustainability-Page-banner-616x173.png 616w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-benefits-of-sustainable-custom-packaging\"><strong>The benefits of sustainable custom packaging\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>While\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0important to focus on the\u00a0reduced environmental impact of sustainable custom packaging, there are plenty of other areas that would also benefit:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Enhanced customer experience<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Consumers care more about sustainable packaging than ever before. Brands that use sustainable materials and clear disposal instructions will be viewed more positively.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Customer loyalty\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 If your customers are conscious of value-led business, highlighting your commitment to long-term sustainability will build trust\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cost efficiencies \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Optimised packaging designs will reduce material usage and waste. If your\u00a0packaging solution is appropriately sized,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0also\u00a0benefit\u00a0from reduced carbon emissions during transit.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Legislation and regulation\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>The\u00a0UK has many evolving regulations that focus on packaging and sustainability. Custom packaging allows you to build a solution that will work perfectly for your business and meet any requirements.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"steps-to-implement-sustainable-packaging\"><strong>Steps to implement sustainable custom packaging\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>If\u00a0you\u2019d\u00a0like to embrace more sustainable packaging practices,\u00a0here are a few steps you can take to implement sustainable custom packaging:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Consider\u00a0what\u2019s\u00a0important for your business<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Each business is difference. The sustainability priorities of one business and your target audience can vary vastly compared to other companies.\u00a0\u00a0If you have overall ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals covering large sites or even multiple locations, figuring out what area is crucial to you is necessary. Are you looking to reduce\u00a0carbon emissions?\u00a0Maybe you\u2019d\u00a0like to minimise waste or use less plastic?\u00a0Is having all kerbside recyclable packaging your key aim?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While it is possible to hit all these points, knowing your business problem areas will give you\u00a0a great place\u00a0to start.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Review your current packaging<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Take time to assess the materials and design of your current solution. Now is\u00a0a great time\u00a0to consider what consumer feedback\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0getting, visiting online review websites or social media unboxings will show you your customers\u2019 experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Implement immediate improvements<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>While the benefits of a custom sustainable solution would be amazing right away, you still need to account for development and implementation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0If, through your research,\u00a0you\u2019ve\u00a0noticed\u00a0small wins like consumers not knowing how to dispose of your packaging, think of how you could solve this now through simple messaging on stickers or thank you cards.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Partner with\u00a0a\u00a0packaging expert\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Figuring out the perfect sustainable solution can be tricky, but working with a partner like Macfarlane Packaging allows you to\u00a0benefit\u00a0from industry experience and insights. We can help you develop the perfect solution to reflect your brand, and your commitment to sustainability.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"case-study-childrensalon\u2019s-sustainable-packaging-journey\"><strong>Case study:\u00a0Childrensalon\u2019s\u00a0sustainable packaging journey<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/macfarlanpack.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Childrensalom-1024x288.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Childrensalom-1024x288.png 1024w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Childrensalom-300x84.png 300w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Childrensalom-768x216.png 768w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Childrensalom-1536x432.png 1536w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Childrensalom-350x98.png 350w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Childrensalom-616x173.png 616w, https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Childrensalom.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Childrensalon\u00a0was seeking ways to reduce packaging waste and enhance operational efficiency without compromising their luxury brand experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Solution<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Macfarlane Packaging worked closely with the\u00a0Childrensalon\u00a0team to redesign key transit cartons and develop new\u00a0luxury gift boxes. The optimisations\u00a0ensured less material was used, removed unnecessary\u00a0space\u00a0and increased recycled content used\u00a0to make the boxes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Results<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The solution\u00a0<strong>removed 54 tonnes of material and 44 tonnes of CO2e<\/strong>\u00a0from\u00a0Childrensalon\u2019s\u00a0supply chain each year\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Significant\u00a0<strong>reduction in packaging waste<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhanced\u00a0<strong>unboxing experience<\/strong>\u00a0aligned with their luxury brand image\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improved\u00a0<strong>warehouse productivity<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A strong alignment with the company\u2019s\u00a0<strong>sustainability values<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cMacfarlane Packaging really understood our brand and our goals.\u00a0We\u2019ve\u00a0made huge strides in sustainability while still delivering the luxury experience our customers expect.\u201d\u00a0<br \/>\u2013\u00a0Childrensalon\u00a0representative\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"starting-your-journey-to-sustainable-custom-packaging\"><strong>Starting your journey to sustainable custom packaging\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Custom packaging\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0have to be complex. And it can drastically improve your sustainability. If you want to get started with\u00a0your sustainable packaging journey, Macfarlane Packaging is here to help.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We can offer a broad range of custom packaging solutions,\u00a0design\u00a0just for your business.\u00a0From facilities like our Innovation Labs to access to thousands of packaging products, we can help you\u00a0ensure your packaging is eco-friendly,\u00a0benefitting\u00a0your business and the environment. Speak to our expert team today.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/blog\/how-custom-packaging-can-help-improve-your-sustainability\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As awareness around climate change and grows, brands are increasingly expected to take responsibility for the packaging they put on to the market.\u00a0Today\u2019s consumers are more informed about the environment and many now\u00a0identify\u00a0more with companies that adopt sustainable practices.\u00a0\u00a0 Plus, with Plastic Packaging Tax and EPR legislation already in play in the UK, businesses needed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[165],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-packaging-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13142","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13142"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13142\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13142"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13142"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13142"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}