Environmentally friendly packing solutions when shipping internationally

International shipping is governed by numerous rules and regulations. Among other things, they include the regulations on packing supplies that shipping companies use for their products. Recently, the need to use environmentally friendly packing solutions when shipping internationally has dramatically increased. You may want to consult an international moving expert for up-to-date information. However, what you can do immediately is look into some eco-friendly packaging materials. In this article, we will be providing you with a couple of green solutions for your packaging efforts.

Environmentally friendly packing solutions when shipping internationally

Here’s a list of materials that you might want to consider using in the future:

• Organic fabrics
• Recycled and eco-friendly plastics
• Recycled paper and cardboard boxes
• Mushroom packaging
• Corrugated bubble wrap
• Biodegradable packing peanuts

All of these replace the traditional packing materials, as they are a lot more environmentally friendly. We have already reached a stage where we need to be increasingly conscious about the state of our planet, and using the right materials is definitely a step in the right direction. In fact, most international services incorporate green solutions already. And in a couple of years, you can expect everyone to do the same.

Organic fabrics

To start with, you may want to stop using plastic bags for your shipments. The eco-friendly variant comes in the form of organic fabrics, which create reusable bags. There are different variants out there, made from hemp, palm leaves, cotton, etc. These bags are able to biodegrade in around three to four months.

When you compare them to plastic bags, which take more than 10 thousand years to biodegrade, it does not take a P.H.D. to understand why organic bags are much better. In fact, some countries, like France, have already started heavy campaigns for using organic bags. If you are moving to France from USA, this is going to be something that you will notice straight away. You can use these organic bags for a variety of purposes, as well. All you need is a bit of creativity!

One of the environmentally friendly packing solutions when shipping internationally – Recycled and eco-friendly plastics

The fact of the matter is that international shipping requires sturdy, lightweight, and reliable material. It needs to support heavy loads, as well as hold out under pressure. This means that there will be no replacing plastic in the shipping chain in the foreseeable future. However, what you can do is utilize products made from recycled plastic. In fact, this is the only way to go, if you want to be as green as possible but retain the usefulness of plastic containers. There are spill trays, control pallets, and drums, all made from recycled materials, ready to be used for shipping purposes!

Recycling is becoming more and more important as the world turns to plastic for literally everything. It can even be said that we are dependant on it, but we can’t allow this material to drown our planet in waste. We need to do what we can, and recycle!

Recycled paper and cardboard boxes

Speaking of recycling, plastic is not the only material that needs to go through this process. While paper and cardboard are sustainable materials at their core, increased demand leads to some unsustainable practices over the years. The overall demand requires the cutting of countless trees, and not only those specially grown for the purpose. For this reason, we need to consider recycling both cardboard and paper, to have the least impact on our environment. As far as packing and crating goes, it is exactly the same process whether you are using recycled materials or not. Therefore, always try to source your packaging from post-industrial recycled materials, as well as FSC-certified ones. The latter means that the materials have come from specially managed forests, which are perfectly sustainable.

Mushroom packaging

Another cheap alternative, that is also quite environmentally friendly, is mushroom packaging. It is made from agricultural waste, melded with mycelium (a matrix of mushroom roots). This means that you will be using something that is normally waste, to a great packaging effect. You can mold this material into any shape and use it as packaging for a variety of items. Mushroom packaging avoids the use of petroleum and other food sources for its creation and biodegrades at a fantastic rate. You can even compost this packaging at home, creating an organic, non-toxic matter.

Another one of the environmentally friendly packing solutions when shipping internationally – Corrugated bubble wrap

Bubble wrap packaging has to be one of the most famous packing materials in the world. It is a favorite of kids all around the globe, as well as most adults. However, it is made out of plastic which means that it is not really that eco-friendly. But there are alternatives that serve the same purpose, without being that big of a strain to our planet. Corrugated “bubble wrap” is made from up-cycled corrugated cardboard, and provides the same effect. It has these small cuts in it, that protect against shocks similarly as bubble wrap does. However, you don’t get to pop the bubbles.

Biodegradable packing peanuts

Lastly, there are biodegradable packing peanuts. Normally, packing peanuts are out of styrofoam. And styrofoam is slowly starting to get banned across the globe. NYC banned the material several times, due to the fact that it is not biodegradable, or economically recyclable. Often, it ends up in waterways where it has a bad influence on marine life. But there are solutions that replace this material. They come in form of biodegradable air peanuts. They are less expensive, and they degrade at a much higher rate. You might want to start using them as a replacement straight away. That way, you will be sure to fulfill all of the compliance standards in the near future. Combine them with some other environmentally friendly packing solutions when shipping internationally and you will have a winning combination!