SMES drive the search for sustainable packaging in ecommerce

From clothing packaging and cosmetics to the ubiquitous bubble wrap used to protect products, the versatility and durability of plastic are undeniable. However, these very characteristics have made excessive plastic use a villain and a major threat to our planet.

Conversely, an optimistic scenario has been gaining ground in recent years, with a growing consumption of paper and cardboard packaging—a biodegradable and compostable alternative. Plastic envelopes used for shipping have been losing ground, especially among SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) which, in addition to being attentive to environmental issues, have made cardboard packaging a differentiation tool.

Businesswoman Priscila Rachadel, CEO of Mag Embalagens, celebrates this shift in brands' behavior, directly linked to environmental agendas and increased awareness. According to her, reducing plastic consumption is essential not only for the planet's ecological health but also for public health. “Microplastics, for example, have already been found in various foods and even potable water sources, representing an alarming danger that is still little discussed."She complements the businesswoman." Having already worked in Governance and Sustainability departments at large corporations across the country, she points to a scenario of extreme optimism.

How consumers perceive the impact of online shopping packaging:

Recent research by Sifted, a leading logistics data platform, and released by TwoSides, revealed an encouraging finding: even consumers who consider themselves indifferent to environmental issues desire more sustainable shipping. In times of constantly growing e-commerce and home deliveries, this is welcome news.

According to the study, which surveyed 500 people, 81% of consumers believe that companies use excessive packaging materials, and 74% believe that packaging materials have a moderate to high impact.

According to Priscila, CEO of Mag Embalagens, meeting the expectations of today's consumers is essential in the highly competitive e-commerce landscape. Consumers are questioning and seeking to understand the impact behind what they are buying, and for brands, addressing these concerns is essential to avoid an image crisis.", he/she adds.

How brands have viewed and positioned themselves in the new landscape:

Replacing a plastic envelope with a cardboard box might represent a higher cost. In fact, the accelerated consumption of plastic was driven by its versatility combined with its lower cost. However, designers and marketing professionals have found ways to transform packaging into a branding and customer relationship tool, highlighting cardboard solutions that now play a far more strategic role than simply housing and protecting products during transport.When a customer receives a branded box at home, especially one with interesting personalization, they become a true influencer, sharing that delightful experience with their community.“,” explains Emily, a Packaging Experience Specialist at Mag Embalagens. According to her, brands have been creating strategies that enhance their value and stimulate repeat purchases through printed communications on packaging. And all of this has increased the perceived value of cardboard boxes when compared to single-use plastic envelopes.

Optimism in the Paper and Corrugated Cardboard Packaging Sector

The shift in consumer behavior is consequently good news for the corrugated cardboard packaging sector made from renewable or recycled virgin fiber, with a high recycling rate (around 87% in Brazil, according to the Empapel 2021 Statistical Yearbook). This solution undoubtedly best meets the desires of these consumers seeking packaging with a lower environmental impact.

For Priscila Rachadel Magnani, it is of utmost importance that industries in the segment pay attention to their impact by promoting ESG practices in all their operations, continuously seeking to reduce their environmental impact, promote social well-being, and maintain high standards of governance.

Mag Embalagens is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Our scope of work is deeply aligned with ESG principles, which we consider essential to deliver the reduced-impact packaging the market demands,” stated Priscila Rachadel Magnani. “We have the largest size range in the market, we produce with clean energy, we promote printing with eco-friendly water-based inks, free of plastic laminations, and we actively look at our actions aiming to increase our positive impact.”