What is Circularity? Here’s Why Sustainability is On-Brand for Budding Businesses

Custom noissue Eco-Friendly Stamp and Recycled Kraft Mailer by @selahpaper

You might have heard of the term “circularity” before – but what does it mean? And no, we’re not just talking about the shape!

Circularity is more than just a buzzword. It’s how we define our product framework and keep our promise in providing packaging for budding brands that do more than just look pretty. It’s a framework we aim to take beyond Earth Month and what makes us people and planet-forward business. Your business can do the same!

noissue products are made to be sustainable by design to avoid negatively impacting the health of our planet. We’re here to set the record straight – while better for the earth, circular packaging doesn’t have to sacrifice quality and style. Circular packaging is key to building your brand on a strong, sustainable foundation that encapsulates your ethos and attracts long-term customers.

There are plenty more benefits to breeze through in this article, so let’s first dive into circularity’s definition in packaging!

What is the definition of circularity?

Circularity refers to the type of framework in which we produce our products. A circular design framework ensures that products are intentionally created with renewable purposes in mind that make the most of their lifespan.

Designing products that adhere to a framework of circularity makes sure they aren’t thoughtlessly disposed of – or worse, clutter and harm our natural environments. Adopting this framework is one of the best ways to exceed customer expectations by becoming more environmentally conscious.

A circular economy framework allows brands to employ quality custom packaging and shipping products that maximize utility and value while minimizing their environmental impact.

Circularity in eCommerce and retail packaging

Products made in a circular framework can take many forms. In comparison to the standard shipping and packaging products we often see retailers use, circular packaging is made from eco-friendly materials and crafted to be sustainable by design. Circular packaging doesn’t exactly have to be round in shape – rather, it implies that packaging can be repurposed or alternatively disposed of to avoid generating waste!

As durable as their traditional counterparts, circular packaging encourages customers to be more environmentally-minded and continue to buy from brands that care about sustainability.

Why businesses need to switch to circular packaging products

Consumers are becoming more aware of the natural consequences that eCommerce and retail packaging has after the unboxing experience. A study by the UN Environmental Programme estimates that approximately 300 million tonnes of plastic end up in landfills each year – much of which is composed of non-renewable and non-biodegradable materials from packaging.

Brands must do better in being mindful of the effect their packaging has on the planet and adapt to how consumer needs are rapidly shifting toward more sustainable practices. When brands employ circular packaging for their products and shipments, they signal to their customers that they’re prioritizing sustainability as a necessity rather than an option.

And branded, circular packaging can also result in repeat purchases. By swapping to better packaging options, you’re solidifying your commitment to sustainability through the first physical touchpoint you establish with customers!

Nowadays, alternative options made from eco-friendly packaging materials give brands a significant edge over competitors that have yet to switch. When a brand uses circular packaging, its reputation increases as customers place considerable value on sustainability. Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” for modern consumers – it’s a value that’s on-brand and can set your business apart from the competition.

What materials are used to make circular packaging products?

Traditional packaging tends to be made from materials that cannot be renewed or entirely disposed of, such as styrofoam packing peanuts, virgin plastic poly mailers, and synthetic adhesives that affect natural habitats. On the other hand, circular packaging is composed of  eco-friendly materials that may fall under the following categories of being:

• Reusable
• Compostable
• Recyclable

Reusable

Reusable packaging products are made to last beyond one-time usage. Products like organic cotton tote bags, cloth drawstring bags, and sturdy boxes can be repurposed by customers after the initial unboxing experience, keeping them in use for a longer time. The durability of reusable products doesn’t diminish as quickly as single-use plastics and thus prevents them from turning up as waste.

When brands use reusable shipping and packaging, they’re also showing their customers that they’re investing in the quality of their materials for the unboxing experience. A tote bag that displays your logo or a customized drawstring bag to hold smaller items will go a long way in impressing customers and fostering a positive brand reputation. Talk about being on-brand and outside of the box, too!

Compostable

Compostable packaging materials are no less durable than traditional packaging but can fully biodegrade at the end of their life. Most compostable packaging products can break down in the compost within 90 days. Even better, compostable packaging helps avoid overconsumption through consciously harvested materials. Paper that’s Forest Steward Council (FSC) certified or poly packaging created out of plant-based, biodegradable materials (PLA) ensure that products are responsibly made and disposed of.  

A custom, compostable packaging product set, like kraft mailers, branded tape, and paper logo stickers, lets customers know that your brand stays true to your sustainability commitment throughout every step of the customer experience. Buyers will feel extra grateful to know that their beautiful packaging was thoughtfully procured and won’t hurt the earth after an exciting unboxing!

Recyclable

Finally, recyclable packaging products are made from non-virgin materials and give them another life. This type of packaging allows materials to re-enter circulation, remain out of landfills, and be recycled once again to lengthen their lifespan. Materials in recycled mailers and cardboard boxes are strong and flexible because of their renewed composition, making them a reliable shipping and packaging solution that performs just as well as traditional methods.

Many contemporary businesses and brands benefit from using recycled packaging. In most metropolitan areas, curbside or commercial recycling is readily available for customers to easily and properly dispose of their packaging. Customers appreciate it when your brand uses recycled packaging such as bubble mailers and kraft envelopes to protect their orders and the planet! They’ll know they can rely on your brand for a human-forward unboxing experience.

Your brand can swap to one or any of these circular packaging options while establishing a consistent brand presence! While you don’t have to employ everything at once, even the tiny details, like turning your logo into a repeating pattern on circular packaging, will give your brand an attractive edge to loyal and new customers. On top of that, you’ll be doing people and the planet a favor in choosing better packaging choices!

🎁 That’s a Wrap!

We hope this article helps you in switching to circular packaging! While it might seem intimidating at first, know that you’re setting a standard in your industry that’s appealing to customers and will benefit your brand’s bottom line.

Changing to circular packaging is a fantastic foundation in becoming a more sustainable business. Being mindful of what packaging materials you use is a significant step in building your brand. By swapping for conscious solutions now, you’re already on a track toward sustainable success!

Interested in making the switch to custom and circular packaging for your fast-growing brand? Head to our noissue Plus page to learn more about placing a bulk order for select noissue products, like Compostable Mailers and Recycled Boxes!