At N.A.bld, we’re all about helping brands do more with less and, aside from managing production, nowhere is that more true than for packaging solutions.
Packaging is a huge part of branding as an e-commerce company and it is often the first item that brands tackle as they think about sustainability as it is one of the larger contributions to immediate waste in the delivery process. So how can you juggle your brand’s style with sustainability?
Luckily, many suppliers are already thinking about this and, combined with some tips on how to wow in your packaging, you’ll be on your way to your winning branded solution in no time.
Below are our tried and tested packaging tips and resources along with some additional vendors for those looking for more options.
If you try them out - let us know what you think!
Unless you ship things often, you may not realize that for the majority of shipping handlers, the cost to ship your product is largely based on your DIM weight which means that the size of the box (length x width x height) that your item is in can greatly change the cost of shipping that item. This is a big reason why you see apparel products being sent in polymailers which are malleable plastic envelopes.
If you are just starting out we recommend exploring polymailers. They are waterproof and often re-usable for returns. Some are even made of recycled content or are compostable (more on that below!). Boxes may be easier to recycle if they are cardboard based but they will often be much more expensive to ship and harder to store in large quantities.
Winning in packaging is about nailing the details for your customer. Even the smallest branded moment can have a big impact on how your item is received. You can pay to have branded packaging with embossed or printed logos, but even tiny details like custom stickers can provide a nod to your brand without breaking your budget.
If you go from shipping 10 products a week to 100, your packaging can turn from a joy to a nightmare. Before you start hand labeling every item, consider design hacks that make your packaging more scalable like purchasing hang tags that come pre-strung or avoiding tough to handle materials. The more steps and manual work you can take out of your packaging process, the less stressful the pack-and-ship process will be!
Don’t make unboxing your item into a giant trash experience for your customer. Remember, one more piece of packaging is likely one more item going into the trash. Basic trash aside, the materials you are using for your packaging should be thought through to see how you can reduce your brand’s environmental impact. Consider items made of recycled content or recyclable content (see more options below) and don’t forget to let your customer know they can reuse and recycle as it may not always be obvious!
This may seem obvious, but no matter who you are using for order management, always be sure to print out your customer’s order receipt and provide instructions for how to return or get in touch with questions and, of course, how to engage with your brand going forward.
For some brands, re-usable mailers may be your ultimate sustainable option. Check out some premium re-usable packaging options below:
Here are some packaging resources to help get you started:
Great design tool for tissue paper and stickers and has compostable polymailers. They can do branded polymailers but very high minimums for custom branding. Eco-friendly options include 100% Compostable bag and corn starch stickers.
Minimums: Low for stickers and custom paper. Branded polymailers have higher minimums in the 10,000s.
Delivery: 3-4 weeks to USA
N.A.bld tested? ✅
Discount for N.A.bld Brands ✅
A bit pricey but great design resources and great quality printing almost always. Their customer service is good as well when an issue arises. Eco-friendly options include recycled Cotton paper made of 100% cotton from t-shirt scraps.
Minimums: Low depending on items
Delivery: Different shipping options
N.A.bld tested? ✅
Vistaprint has many good options and sales!
Minimums: 100 units
Delivery: Different shipping options
They have a recycled matte paper option and have a sustainability initiative.
N.A.bld tested? ✅
Custom printing and branding options and printing with water-based inks made with recycled materials in the U.S.A.
Minimums: 5,000 for polymailers custom
Delivery: ~4 weeks from design approval
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100% Biodegradable & Recycled options available. Soy based inks & carbon offsetting. We like their pre-strung hang tags. Eco-friendly options include recycled silk, matte, felt, and kraft paper,
Minimum: 50 units for tags
Delivery: 3-7 Day turn
N.A.bld tested? ✅
Producer of eco-friendly non-customizeable compostable products like tape, panty liners for underwear and swimwear, gloves, and polymailers.
Minimums: Depends on product - 1 to 100 units.
Delivery: Products coming from overseas so can be delays due to holidays and COVID. Typically 2-4 weeks.
Producer of eco-friendly seed paper products that grow into wildflowers, herbs or vegetables. Nice source for biodegradable paper made of post-consumer materials.
Minimums: 100 units
Delivery: Standard is 5 business days from proof - additional design fees can apply
Made internationally with domestic distributors, the name says it all.
Minimums: 100 units
Delivery: Free shipping in US over $75
Paper made from Bananas
They have polymailers of various % recycled materials including paper that can be printed in one color (no edge to edge printing). Some Polymailers have two adhesive strips. This makes it even easier for customers to reuse them.
Minimum: 250-1,000 units
Delivery: 1 week for stickers
Various % Recycled materials and stickers
Better for small items like accessories. Trusted experts in creating eco-friendly brand experiences with recycled, compostable, and recycle-friendly packaging. Read more about sustainable options.
Minimum: 250 and up depending on item
Delivery: Free shipping on orders over $300
Compostable options and uses vegetable ink and wind energy in some production
Best for packaged goods and stickers (versus shipping). Recommended by other startups for being well priced and super fast.
Minimum: 1,000 for both labels and stickers. However, can print samples of any volume. There’s a charge associated with this option, but printed samples will ensure your labels are done right.
Delivery: Can process orders in 24 hours - contact for more info!
A bit pricey but if you are going for recyclability and a great "un-tubing" luxury experience, these might be the option for your brand!
Minimum: No minimum for plain colors, 100 units for custom printing.
Delivery: Can process orders in 24-48 hours of non-customized products (and accepts returns with restocking fee)- contact for more info on custom printing timelines!
If you need any additional help, N.A.bld provides packaging design and sourcing services to help brands meet their goals and add a little practical magic to their D2C experience!
