Tape is one of the most wasteful resources that we don’t realize is a total waste. But many times, companies use a bunch of tape, and the truth is, that all ends up in landfills, to decay over time.
Plastic tape is one of the biggest offenders. It doesn’t break down easily, and it accumulates over time. Plus, it releases toxins.
These days, there are now zero-waste tape and adhesives which are better for you to use, and here, we’ll go over what they are, and why they matter.
Water-Soluble Tape
This type of tape breaks down in water, and it’s also an adhesive that you put on. when it breaks down, it doesn’t leave a trace, so it’s a better alternative for those looking for a good eco friendly experience.
With water-soluble tape, it falls into the umbrella of compostable tape, which we’ll get into next.
Paper Tape
This type of tape is made with recycled paper. Again, it can break down, and it is a form of eco friendly biodegradable tape. You use water to activate it, creating a strong seal. This type is one people love, because it is strong, and tamper-evident. What that means is if someone messes with the packaging, it’s easy to see.
Again, another ecofriendly type of tape that doesn’t generate waste.
Compostable Adhesives
This one is very popular. Composting has become a new way to be sustainable. This is because, when you compost an item, it does not only break down the item, but it also improves the soil.
Nowadays, paper tape, or even plant-based tape are used. There is even tape made with mycelium and hemp, which is becoming a standard for eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging supplies.
Why use this? Well, these adhesives don’t leave traces behind. Some of them are even biodegradable, where they can be tossed away and break down naturally. It helps with preventing waste, and also not leaving extra evidence behind.
If you’re someone interested in adding more green initiatives to your packaging experience, this is one way to do it.
Why Achieving Zero Waste Matters
Zero waste is so important for shipping because it’s a goal for many people. When you have zero-waste goals, you’re reducing instances of wasting items frivolously.
Already there’s a lot of waste we need to account for, especially when it comes to paper and other forms of tape. When you utilize zero-waste tape for your packaging, you’re reducing your impact, and cleaning up the planet a little bit.
Plus, it also shows your brand that you care about the planet. Oftentimes, people look to this as the main factor when choosing a company. How ecofriendly are they? Are they doing something to change the planet?
The answer is yes. When you have a company that’s doing all of these things, they’re working hard towards a sustainable initiative, and in turn, makes it even better for you as well.
Zero waste is the name of the game for most brands. Achieving this is the ultimate goal. Knowing that you can run a company without feeling guilty about the amount of waste that you put out is so important. So many companies don't realize this until much after the fact.
With that said, if you’re struggling to reach zero waste due to your own issues with sustainability, then consider talking to a packaging professional to help you with this. By doing such, you’ll be able to improve your shipping, and look at what factors are stopping you from reducing the waste that you put out, and improving the customer experience.