The word “sustainable” has been a hot topic the past few years, trending throughout various industries, including the wood packaging industry. Consumers want to know they are supporting greener practices. But what does sustainable really mean? Generally, sustainable packaging means that the packaging materials that are used are eco-friendly and better for the environment.

In this article, when speaking about sustainable packaging we will be referencing wood packaging specifically, which is known as one of the best renewable and eco-friendly options. Wood packaging is an integral part of the manufacturing process that moves products from one point to another securely and efficiently.

For example, more than 1.8 billion pallets are used in the United States every single day, with 93% of those being made of wood. The vast majority of pallets on the market are recycled and do not end up in a landfill. The lumber industry, along with harvesting and sourcing responsibly, can lead to a process that is better for the earth.

We will discuss in depth how sustainable packaging makes an impact on your business and manufacturing processes, in relation to supply chain, getting the most out of your resources, and the direct benefits you can receive.

Wood is a completely renewable resource, meaning that with each tree that is harvested there is one or more planted in its place. That way the forests continue to grow, and we do not take more than we give. Wood harvested from the United States follows forest management practices that are governed by federal and state regulations.

There is very little energy that goes into the production of wood since it captures C02 in the air while alive and even after it is cut. This makes it a net positive carbon emission, meaning trees will absorb more carbon dioxide in their life cycle than it takes to harvest, process, and manufacture them into products. Also, younger forests catch more CO2 during their rapid growth phase than older forests, which makes it beneficial for the environment to cut down and replant trees strategically.

Carbon can be released back into the atmosphere when it is burned, so it is important to be mindful of forest fires. Well-managed forests are less likely to experience widespread fires, which prevents obvious danger and damage, but also prevents a mass amount of carbon from entering the air. The lumber industry helps fund forest management across the country.

Sourcing sustainable packaging responsibly is important for keeping the lumber industry as renewable as possible. You may not be the one directly sourcing where wood products come from, so it is important to work with a reliable lumber supplier you can trust.

When looking for a sustainable packaging supplier, make sure they source their wood materials from organizations that adhere to FSI and FSC policies and guidelines. This guarantees that the wood provided was harvested responsibly and did not do excessive damage to ecosystems. Ask lumber suppliers about their sustainability policies and goals before partnering with them.

Sustainable packaging leads to long-term sustainable solutions for businesses and manufacturers. Designing the perfect packaging that uses as little wood, plastics, steel, and foam as possible, while protecting products is key. Transportation packaging is constantly evolving and having designers create the perfect sustainable packaging for you can make all the difference.

Sustainable solutions also involve thinking about the cost. The amount that you are paying must be sustainable for your business and the products that you are transporting. Having sustainable packaging custom-made for your business can lower the amount of money lost due to in-transit damage and product loss. In addition, sustainable packaging optimizes the space needed on trucks and trailers, which means using fewer trucks and reducing fossil fuel usage.

Wood-based sustainable packaging, and pallets, in particular, have an average lifespan of 3-5 years and can be reused many times. According to a study conducted by Virginia Tech, roughly 95% of wood pallets are recycled within the manufacturing and industrial packaging industry. Using sustainable packaging allows wood products to be utilized throughout the whole process.

Maximizing the product from every piece of wood, and using drops, off-cuts, and overages, when it can be done, can create less waste. Leftover wood can also be used to be made into new products such as mulch, pet bedding, and firewood, among other things. Waste reduction and managing resources efficiently are important factors in sustainable packaging.

Sustainable packaging makes an impact on your business because it can affect overall costs and your supply chain sustainability. In the wood packaging industry, we know that wooden crates and pallets keep production lines moving, get products where they need to go, and keep products safe. When you make green decisions for your business, you are guaranteeing that these resources will continue to be readily available.

Here at Conner Industries, we have implemented sustainability policies, principles, and goals to create a clear sustainability focus within our company that is in alignment with our ethical business practices. We are dedicated to working with our customers to make the best sustainable packaging design for their needs. We balance providing the perfect amount of protection while using as few materials as possible. We are always pursuing alternative packaging materials that could be better for our customers and the environment.

We have the goal of reaching a 30% reduction in energy usage by 2030 and improving fiber utilization by 30% within the next ten years. As a leader within this industry, we want to lead the way in making strides towards greener processes. We aim to create efficient and sustainable packaging solutions that solve any issues our customers may be facing.

We are committed to reducing Conner’s environmental impact by making real changes in our business processes and priorities. We want to help our customers improve their supply chain sustainability and create a more sustainable society as a whole.