Sustainability in Packaging: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Packaging has come a long way. What used to be an afterthought is now front and centre in the conversation around sustainability, customer values, and business responsibility. And for good reason.

Let the numbers speak for themselves 

• The sustainable packaging market is booming, valued at $274.15 billion in 2020 and projected to grow at 6.1% annually through 2028.

• In a 2023 study, 71% of shoppers said they purposely chose products with sustainable packaging.

• But packaging still makes up a massive chunk of waste. In the U.S. alone, packaging waste accounts for 82.2 million tons, or 28.1% of all municipal solid waste.

• Over 40% of plastic waste comes from packaging—most of it used once and tossed.

• And while 75% of companies say they’ve committed to sustainable packaging, fewer than 30% are actually prepared to meet real regional requirements.

So what does this mean for you, as a small business trying to grow, connect with conscious customers, and do the right thing?

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Celestial Tan Mailers 10" x 13" From $20.00 USD

5.0

Double adhesive

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Celestial Tan Mailers 10" x 13"

Dependable and eco-friendly: Our most popular size, these 10x13 biodegradable mailers combine strength and sustainability, making it perfect for medium-sized shipments.

Versatile packaging solution: Great for clothing items such as t-shirts or artisanal crafts, providing ample protection and a sleek look.

Transit protection: This mailer safeguards your products against the rigors of shipping, with a strong adhesive strip to keep contents secure and protected from moisture and dirt.

Design: The Celestian Tan design brings a playful yet elegant touch to your packaging. This whimsical design features moons and stars, bringing a sense of wonder and magic to your packaging, perfect for making every delivery feel special.

Today’s customers are really paying attention

They’re flipping your mailer over to see what it’s made of. They’re checking if your stickers are compostable or if your inner wraps can be recycled.

This is not about being perfect, but more about effort and intention. Sustainable packaging is no longer a bonus. It’s something people expect, and it’s quickly becoming a deciding factor in whether they hit “add to cart.”

What you can do as a small business

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Even small swaps can make a big difference:

• Use biodegradable mailers instead of traditional polybags

• Switch to glassine bags instead of plastic sleeves—they’re recyclable, compostable, and honestly, way cuter

• Print with FSC-certified or recycled paper

• Minimize excess packaging—your customers don’t want five layers of bubble wrap anyway

• Educate your customers with QR codes that explain how to dispose of your packaging properly

At Impack, we design our packaging with this full cycle in mind. That means choosing materials that don’t just look good but do good, from our peel-and-seal glassine bags to our compostable mailers and eco-friendly stickers.

Final thoughts

Sustainability isn’t just for the big brands with fancy budgets. In fact, small businesses are often more agile, more creative, and more community-driven, making it easier to lead by example.

So the next time you pack an order, ask yourself: Is this something my customer will be proud to receive—and feel good about disposing of?

If the answer’s no, we’re here to help you change that. Explore our eco-friendly packaging collection and start making the switch.