The Christmas period brings a surge in online shopping and with it, a dramatic rise in packaging waste. According to industry insights, waste levels increase by around 30% during the festive season, with cardboard, plastics and protective materials being the biggest contributors. For UK retailers, this creates both environmental and financial pressures, especially as customers increasingly expect sustainable practices.
Reducing packaging waste doesn’t require a complete overhaul. With the right approach, retailers can cut costs, improve efficiency, and deliver a greener peak-season experience. Here’s how.
1. Choose Sustainable Packaging Materials
Switching to eco-friendly materials is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste.
✔ Recyclable corrugated cardboard
High-recycled-content cardboard remains the most sustainable choice for ecommerce.
✔ Paper void fill
Replacing plastic cushions or foam with recyclable paper keeps packaging lightweight and circular.
✔ Fully recyclable padded mailers
Avoid mixed-material mailers, which are difficult for customers to recycle.
✔ Reusable packaging
More retailers are adopting returnable or multi-use packaging to cut long-term waste.
2. Use The Right-Sized Packaging
Oversized boxes lead to excess waste, unnecessary void fill, and inflated courier charges. It’s suggested the right-sizing packaging is one of the biggest waste-reduction opportunities.
Benefits of right-sized packaging:
Lower material use
Reduced shipping costs
Enhanced product protection
Faster packing processes
Better unboxing experience
TEC Packaging offers tailored sizing and design services that ensure every item is packed efficiently and sustainably.
3. Optimise Void Fill for Sustainability
The holidays often bring an increase in fragile or gift-ready items, leading to greater use of void fill. Sustainable alternatives make a significant difference at scale.
Opt for:
Paper void fill
Recycled shredded card
Recyclable tissue
Plastic-based void fill should be phased out where possible to reduce contamination and single-use waste.
4. Include Clear Recycling Instructions
Recycling confusion is a major barrier for consumers, particularly during the busy holiday season.
Retailers can add:
Printed recycling icons
QR codes linking to recycling instructions
Simple notes on delivery slips/receipts
Prompts at checkout
This small addition reinforces your commitment to sustainability and helps customers recycle properly.
5. Improve Packaging Efficiency Across Operations
Operational improvements have a direct impact on waste levels:
Train packing teams: Seasonal staff often overuse materials. A quick training session improves consistency and reduces waste.
Conduct a packaging audit: Identify opportunities to reduce material use or switch to more sustainable alternatives. Alternatively, contact us and we can arrange a Free Packaging Audit.
Review packaging suppliers: Partnering with a sustainable packaging provider ensures your materials meet performance and environmental standards.
6. Offer Greener Delivery and Gifting Options
Retailers can reduce waste by creating more sustainable customer choices:
Minimal-packaging checkout options: Appeal to eco-conscious customers with a low-waste option.
Recyclable gift-ready packaging: Avoid glitter, foils or laminates that make packaging unrecyclable.
Encourage consolidated delivery: Fewer shipments mean fewer materials.
7. Communicate Your Sustainability Efforts
Sustainable packaging can improve brand perception, especially at Christmas, when customers are consciously choosing greener retailers.
Share your efforts through:
Social media
Product and category pages
Email marketing
Packaging inserts
Transparency builds trust and sets your brand apart in a crowded seasonal market.
Reducing packaging waste during the holidays is achievable with the right strategy. By using sustainable materials, optimising packaging design, and improving recycling communication, retailers can significantly lower their environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency.
TEC Packaging supports retailers with eco-friendly, right-sized packaging solutions built for the demands of the festive season. If you’re planning your holiday operations, now is the ideal time to review your packaging approach and make greener choices.