Start Small, Think Big
Every business generates packaging waste — from the boxes your supplies arrive in to the packaging you ship out. Most of this waste is avoidable with simple habit changes that cost nothing to implement.
1. Designate a "Reuse" Area
Set up a shelf or corner where incoming boxes are stored instead of immediately flattened for recycling. When someone needs to ship something, they check the reuse shelf first. Simple, zero-cost, and typically diverts 30-40% of incoming boxes from the recycling stream.
2. Right-Size Your Outgoing Shipments
The most wasteful packaging practice is using an oversized box and filling the void with packing material. Keep a variety of box sizes on hand and match each shipment to the smallest box that fits with appropriate cushioning.
3. Switch to Used Boxes for Non-Customer Shipments
Internal transfers, inter-office shipments, returns to vendors, and archive storage do not need new boxes. Used Grade C boxes work perfectly and cost 55-65% less.
4. Eliminate Unnecessary Inner Packaging
Do you really need bubble wrap inside a box that is inside another box? Audit your packaging process and strip out layers that do not add meaningful protection. Many businesses over-package by habit rather than necessity.
5. Go Tape-Free Where Possible
Self-locking box designs and tuck-flap mailers eliminate tape entirely. For standard boxes, one strip of tape on the bottom and one on top is sufficient — the three-strip "H-tape" method wastes 60% more tape than necessary for most applications.
6. Sell Your Surplus
If your business accumulates boxes faster than it uses them, sell the surplus. Companies like Portland Boxes buy clean used boxes at competitive rates. It is better than recycling and generates a small revenue stream.
7. Track and Communicate
Measure your packaging waste before and after implementing changes. Share the results with your team. People are more likely to maintain new habits when they can see the impact — "We diverted 200 boxes from recycling this month" is a powerful motivator.