5 Ways to Make Your Shipping More Eco-Friendly in 2025
As environmental concerns rise and consumers increasingly demand sustainable practices, businesses are expected to do their part. Shipping is one of the most impactful operations for any e-commerce or product-based company. Fortunately, going green doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or increasing costs—it’s about being smart, intentional, and innovative.
Here are five practical and effective ways to make your shipping process more eco-friendly in 2025.
1. Use Recycled or Recyclable Packaging Materials
Using recycled cardboard boxes, biodegradable fillers like paper shred or cornstarch peanuts, and avoiding single-use plastics can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Many suppliers now offer high-quality recycled materials that are sturdy and reliable.
Eco-friendly shipping boxes made from recycled cardboard and biodegradable materials
Recyclable packaging also communicates a strong environmental message to your customers, showing that your brand is conscious and responsible.
2. Optimize Package Size and Weight
Oversized packages lead to wasted space, increased shipping costs, and higher emissions due to inefficient logistics. Using the right-sized boxes helps you:
- Reduce material usage
- Cut down on filler waste
- Maximize transport space
Side-by-side comparison of large and optimized shipping boxes
Consider integrating smart packaging tools or consulting with our team at Best Box Store to find the best box size per product.
3. Offer Carbon-Neutral Shipping Options
More shipping carriers now offer carbon-neutral programs that offset the emissions caused by transportation. As a brand, you can:
- Integrate these shipping options at checkout
- Absorb the cost or give customers the option to contribute
- Highlight the initiative on your website and packaging
Carbon-neutral delivery truck with green eco-friendly logo
4. Switch to Water-Based Inks and Eco Labels
Your branding materials—labels, tapes, and stickers—matter too. Choose water-based inks over petroleum-based ones, and opt for recyclable or compostable labels made from kraft paper or sugarcane fiber.
Biodegradable shipping labels and eco-friendly kraft tape
We now offer custom eco-labels and packaging tape that align with your brand and your values.
5. Encourage Reuse and Returns of Packaging
Consider designing your packaging with reuse in mind, such as easy-open boxes that customers can reclose and return, or durable pouches that double as storage.
Eco-conscious customer reusing the shipping box for return
Include a small note or QR code in your packages to guide customers in reusing or returning the box. You can even offer store credit or discounts for returns, boosting both engagement and sustainability.
Conclusion: Sustainability is Good Business
Eco-friendly shipping is more than a trend—it’s a smart long-term investment. Customers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values. By implementing even one of these practices, you’re not only helping the planet, but you’re also setting your brand apart in a competitive marketplace.
At Best Box Store, we believe in making sustainable choices accessible and profitable. Need help upgrading your packaging?
Contact us today for custom eco-friendly packaging solutions →
