Recent studies show that consumers value sustainability and the environment and are keeping them in mind when purchasing, even amidst a pandemic. There has been and will continue to be pushback over using too much packaging.

Overpackaging can be defined as any packaging that is seen as excessive and does not fulfill a condition or function that is deemed as necessary. An example of this is a package that is double, or even triple, the size of the product inside.

Despite the concerns facing consumers during these uncertain times, almost a quarter — 23 percent — are likelier to buy items online if they know that they’re being delivered in more sustainable packaging, and 21 percent are more likely to buy online if their products arrive in recyclable packaging, according to Boardconvertingnews.com.

New research reveals that 93 percent of consumers reported that they have received packages with what constitutes as wasted space, and nearly three-fourths (73 percent) have received packages that were at least twice the size of what was needed. 54 percent of consumers reported that they would rethink their decision to order again from a company that had excessive space in their packaging.

But why are consumers so concerned with overpackaging? Let’s dive into the negatives of overpackaging.

For a while now, it has been known that overpackaging has a tremendously negative effect on the environment. The different problems that packaging creates for the environment include the reduction of valuable resources, impacts on animal and plant species, and the amount of raw materials and energy consumed for the production and recycling of excessive packaging.

Overpackaging also generates an economic cost that gets passed on to the consumer and then ultimately to waste treatment facilities. For businesses, the inefficient use of resources means more money wasted. Adding layers and layers of protective materials without acknowledging their impact when it comes to transportation costs, conservation needs, or type of use or consumption expected isn’t very profitable, yet there are many businesses that continue to do so.

So how can you avoid overpackaging? It’s simple, really. Make the decision to implement a custom packaging solution for your products. With a custom packaging solution, you won’t need to worry about excessive left-over material that harms the environment, costs you money, and leaves your customers unsatisfied. Custom packaging is uniquely designed to fit your product and your product only, meaning that the look and feel of your product informs the design process.

So remember, the benefits to you and the world are customer satisfaction, the safety and protection of your product, and cost efficiency.

Win. Win. Win.