This post was last updated on October 2nd, 2023
Ever thought of switching to a more environmentally friendly shipping package like compostable mailers?
Compostable poly mailers can be a tremendous eco-friendly move for your business, no matter what industry you work in.
From e-commerce to fashion, this eco-friendly packaging option is used by more and more companies to ship their products. Not only does it help the environment, but it also offers plenty of advantages for both shippers and receivers. So, if you’re looking for a more sustainable way to send orders, compostable mailers are the way to go!
In this blog post, we will cover what compostable mailers are, why you should consider using them for your company, plus a list of providers curated just for you!
Introducing Compostable Shipping packaging
Did you know Canadians produce more garbage per capita than any other country? Unbelievable, right?
The good news is, as small business owners, we can all do our part to help reduce this number!
One way you can make a difference is by using eco-friendly mailers to ship your orders.
What is a compostable mailer?
A compostable mailer is a sustainable packaging that you can use to ship smaller products and documents.
They look and feel just like plastic poly mailers, but they are home compostable, which means they don’t stick around in landfills for hundreds of years!
After being composted, compostable mailer bags will turn into biodegradable compost for the garden.
But, what’s composting?
Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic matter into compost. Compost is used to improve soil health, provide nutrients for plants, and help retain water.
It’s a great way to reduce your environmental impact while also helping your customers live a more sustainable life!
What materials are used in compostable poly mailers?
Compostable packaging materials are often made from bioplastics which are organic, non-toxic, and compost-friendly ingredients that will not pollute the soil or contaminate groundwater when composted.
Common natural resources used to produce them are corn starch or sugarcane pulp.
If they happen to have a logo or text printed on it, know that the inks used are also entirely natural in origin, such as soy-based, for instance.
One thing is certain: It’s a 0% plastic material!
Are compostable mailers really compostable?
Yes, compostable mailers are entirely compostable and do not let any microplastic or harmful material in the environment.
However, you have to make sure that they are certified when looking for providers. This control ensures that the material does not contain chemicals and is safe for customers to compost in their homes.
Indeed, some companies could claim their products are biodegradable when they are not entirely.
How to compost non-plastic mailers?
For decomposition to happen correctly, some things need to come together:
- Presence of bacteria in the compost
- Presence of other organic materials
- Controlled Moisture (should feel humid but not soaked)
- High temperature
Are compostable mailers good?
Yes, compostable mailers are a great alternative to plastic poly mailers and add a sustainable touch to your shipping process.
If they are certified, you can be sure that they will be fully compostable and will turn into compost in a matter of months instead of thousands of years like plastic bags.
Before their disposal, their shelf life is up to 12 months approximately when stored in optimal conditions (a cool and non-humid place with no direct sunlight). Know that they are also as resistant and waterproof as other plastic options.
What are the advantages of using compostable packaging?
Compostable mailers have several advantages that make them a great choice to send orders.
1. Do something good for the planet. Plastic mailers are over!
As a business owner, you might want to make sure you are held accountable for your social responsibility and make all efforts possible to be as carbon neutral as possible.
Way to go, you green business person!
Shipping through a compostable mailer is a great option to reduce your environmental impact and carbon footprint in your shipping process.
2. Sustainable packaging can enhance the corporate image
Using compostable mailers can be an excellent opportunity to show off your eco-friendly beliefs and values.
3. Compostable Mailers can boost Customers Love
This compostable packaging can serve as a differentiating factor for your business.
It is likely to make you stand out among other businesses and encourage customers to buy again from you, especially among eco-friendly consumers.
3 Great Compostable Mailers Suppliers
1. Refreshpackaging.ca
Overview
Refresh Packaging is a Canadian-based company that controls the entire supply chain from raw material production to the final delivery to their customers, allowing them to make sure of the quality and environmental impact all the way.
Their compostable mailers are fully certified and safe for your industrial or home composting.
Highlights
- Certification: Their non-plastic self-sealing mailers are tested and certified to be compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).
- Shelf-life: Up to 12 months when kept in ideal conditions.
- Decomposition time: 6 to 16 weeks.
Bonus
They offer other items, including different compostable bags such as shopping bags or pet waste bags, compostable paper food containers, and much more.
2. Noissue.co
Overview
Noissue is changing the shipping envelopes game!
With their wide offer of compostable, reusable, and recycled packaging, you can select the one that corresponds best to your shipping methods, costs, and process.
Highlights
- Certification: It is said to be “certified for both home and commercial compost,” but no more details on the institute that tested its products out.
- Shelf-life: Up to 9 months when kept in ideal conditions.
- Decomposition time: Within 25 weeks at home or 12 weeks in an industrial facility.
Bonus
Noissue has built an Eco-Packaging Alliance for their clients to join and promote reforestation in areas in need.
3. Heropacckaging.co
The Hero Packaging started as a familial business to fight against plastic pollution and has grown ever since into a small team. They offer eco-friendly and colourful compostable mailers.
Highlights
- Certification: Certified Compostable in Australia, the company motherland. (7P0581)
- Shelf-life: Between 9 and 12 months when kept in ideal conditions.
- Decomposition time: Within 21 weeks at home or 17 weeks in an industrial facility.
Bonus
They also have a sample pack available for you to try out their products before investing.
If you want to make the switch to a more environmentally friendly way of shipping, compostable mailers are a great option!
Without compromising on quality, they’re an excellent option for classic shipping bags, help in their own way to fight climate change, and can actually attract a new type of consumer.
They are now widely available on the market and come in different colours, sizes, and prices to fit your needs. And you now know of 3 great compostable mailers suppliers to check out if you’re interested in a green change!
Happy shipping 🙂
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