As the demand for sustainable packaging continues to rise, eCommerce sellers and retail businesses are re-evaluating their shipping practices. One major packaging material now under the spotlight is packing peanuts. These small, cushiony fillers have long been used to protect goods during transit, but not all packing peanuts are created equal.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between traditional and biodegradable packing peanuts, weigh up the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which is best for your business.
What Are Packing Peanuts?
Packing peanuts, also known as loose fill, are used to fill voids in shipping boxes and cushion products to prevent damage during transit. They're especially useful for protecting fragile items and ensuring packages arrive safely.
Packing peanuts have been a staple in the shipping world for decades, but the material they’re made from has become a growing concern for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses alike.
Traditional Packing Peanuts: The Old Guard
Traditional packing peanuts are typically made from polystyrene, a petroleum-based plastic. You might know it as Styrofoam, although that’s technically a brand name.
Pros of Traditional Packing Peanuts
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Lightweight and cost-effective: Polystyrene peanuts are cheap to produce and help reduce shipping costs due to their low weight.
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Good cushioning properties: They offer reliable protection for items of various shapes and sizes.
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Reusable: They can be reused several times, although they often aren’t.
Cons of Traditional Packing Peanuts
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Non-biodegradable: These peanuts do not break down naturally in the environment. They can persist for hundreds of years in landfill.
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Difficult to recycle: Very few recycling centres accept polystyrene due to contamination issues and the cost of processing.
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Negative brand perception: Environmentally aware customers often associate polystyrene with waste and pollution.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts: The Sustainable Solution
Biodegradable packing peanuts are made from natural, plant-based materials such as cornstarch or wheat. They are designed to decompose quickly when exposed to moisture, leaving no toxic residue behind.
Pros of Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
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Eco-friendly: They break down naturally in compost or water, making them an excellent choice for sustainable shipping.
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Non-toxic and safe: These peanuts are safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
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Positive customer experience: Using biodegradable options can enhance your brand image and appeal to eco-conscious customers.
Cons of Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
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Higher cost: Biodegradable options tend to be more expensive than traditional ones, especially at lower order volumes.
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Less water-resistant: Since they dissolve in water, they are not ideal for environments with high humidity or moisture exposure.
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Limited reusability: While you can reuse them, they are more fragile than polystyrene and degrade faster with handling.
Visual and Functional Differences
Biodegradable packing peanuts are often slightly denser and may have a different texture than polystyrene ones. One quick way to tell the difference is the “water test” — biodegradable peanuts will dissolve in water, while traditional ones won’t.
From a functional standpoint, both types offer similar protection during shipping, but biodegradable peanuts might compress more under heavy items. For most standard eCommerce use cases, however, this isn’t a dealbreaker.
Environmental Impact
Traditional Packing Peanuts
Polystyrene is a major environmental pollutant. It’s made using non-renewable resources and emits harmful chemicals during production and disposal. If not properly contained, these peanuts can easily escape into the environment, harming wildlife and polluting waterways.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
These are made from renewable resources and break down naturally without releasing toxins. Even if they accidentally end up in nature, they pose minimal threat and quickly decompose, making them a much safer alternative for the planet.
Customer Expectations Are Changing
Today’s consumers are more environmentally aware than ever. Sustainable packaging is no longer a bonus. For many buyers, it’s an expectation. Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies (ACRS) conducted research into attitudes and behaviours of Australian shoppers towards sustainability as part of a larger retail study, the ACRS Retail Monitor. More than half of Aussie shoppers (51%) say sustainability is an important factor when making a retail purchase.
Using biodegradable packing peanuts not only reduces your environmental footprint, it also shows your customers that your business values sustainability. This can translate to better reviews, increased loyalty, and a stronger brand reputation.
Cost vs Value: What Should You Choose?
At face value, traditional packing peanuts are cheaper. However, when you consider the broader picture; customer perception, potential brand damage, and the growing demand for sustainable practices. It could be said that biodegradable options often deliver better long-term value.
Some shipping companies and marketplaces have already begun encouraging or requiring the use of eco-friendly materials. Getting ahead of the curve now could save you time and money down the track.
Practical Considerations for eCommerce Sellers
If you’re considering making the switch to biodegradable packing peanuts, here are a few tips:
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Order in bulk: Buying biodegradable materials in larger quantities can significantly reduce the cost per unit.
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Communicate your sustainability efforts: Let your customers know you’re using eco-friendly packing materials. Include a note in your packaging or mention it on your website and product pages.
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Trial and test: Run a short-term test with select shipments to gauge customer response and identify any handling or storage issues.
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Review your entire packaging strategy: Switching to biodegradable packing peanuts is great, but consider other elements like recyclable boxes, paper tape, and compostable satchels.
Final Verdict: Go Green, Stay Competitive
As the eCommerce industry continues to grow, so does the responsibility of online retailers to adopt sustainable practices. Choosing the right type of packing peanuts might seem like a small decision, but it reflects a larger commitment to responsible business.
While traditional polystyrene peanuts may be cheap and effective, they come with significant environmental drawbacks that can impact your brand perception. Biodegradable packing peanuts, on the other hand, offer a more sustainable and customer-friendly solution that aligns with the values of modern shoppers.
For eCommerce sellers and retail businesses looking to future-proof their operations and appeal to eco-conscious consumers, making the switch to biodegradable packing peanuts is a smart and impactful step forward.