At The Bernard Group, our commitment to sustainable manufacturing extends to every aspect of our operations, including sustainable packaging. So in 2023, we launched a campaign focused on reducing our reliance on virgin plastics and virgin paper-based products in our packing supplies, actively offering eco-packaging alternatives. Explore how our premium services continue to evolve by incorporating high-quality recycled materials and readily recyclable packing materials.
“We want to source the best products available on the market to better serve our clients and protect the environment.”
A Foundation in Sustainability
Along with our online division, Smartpress, we maintain a continuous drive towards greater sustainability social responsibility. To remain at the forefront of environmental leadership within the manufacturing and printing industries, we have to consider every aspect of our business – and that includes eco-friendly packaging.
“One of our environmental objectives for 2023 was to find healthier alternatives to typical packaging like bubble wrap and poly bags,” explained Liesl Beck, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “We want to source the best sustainable packaging solutions on the market to better serve our clients and protect the environment.”
Offering eco friendly packaging is no small feat. In the fall of 2022, we set out to review all of our standard packing supplies in all of our facilities. We know the importance of minimizing our environmental footprint, so we left no stone unturned, documenting usage, spend, versions, performance, availability and supplier partnerships.
Most importantly, we needed to answer key questions about the alternatives to virgin plastics and virgin paper-based products.
- Could we effectively utilize materials with recycled content?
- Would these sustainable alternatives maintain the necessary performance standards?
- Were they available at scale?
- What would the cost implications be?
- Could we replace single-use plastic wraps with recyclable paper products?
Hint: We’re consistently making sustainable strides. Discover four more: Sustainable Swap: 4 New Green Alternatives for Eco-Friendly Printing.
“They work just as well, if not better than the less-eco-conscious supplies we’ve used in the past.”
Rigorous Testing for Reliable Eco Packaging
After we concluded our research and documentation phase, the next step was to identify and test viable eco packaging options. In the crucial decision between virgin plastics vs. recycled plastics (or eliminating plastic altogether), our guiding principle remains choosing the option with the least amount of damage to the environment.
Once we identified a range of promising sustainable packaging materials, we began the comparison and evaluation process. This included rigorously testing their performance and eliminating options that didn’t meet our standards.
“When we find a viable solution, we rigorously test it for efficacy,” said Todd Voit, Senior Director of Operational Excellence. “Once the eco-friendly product passes our testing, we implement it into our standard processes.”
These sustainable solutions have proven highly effective in protecting our displays, graphics and print projects during packaging, shipping and unpacking at their final destinations.
“After months of testing a number of different sustainable packaging products, we landed on some high-performing options,” said Amber Mostoles, Shipping Manager at Smartpress. “They work just as well, if not better than the less-eco-conscious supplies we’ve used in the past.”
Our Progress in Sustainable Packaging
As a manufacturer that values corporate social responsibility, we continuously introduce new or additional sustainable packaging options, substitutes or replacements. This is an ongoing dedication, not a one-and-done initiative.
“I’m proud Smartpress is putting in a strong effort and taking action in minimizing the impact on the environment,” said Mostoles. “We don’t just look at one thing (like only having an eco-friendly paper option). We consider all of the other components it takes to deliver world-class products to our customers from start to finish.”
Our healthier packaging program now includes the following alternatives to virgin plastics and virgin paper products:
Cartons/Containers
- Polybags: Multiple versions made from 100% recycled content.
- Shipping Boxes: Made with at least 60% recycled content.
Packing Tapes
- All three-inch clear plastic tapes have been replaced with recycled content rolls.
Void Fill (for empty spaces in the container)
- Bubble Wrap: Made with recycled content.
- Kraft Paper: Recyclable and made with 100% recycled content.
We’ve made huge strides in discovering, testing and bringing in recycled packaging alternatives to help reduce our reliance on single-use virgin plastics and virgin paper. This is a shared value across our entire company, and as Voit emphasized, it’s an achievable goal for any organization. He offered this advice:
“Make sure to test the eco-friendly materials through the standard manufacturing processes and shipping channels to ensure it performs as is required for the application. We found that not all environmentally friendly material works in every application.”
Hint: How did we reduce the impact of our business services? Take a look: Green Goals: An Inside Look at Our Environmental Management System.
The Future of Sustainable Packaging at TBG
Now that we’ve solved this piece of the sustainable packaging puzzle, it’s on to the next. We weren’t kidding when we said that we’re constantly working to be more and more environmentally-conscious.
“Some of the initiatives we’re thinking about for 2024 are finding new streams to recycle, reuse or add to our closed-loop program, developing a product take-back program for customers who aren’t able to recycle at the store level and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification,” said Beck.
For us, the (present and) future are undeniably healthier, driven by our dedication to environmental sustainability.
Hint: See why sustainable materials matter: FSC Certified Wood: Why Sustainable Materials Matter.
Partner with The Bernard Group for Sustainable Solutions
At The Bernard Group, we’re passionate about helping our clients embrace eco-friendly packaging without compromising on quality or efficiency. We can help your brand reduce their environmental footprint through healthier materials options, life-cycle design mindset, ethical sourcing, and more. If you’re ready to embrace eco-friendly packaging, let’s connect!