Plastic Free July: A chance to review your business’s use of single use plastic packaging

Every July, businesses around the world take part in Plastic Free July, a global initiative encouraging organisations and individuals to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.

While the campaign runs for just one month, the decisions businesses make can have a lasting impact on both the environment and their bottom line.

Many companies assume reducing plastic packaging means increasing costs or compromising product protection. In reality, simple changes such as choosing the right box size, reducing unnecessary void fill and switching to paper-based alternatives can improve sustainability while also reducing packaging costs.

In this guide, we'll explore practical ways businesses can reduce single-use plastic packaging and create a more efficient, environmentally responsible packaging operation.

In Short: How Can Businesses Reduce Single-Use Plastic Packaging?

Businesses can significantly reduce their use of single-use plastic packaging by:

• Using right-sized corrugated boxes

• Reducing unnecessary void fill

• Switching to paper-based protective packaging

• Using recyclable paper tape

• Reviewing packaging processes regularly

These changes can reduce plastic waste, improve recyclability, lower shipping costs and create a better customer experience.

What Is Single-Use Plastic Packaging?

Single-use plastics are packaging materials designed to be used once before being recycled or disposed of.

In many warehouses, plastic packaging is used without much thought because it has become part of the everyday packing process.

Common examples include:

• Bubble wrap

• Plastic air pillows

• Plastic mailing bags

• Plastic packing peanuts

• Plastic tape

• Stretch wrap

• Plastic document wallets

While each product serves a purpose, many can now be reduced or replaced with more sustainable alternatives.

Why Reducing Plastic Makes Business Sense

Reducing single-use plastics isn't just about supporting environmental initiatives.

It can also help businesses:

• Reduce packaging costs

• Improve operational efficiency

• Lower shipping costs

• Reduce packaging waste

• Improve recyclability

• Strengthen sustainability credentials

• Meet increasing customer expectations

More customers are actively choosing suppliers that demonstrate a commitment to reducing unnecessary packaging.

1. Start by Reducing Packaging, Not Replacing It

One of the biggest opportunities is often overlooked.

Before replacing plastic packaging, ask whether it's needed at all.

Oversized boxes usually require additional:

• Bubble wrap

• Air pillows

• Loose fill

• Protective packaging

Simply selecting a box that fits the product more closely can significantly reduce the amount of protective packaging required.

Using less packaging is often more sustainable than simply replacing plastic with another material.

2. Choose Right-Sized Packaging

A correctly sized box is one of the easiest ways to reduce packaging waste.

Benefits include:

• Less empty space

• Reduced movement during transit

• Lower void fill requirements

• Improved product protection

• Reduced shipping costs

At ASC Direct, our Box Builder allows businesses to order corrugated boxes manufactured to their exact internal dimensions, helping eliminate unnecessary packaging waste.

3. Replace Plastic Void Fill with Paper Alternatives

Where protective packaging is required, paper-based alternatives can often provide excellent protection.

Popular options include:

• Paper void fill

• Corrugated inserts

• Honeycomb paper

• Embossed paper wrap

• Corrugated partitions

Many paper-based protective materials are fully recyclable alongside corrugated cardboard, making disposal easier for customers.

4. Switch to Paper Tape

Plastic parcel tape often prevents packaging from being recycled in one simple process.

Paper tape offers several advantages:

• Fully recyclable with cardboard

• Professional appearance

• Strong adhesion

• Improved sustainability

For many businesses, switching tape is one of the simplest packaging improvements they can make.

5. Review Your Entire Packaging Process

Many businesses focus on replacing individual products rather than reviewing the complete packing process.

Consider:

• Is the box the correct size?

• Is too much void fill being used?

• Could packaging be simplified?

• Can multiple packaging materials be eliminated?

• Are products adequately protected without excessive packaging?

Small improvements across multiple areas often deliver the biggest overall benefits.

Plastic-Free Packaging Can Also Reduce Costs

One of the biggest misconceptions is that sustainable packaging always costs more.

In reality, reducing plastic packaging often also reduces overall packaging costs.

For example:

• Smaller boxes can reduce courier charges.

• Less void fill means fewer consumables.

• Right-sized packaging reduces material usage.

• Simpler packing processes improve productivity.

• Reduced packaging often lowers storage requirements.

Many businesses discover that improving sustainability also improves operational efficiency.

Five Simple Plastic Swaps

Instead of...	Consider...
Plastic bubble wrap	Embossed paper wrap
Plastic air pillows	Paper void fill
Plastic tape	Paper tape
Oversized boxes	Right-sized corrugated boxes
Plastic loose fill	Corrugated inserts or paper alternatives

These simple changes can significantly reduce the amount of plastic used across your packaging operation.

Customer Expectations Are Changing

Consumers and businesses are becoming increasingly aware of unnecessary packaging.

Receiving a small product in a large box filled with plastic packaging no longer creates a positive impression.

Customers increasingly value packaging that is:

• Right-sized

• Easy to recycle

• Made from recyclable materials

• Free from unnecessary plastic

Reviewing your packaging can therefore improve both sustainability and customer satisfaction.

How ASC Direct Can Help

At ASC Direct, sustainability isn't simply about replacing one packaging material with another.

We believe the most sustainable packaging is packaging that uses only what is needed.

Our bespoke corrugated boxes are manufactured to your exact internal dimensions, helping reduce unnecessary packaging, minimise void fill and improve shipping efficiency.

Alongside our range of paper-based packaging solutions, we can help businesses reduce plastic packaging while maintaining the protection their products require.

Whether you're reviewing your packaging as part of Plastic Free July or looking for long-term improvements, our team can help identify practical solutions that balance sustainability, performance and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is single-use plastic packaging?

Single-use plastic packaging refers to plastic materials designed to be used once before being discarded or recycled, such as bubble wrap, plastic tape and air pillows.

Can cardboard replace plastic packaging?

In many applications, yes. Corrugated cardboard, paper void fill and paper-based protective materials can often replace plastic packaging while maintaining product protection.

Is paper tape recyclable?

Yes. Most paper tapes can be recycled alongside corrugated cardboard, making recycling easier for both businesses and consumers.

Does reducing plastic packaging save money?

It often can. Using right-sized packaging and reducing unnecessary void fill can lower material usage, reduce shipping costs and improve packing efficiency.

How can my business reduce plastic packaging?

Start by reviewing your packaging process. Right-sized boxes, paper-based protective materials and recyclable paper tape are practical ways to reduce single-use plastic without compromising product protection.

James Palfrey-Smith is the General Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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