In the business world, it always seems that someone is trying to sell you something new with tales about how it will add new functionality to your business. From software to services, there’s always something you’re expected to change.
Right now, making the switch to eco-friendly paper bags is a big topic. You might be a bit hesitant given all the other things you’re expected to consider every day, but this is one you should pay attention to. It can help your business, your customers, and something far greater than both of those things combined.
The eco-friendly packaging sector is pretty big. So, we’re going to specifically focus on why paper bags are better for your business operation, today.
How Paper Bags Benefit the Environment
This is the biggest benefit, and while you might not think it directly impacts your business in tangible ways, it does. So, we’ll cover this first. Paper bags aren’t made like they used to be. They used to contribute to deforestation, because the companies sourcing materials for them chopped down trees with reckless abandon.
Now, paper bags are made in a much more sustainable fashion. Rather than cutting down whole swathes of forests to create them, they are made in one of three ways. First, wood is still used, but it’s sourced much more sustainably, and new trees are planted to replace what’s taken.
Hemp is also used, but that does require a lot of water, and the benefits of it are a bit controversial.
How Paper Bags Benefit Your Customers
Your customers benefit from paper bags, too. This happens in two ways:
First, it aligns with the average customer’s desire to make eco-friendly decisions. Most customers have decided that they want to minimize their negative impact on the environment, and that has driven many of their purchasing decisions. They’ll go out of their way to shop at eco-friendly stores even if they pay slightly more or need to travel farther.
Then, in self-checkout situations, paper bags are actually more convenient. They are as annoying to work with as plastic bags are, and they don’t get strewn all over the place or stuck together.
How Your Business Benefits from Paper Bags
Finally, both of those previous benefits come together to benefit your company. Primarily, this is because paper bags align your business with the green movement and makes customers more likely to shop at your business over ones that are still using destructive materials for even the most basic things such as bags. This might seem small, but it is proven to lead to substantial growth and customer loyalty.
On top of that, paper bags are now nearly as cheap as their plastic alternatives. This mitigates any cost increases you’ll face, and you gain way more than you lose.
