The ZeroPackaging Eco-Check Tool.
The ZeroPackaging Eco-Check Tool. I can see your wheels turning - why do I need that?
The thing is, you probably already know that packaging, and especially the part of it not being recycled, seriously damages our planet. Unfortunately, there are many elements that play a part in this. Not only the size, weight, and materials of your packaging matters, but also the travel emissions. In short, almost too many to list here. Besides, we understand that you probably have better things to do than calculating all these elements separately.
Which is why we developed the ZeroPackaging Eco-Check tool. All you have to do is choose the most applicable option from the drop-down menu, and we’ll take care of the rest. But first, let us educate you about what these elements actually mean.
The weight of your package
We speak of ‘sustainable packaging’ when a package is, inter alia, light and compact. The more compact, the less the CO2 emissions. And of course more parcels fit in the delivery van with the deliverer.
The main material of your packages
There are a lot of complicated terms, so let us walk you through them all.
First of all: corrugated Cardboard. It’s used in many packaging situations it's main objective is to move stuff safely, for example electronics, clothing and food products. It consists of ridges and a double layer. Just Google it, you will recognise what we mean.
Secondly, Folding cardboard. Folding carton is made out of paperboard that is printed, laminated, cut, folded and glued. It is practically the most basic kind of carton box. You probably came across one while moving to your next home, unboxing your new shoes, or while enjoying a delicious slice of pizza.
The third material: Polyethylene (PE). Polyethylene is a lightweight, durable thermoplastic with variable crystalline structure. It is one of the most widely produced plastics in the world.
The fourth: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). We know. And you thought the previous one was difficult to read. Just to make it a bit easier, we’ll just call it PET. PET is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and used for clothing.
Last but not least: Polylactic Acid (PLA). This is also a thermoplastic polymer, but this time it’s commercial biodegradable. And you probably know by now: biodegradable is good. It means the object is capable of being decomposed. PLA is normally used in food handling.
How many pieces fit on the pallet?
The more pieces fit on a pallet, the more can be transported at the same time.
What type of energy is used for production?
The options are: Grid, grid with a sustainability certificate, and your own green supply. Obviously, we prefer and use the last one.
Time to calculate your resulting emission. Ours is 0 kg CO2 eq. What‘s yours?
