biodegradable packaging
How a homeware retailer delighted customers with a switch to biodegradable packaging
In an effort to increase sustainability and better match consumer preferences, Harts of Stur decided to move away from non-recyclable packaging. Looking for an eco-friendly and versatile void fill solution with advanced protective qualities, EcoFlo® biodegradable packing peanuts proved perfect for their business.
The change in packaging gave a significant boost to the homeware retailer’s environmental performance. As a result, Harts of Stur received an overjoyed response from their customers, along with gaining industry recognition as a sustainable business.
The client
Harts of Stur is a kitchen appliance and homeware retailer based in the UK. The business sends out thousands of parcels each week across the UK and beyond.
“The reaction to our eco-friendly packaging has been nothing short of overwhelming. Customers are so pleased that we use an environmentally friendly alternative to polystyrene!”
Key results
Environmental performance
A dramatic reduction in the amount of nonrecyclable packaging used.
Winning the hearts of clients
A continuous stream of positive feedback in the shape of reviews and social media posts from customers.
Industry recognition
A win at the Good Retail Awards to mark the sustainability success of the business.
“We required a high quality loose fill that would protect the many varied shapes and sizes of products dispatched. It also had to be environmentally friendly. EcoFlo® ticked all the boxes.”
The challenge: a sore need for environmental improvement
Like many companies, Harts of Stur previously used a combination of polystyrene packing peanuts and paper for protective packaging. While the packaging did its job, it undermined the company’s environmental performance.
Furthermore, the company identified a shift in customer preferences, favouring environmental alternatives over non-sustainable packaging. Changing to environmentally friendly packaging became essential to maintaining and growing their customer base.
The solution: choosing EcoFlo® biodegradable loose fill
As a large percentage of the company’s business is mail order despatches, Harts of Stur were keen to reduce the amount of non-recyclable packaging they use. “Looking at our requirements, EcoFlo® ticked all the boxes,” said the client.
EcoFlo®’s shape and size, plus the fact that it’s non-static, makes it suitable for shipping a wide range of products, from delicate glassware to heavy electrical kitchen appliances. “EcoFlo® offers the perfect solution to our packaging needs, providing maximum protection for our products,” concluded the client.
The results: how the change in packaging lead to a wave of praise and recognition
After changing their protective packaging from polystyrene and paper to EcoFlo® biodegradable packing peanuts, Harts of Stur saw a significant improvement to their environmental performance.
In a nutshell, Harts of Stur:
• “Dramatically reduced” the amount of nonrecyclable packaging used in their warehouse;
• Received an “almost overwhelming” amount of positive feedback (reviews, social media posts) from customers pleased with the packaging;
• Secured a win at the 2021 Good Retail Awards, celebrating the success of switching to sustainable packaging and lowering the carbon footprint of their business.
