Packaging is one of those often unavoidable modern-day conveniences. We know it’s a problem, but it sneaks into our lives anyway, wrapped around almost everything we buy.
We’ve normalised bubble-wrapped bananas, individually plastic-sealed cucumbers, and tiny items shipped in boxes big enough to house a Labrador. The sheer volume of waste is overwhelming, and while some brands are making an effort, greenwashing has made it tricky to separate what’s actually sustainable from what just sounds good.
So, is it possible to cut down on packaging waste without swearing off online shopping or making life more difficult?
We may not be able to avoid packaging entirely, but we can change how we deal with it. Heres how.
The Problem: We’re Drowning in It
Australia churns out 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and a measly 15% is recovered or recycled. The rest? It’s piling up in landfills, cluttering our waterways, or breaking down into microplastics that leach into the environment.
Packaging is one of the biggest culprits. The convenience of delivery culture, pre-packaged everything, and “secure” shipping has left us in an overwrapped, overstuffed mess. And while plenty of brands slap on “eco-friendly” labels, not all green packaging is created equal.
Step One: Spot the Red Flags
Not all packaging labelled sustainable is actually sustainable. Some “biodegradable” plastics only break down in industrial composting facilities (not your backyard bin). Others still contain microplastics or require complicated multi-step recycling that most people don’t have access to.
Before hitting add to cart, check for:
- Recycled content – Packaging made from post-consumer waste, not fresh plastic
- Home-compostable certification – Look for AS 5810 in Australia
- Eco-friendly packaging and 100% plastic-free options – Cardboard mailers, paper tape, and biodegradable fillers
- Minimalist packaging – Some brands now offer “naked” shipping (just the essentials, no unnecessary fluff)
If it’s vague or greenwashed? Ask the brand directly. The more customers demand better packaging, the faster businesses adapt.
Step Two: Support Brands That Actually Get It
Most packaging is just clutter with a branding budget. You order one small thing, and it arrives in a box the size of a bar fridge, stuffed with enough crinkled paper to insulate a small house. And while it’s easy to feel like the whole system is broken, there are brands out there proving it doesn’t have to be this way.
Before making a purchase, check:
- Does this brand use compostable mailers, recycled cardboard, and paper tape instead of the usual plastic labyrinth?
- Are they transparent about materials, or is it all vague “eco-friendly” talk?
And if your favourite brand isn’t using sustainable packaging? Call them out. A quick email or comment on social media can nudge them in the right direction – brands do pay attention when customers speak up.
Step Three: Reuse Before You Recycle
Recycling is great, but reusing is even better. Australia generates an estimated 67 million tonnes of waste per year, so every box, bag, and satchel that gets a second life is one less item heading straight to landfill.
Easy ways to reuse packaging:
- Sturdy cardboard boxes = Storage, moving house, or DIY projects
- Padded mailers = Reuse for sending gifts, reselling clothes, or protecting fragile items
- Scrap paper or cardboard = Shopping lists, bookmarks, or garden mulch
- Paper bags = Gift wrap, bin liners, or composting
For businesses? Reusing supplier packaging instead of buying new materials saves money and reduces waste.
Step Four: Know Your Recycling Rules
You’d think recycling would be simple – cardboard in, plastic out. But unfortunately, Australia’s recycling system is a confusing mess. Only 16% of soft plastics are correctly disposed of, and many compostable plastics need specialised facilities to break down properly.
To avoid “wishcycling” (aka tossing things in the bin and hoping for the best):
- Check your council’s website for up-to-date recycling guides
- Find a soft plastics drop-off point (or an alternative recycling program)
- Compost home-compostable packaging (if it’s backyard-friendly)
- Remove plastic tape and labels before recycling boxes—they mess with the process
When in doubt? Look it up before you chuck it.
