In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, and shipping packaging is no exception. Reputable, independent certifications play a vital role in establishing credibility and assuring customers that packaging materials meet rigorous ecological and sustainability standards.
Certificates in the shipping packaging industry are awarded to companies that meet specific criteria. These can be related to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social impact, but also to the quality of management, diversity and inclusion measures adopted within the company, financial stability, or innovativeness.
A certificate awarded by a respected, independent organization provides assurance to clients and consumers that the company’s products and practices adhere to rigorous standards, promoting transparency and trust in the industry.
While eco labels and certifications assessing a company’s environmental and social impact have gained significant recognition in recent years, there is another valuable category of certificates. These certificates focus on management and finance, offering profound insights into a company’s operational efficiency, financial reliability, stability, and innovative practices.
At FILMAR, we take great pride in possessing three esteemed certificates within this domain:
The certification according to the ISO 9001 quality management standard ensures our stakeholders that our company meets any relevant legal and customer-focused requirements. This certificate indicates compliance with international standards of quality management. ISO 14001 is a set of standards put forward by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its purpose is to clarify the best practices for organizations that wish to reduce their environmental footprint by adopting an effective environmental management system (EMS).
This certificate was awarded to us in 2016 after an evaluation of the reliability and stability of the company by the analysts of a certifying company. It is issued on the basis of an analysis of payment morality according to the International Payment Monitor, an analysis of financial ratios from the latest available financial statements and finally on the basis of Poland’s largest relational database on corporate and personal ties.
As a leading company in the field of ecological shipping packaging, we also hold multiple certifications that validate the sustainability and recyclability of our mailing envelopes. However, we also recognise how important it is to be aware of the potential threats and challenges associated with fake or self-declared certifications in the shipping packaging industry.
Ecological and environmental certifications are typically granted after a thorough auditing and verification process conducted by recognized certification bodies. To ensure that you are dealing with credible certifications, it is essential to look for certain key factors.
First, check if the certification body is internationally recognized and accredited by reputable accreditation bodies. This ensures that the certification process follows rigorous standards and guidelines.
Additionally, verify if the certification criteria align with internationally accepted sustainability and environmental standards. Look for transparency in the certification process, including clear documentation of the criteria and the audit methodology.
It is also helpful to check the reputation and track record of the certification body, considering their history of impartiality and integrity. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can verify if an organization provides credible and reliable certifications.
Ensuring credibility in eco certifications for sustainable packaging is crucial. In our industry, it extends to the importance of credible sustainable forestry certification, since sourcing virgin paper always requires the cutting down of trees, leading to deforestation.
Certifications from reputable organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) guarantee responsible sourcing, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainable production.
In the packaging business, adhering to the rules of sustainable forestry is a crucial component of sustainable production. Certification from independent, trustworthy organizations, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), ensures that packaging materials originate from responsibly managed forests.
The FSC® certification is the only ecolabel that guarantees that paper, cardboard and pulp used were harvested in a sustainable manner – which is why we are so proud to hold an FSC Certificate.
Alongside the FSC Certificate, we were also awarded with two other prominent ecological certificates: the Blue Angel certificate and the PRS Green Label.
While ecolabels play an important role in identifying environmentally friendly products and practices, they are not the sole indicator of a company’s commitment to sustainability.
At FILMAR, we believe it is vital for companies to continually measure and analyze their environmental impact, seeking opportunities to minimize their carbon footprint and resource consumption. This is why our company has been working closely with ClimatePartner, a consulting agency specializing in carbon footprints and climate action strategies.
Together, we have been working on reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and our packaging products. We have developed methods allowing us to offer, upon request, carbon neutral packaging products and to offset the CO2 emissions of our company.
A proactive approach allows businesses to go beyond ecolabels to identify areas for improvement, set targets for reduction, and implement strategies to enhance their sustainability performance. And choosing environmentally friendly packaging solutions is a great start to your journey towards a greener business.
By consciously selecting reputable partners offering certified packaging solutions, you can showcase your company’s commitment to sustainability and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. However, it is crucial to carefully assess the credibility and validity of the certificates and ecolabels held by companies.
It is equally important to acknowledge that certifications alone do not fully capture a company’s environmental efforts. By harmoniously integrating certifications and proactive sustainability initiatives, companies can pave the way for a greener future while meeting the evolving expectations of environmentally conscious consumers.
In today’s market, consumers increasingly favor socially responsible companies that demonstrate a commitment to the values the consumers hold close, such as commitment to the environment, supporting local communities or stopping animal cruelty, among others.
Consumers are acutely aware of the severity of the ongoing environmental crisis: a 2021 report from Pew Research revealed that nearly three-quarters (72%) of individuals across 17 advanced economies are concerned that climate change will harm them personally at some stage in their lives.
This awareness underscores the growing recognition of the imminent threats posed by climate change and the increasing demand for sustainable solutions. While it was long thought that this is a fight mostly fought by the youngest generations – the Gen Z and Millennials – the latest data show that it is no longer the case.
According to the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) 2022 study of consumer behaviours, purpose-driven consumers, who choose products and brands based on how well they align to their values, now represent the largest segment (44%) of consumers. Nowadays, individuals across income levels and age groups want to support sustainability.
The study, conducted in 28 different countries back in 2021, has also found that 62% of consumers say they’re willing to change their purchasing habits to reduce environmental impact. Up from 57% two years earlier, it indicates a growing trend towards environmentally conscious consumerism.
And it’s a trend that is not likely to reverse – new research by Sky Media for the 2023 Sky Zero Footprint Fund also corroborated that sustainability messaging in marketing works, influencing the brand choices of 3 in 5 consumers.
It is not only consumers’ attitudes that are shifting, but their actions as well. While IBV has found that over a half of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable brands, another study, a 2020 McKinsey US consumer sentiment survey, demonstrates that environmentally friendly packaging is one of the attributes that matter most to them. In fact, over 60 percent of respondents said they’d pay more for a product with sustainable packaging, such as eco-friendly shipping mailers.
However, as consumer awareness grows, so does their skepticism and fear of greenwashing. With countless companies promoting their green products, the question arises: are these claims always truly indicative of sustainability?
Consumers don’t want to be fooled: 70 percent of respondents said they would change their shopping habits if they discovered that a store or brand wasn’t operating sustainably (in a 2022 survey conducted by Sensormatic Solutions). This newfound consumer discernment highlights the increasing demand for transparency and credibility when it comes to environmental claims made by businesses.
The use of sustainable, certified packaging can create a positive brand image that resonates with eco-conscious consumers. By opting for certified eco-friendly shipping mailers, such as our Classic Bubble Envelopes or Extra Strong Bubble Envelopes, both crafted from FSC-certified paper, you will attract discerning consumers who prioritize sustainable practices.
We also have the perfect budget friendly solution for shipping clothing items and footwear: our eco friendly poly mailers Co-Ex Filbags are made from 80% recycled plastic.
With our Classic Bubble Envelopes, we take it a step further than most packaging companies by only using 100% recycled paper fiber. Moreover, our dedication to the environment extends beyond the initial use, as both products are fully recyclable, ensuring a closed-loop system for our shipping materials.
At FILMAR, we understand the importance of tailoring our recycled paper shipping mailers to meet your specific needs. With our custom shipping mailers, you have the opportunity to build a strong brand identity at a low cost. By showcasing your brand’s logo, colors, and other visual elements on your shipping packaging alongside our eco certifications, you not only increase brand recognition but also establish a clear message of your commitment to sustainability.
By strategically integrating eco labels and certification logos alongside your logo and other elements of your company’s visual identity on the packaging, you make it easier for customers to identify your commitment to sustainability at a glance.
This approach will help you attract like-minded consumers who prioritize environmentally friendly practices and will set you apart from competitors, positioning your business as a go-to green choice in a crowded market. It also strengthens your customers’ trust in your brand and increases the likelihood of word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat purchases.
Choosing shipping packaging with sustainable packaging certification automatically positions your business as a trusted and environmentally conscious brand. With our custom shipping mailers, you have the opportunity to showcase our certifications, further reinforcing your commitment to a sustainable future.
In today’s eco-conscious world, shipping packaging certifications play a crucial role in establishing trust, credibility, and differentiation in the industry. Independent certifications validate responsible sourcing and sustainable production. By selecting reputable, eco-friendly partners for their shipping packaging needs, businesses can attract environmentally conscious consumers and reinforce their brand image.
Data clearly shows that retailers and brands who promote their sustainability efforts are finding it not only good for the environment, but good for business as well.
As a leader in ecological shipping packaging, our company recognizes the importance of holding eco certifications that validate the sustainable and recyclable nature of our products. We are proud to offer protective bubble envelopes, padded shipping envelopes and Co-Ex Filbags – eco friendly poly mailers, all crafted to meet the highest ecological and ethical standards of the Forest Stewardship Council, the Blue Angel, the PRS Green Label and the Climate Partner, providing businesses with sustainable packaging solutions that align with their goals.
Join us in creating a greener future together! Choose our certified eco-friendly mailers today and showcase your commitment to the environment: