HATS: AN e-COMMERCE PACKAGING GUIDE

Are you shipping hats and looking for sustainable, recycled or compostable shipping packaging alternative?

Then this guide is for you!  

At EcoPackables, we offer a variety of options for shipping all kinds of hats that are sustainable and eco-friendly. In this guide, we’ll go over the different level of protection in packaging, each material option and packaging option currently available as well as how sustainability messaging can enhance your brand. 

hats

When it comes to sustainable e-commerce shipping packaging for hats, we understand that different hat types have varying levels of protection needs. Hats come in a wide range of styles, including straw hats, fedoras, cowboy hats, and flexible beanies, among others. Each hat category demands specific packaging solutions to ensure secure delivery while also reducing environmental impact.

High protection accessories, such as delicate or valuable items, demand extra care during shipping. Sustainable packaging solutions for these accessories may include custom foam inserts made from recyclable or compostable materials. These inserts offer optimal protection while ensuring sustainability throughout the packaging process.

Medium protection accessories, such as delicate jewelry or small glassware items, require more thoughtful packaging. Biodegradable cushioning materials made from recycled or plant-based materials can provide the necessary protection while being eco-friendly. Additionally, using reusable or recyclable boxes and padding can help minimize environmental impact.

Low protection accessories, such as belts, beanies, scarves or certain types of jewelry, eco-friendly packaging options like compostable or recycled polymailers can be a great option. These solutions not only provide adequate protection, but also align with sustainable practices by reducing material waste.

At EcoPackables, we acknowledge the wide variety of hats and the importance of customized packaging solutions. Our dedication lies in offering top-notch eco-friendly alternatives for each hat type, considering both their protection needs and environmental impact. With our diverse range of sustainable packaging options, we strive to promote responsible e-commerce practices, ensuring that every hat reaches its destination securely and with minimal environmental footprint.

Our Materials

For each level of protection, we offer a diverse range of material options carefully tailored to meet your unique needs and preferences. Our exceptional selection of polymailers or flexible mailers, as well as our padded mailers, extends across a variety of sustainable and eco-friendly choices, including compostable, recycled plastic, and recycled paper materials. By presenting these alternatives, we empower you to make conscious decisions that align with your values and contribute to a greener future.

When making the crucial choice of material, it is essential to consider the entire life cycle of the product, from the sourcing of the materials to its end-of-life scenario. We understand the significance of customer perception and the positive impact sustainable packaging can have. By opting for environmentally friendly materials, you can showcase your commitment to sustainability and resonate with your customers' eco-conscious values. Furthermore, these materials enable your customers to engage in ideal end-of-life scenarios, contributing to a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are maximized.

Your sustainability goals are at the forefront of our offering. Whether your focus is on plastic-free solutions, carbon neutrality, or any other aspect of sustainability, we have materials that align with your vision. You can have confidence in the credibility and reliability of our materials, as they have been thoroughly evaluated to meet the highest industry standards.

To provide you with a comprehensive overview and aid in your decision-making process, we have prepared a material comparison chart below. This resource allows you to evaluate the key characteristics and benefits of each material option, empowering you to make an informed choice that supports your sustainability journey. 

Shipping packaging

Below, we’ll explore our sustainable shipping packaging options offered for each level of protection and the types of accessories each is best suited for.

Mailer Boxes

Recycled corrugated boxes, made of 100% recycled content and FSC certified, are the ideal solution for shipping hats that require a high level of protection, such as cowboy hats, bowler hats, and fedoras. By right-sizing your boxes with custom dimensions to fit the specific hat, you can minimize the amount of packaging material required and optimize shipping efficiency. Create a custom unboxing experience with flexo (MOQ 2000) or full CMYK digital printing (MOQ 1) to really stand out. Consider using eco-friendly void fill alternatives like recycled Kraft paper to fill empty spaces within the box, preventing the items from shifting during transit and reducing the risk of damage. By opting for recycled corrugated boxes, you contribute to the circular economy, reduce carbon emissions, and promote environmental responsibility in the shipping and packaging industry, all while providing the highest level of protection for your more fragile accessories.

Tab Locking (TL)

Literature Mailer (LM)

Tab Locking boxes are by far our most popular offering, these boxes tend to fit most companies shipping an e-commerce parcel that's <15lbs.

Literature Mailers are very similar to our TL boxes, offering a similar functionality, just with a slight aesthetic difference and no dust flaps.

Padded Mailers

Padded mailers are an excellent choice for shipping hats that require a medium level of protection. All of our padded mailer options provide a protective cushioning layer to safeguard the hat during transit. And they are made of lightweight materials that do not add much weight to the shipment, making them an ideal choice for companies looking to reduce shipping costs. Custom sizes and printing are available starting at just 5,000 units. The different material options available mean that you can choose the one that best suits your needs and aligns with your sustainable packaging goals, whether that be compostable, post-consumer recycled, or recycled honeycomb paper padded mailers. 

compostable padded bubble mailer free shipping

Compostable Bubble Mailer

Post-Consumer Recycled Bubble Mailer

100% Recycled Honeycomb Paper Padded Mailers

100% home or industrial compostable with TUV and BPI certification, made of a unique blend of cornstarch, PLA, and PBAT. Printed with water based inks.

Certified by the GRS 4.0., made from 65% post-consumer recycled waste and 35% pre-consumer waste. Fully recyclable with thin film and at drop-off recycling bins. Moisture, tear, and tamper-resistant. Printed with Water-Based Inks.

100% Recycled FSC-certified kraft paper that is compostable and recyclable. All-over custom print available at 5k units on Natural kraft or white paper finish. Water resistant thanks to paper thickness

Poly Mailers

Poly mailers are a great choice for shipping hats that require a low level of protection such as beanies, winter hats, berets and more. The customizable size and light weight material options mean lower shipping cost. Custom printing options allow you to create packaging that reflects your brand identity and enhances your customer’s experience. Whether you opt for compostable mailers, post-consumer recycled mailers, or recycled kraft mailers, you can demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship.

recycled kraft paper mailer free shipping

Compostable Mailer

Recycled Poly Mailer

100% Post-Consumer Recycled Kraft Mailers

100% compostable, made of a unique blend of cornstarch, PLA, and PBAT. High strength in tear resistance and waterproof

Printed with Water-Based Inks. Certified by the GRS 4.0Made from 65% post-consumer recycled waste and 35% pre-consumer waste. Fully recyclable with thin film and at drop-off recycling bins. Highest strength in tear resistance and waterproof

100% Recycled FSC-certified Paper that is compostable and recyclable. All-over custom print available. Natural Kraft or white paper finish. Can also be made Expandable with gussets at 5,000 MOQ. Water resistant thanks to paper thickness 

Branding and Sustainability Messaging

When it comes to sustainable packaging for hats, understanding your customers and crafting an effective sustainability strategy is essential. By tailoring your approach to your target audience, you can build brand loyalty and attract new customers who value environmental responsibility.

To begin, it's crucial to gain insights into your customers' demographics, attitudes, and beliefs regarding environmental issues. By knowing their preferences, you can create messaging that resonates with them and aligns with their values. It's important to also consider the recycling and composting infrastructure available to them, providing clear information on how to properly dispose of your packaging.

When telling your sustainability story, focus on highlighting your company's sustainability commitments and take the opportunity to inform your customers about why you made the switch from your previous packaging to eco-friendly alternatives. By sharing the reasons behind your decision, such as reducing waste or minimizing environmental impact, you can strengthen the connection between your brand and your environmentally conscious customers. This not only enhances your brand's reputation as an environmentally responsible company but also educates consumers about sustainability and sets higher expectations for sustainable packaging.

where to start

If you're seeking sustainable packaging options for your hats, congratulations on taking the first step toward a more eco-friendly and responsible approach to packaging. Let's embark on your journey of choosing the perfect packaging solution!

The initial consideration when selecting packaging for hats is determining the level of protection required. Assess the fragility and sensitivity of your hats to identify the appropriate level of protection needed during storage and transit. This will ensure that your products reach customers in optimal condition.

Once the level of protection is established, it's time to focus on material selection. Compostable and recycled materials are excellent options for eco-conscious packaging. Evaluate the environmental footprint, end-of-life possibilities, and aesthetic appeal of each material to make an informed decision that aligns with your sustainability objectives.

With the material chosen, you can proceed to determine the ideal size for your packaging. Experiment with existing stock sizes, provide your own dimensions, or consult our engineers to find the best fit for your accessories. Keep in mind that a well-fitting package not only enhances protection while reducing waste, but also presents a professional image to your customers.

Next, channel your creativity into designing your packaging, incorporating your brand identity and sustainability messaging. Ensure that the design aligns seamlessly with your sustainability story, emphasizing your commitment to environmentally friendly practices. 

Once you're satisfied with your design, it's time to place your order and give final approval to the artwork. With this, your order will enter the production queue, and the lead time will commence. Throughout the process, our dedicated team is available to assist you and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Choosing the right packaging for your hats is an important step towards showcasing your brand values and meeting the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers. Embrace sustainability, create a positive impact, and make your packaging a reflection of your commitment to a greener future.