Fungi Based Packaging

 Packaging comes in all sorts of new and innovative sustainable means. One unique one that’s come down the pipeline in recent years, is fungi. Yes, mushroom packaging. 

Mycelium is a new type of fungi packaging, and it’s been a popular sort of item for shipping supplies. Considered to be a biodegradable alternative, we’ll go over here what fungi-based packaging entails, and why it’s become the new, hit thing for a lot of packaging providers. 

What Mycelium Packaging 

Mycelium packaging is exactly what you think it is. it’s made from mycelium, or mushrooms. Oftentimes, it’s also mixed with hemp too, in order to create eco-friendly packaging that protects your shipping. 

Why use Mushroom Packaging 

Well mushrooms are natural. They’re a form of biodegradable packaging that naturally breaks down, so it won’t harm the planet. You’re leaving less of a carbon footprint.

It’s safe for the oceans, since you’re able to just plop it into some water, and then break it down. It also doesn’t contain plastic either, so it’s considered a sustainable initiative. There are no chemicals either, as it’s all natural.

Another interesting fact is that it’s flame-resistant, so for flammable objects, it is a great option to utilize. It also is water-resistant, which is great if you have something that doesn’t need to get wet. It works better than regular cardboard boxes. 

There are some fun ways to use it. Since the mushroom packaging is naturally grown, you just have to grow it, and then process it.   with mushroom packaging, it offers unique, customized designs that can really improve your packaging experience. 

How to dispose of it? 

You can dispose of it either through using a compost pile, or just by tossing. Since it’s a natural design, it also is easy to remove. There’s no complex disposal methods, but you just compost or toss it.   You also don’t need to send it to recycling plants. 

How’s it Made? 

Mushroom packaging is made through the mycelium, which is usually grown around corn stalks or hurds of hemp. The mycelium is essentially a “blue” that binds the wastes to create a shape within its mold, and then it’s dried in order to prevent further growth. It is then placed into a customized mold, where it’s grown until the shape that’s desired is formed, and then dried in order to stop the growing cycle.

The process of drying and curing is something that’s used to help keep it in the right shape, and then, once it stops growing, it can then package out the products that you have, in order to create sustainable growth. 

It’s a great alternative to the plastic packaging problems because they’re made from agricultural waste that’s renewable, and totally biodegradable, so it does work. 

Mushroom packaging does have a few limitations, especially in the process and durability. It may not work for heavy objects, but for smaller items that you want to create a more eco friendly experience for, this is the way to go.

We will probably see more and new designs with mushroom packaging come down the pipeline. After all, it is the future of packaging. For many people, mushroom packaging offers a unique, fun experience that will help you with building sustainability of all kinds. The sky’s the limit on what you can do with your packaging.

Mushrooms are something that may not seem like a product type to be used. But with so many unique, exciting options to choose from, you don’t want to miss any of these, for they are right there ready for you to experience and enjoy the packaging process too.

Packaging to Be Carried by Hand, Not Shipped

Yes, some packaging is now being arranged to be more human-centric.   While you may see this in brick and mortar stores, there are also some other companies as well that focus on those that are carried.

In-store purchases brought to customers is one example. Even those customers carry out are common.   They don’t need a box or extra dunnage. They have the item, and just need to carry it to their car, or carry it home. 

Boutique and retail from these also need to be carried by hand. Unless they have an online luxury storefront, there’s a strong chance it will not be carried in a box or shipped.

Finally, popup shops. These small stores that show up for a day or so have items that customers are able to build and carry with them. Having it carried by humans is a great place to start, and it can truly work.

Making Sure that the Products are Simple to Carry and Light 

Simplicity is the name of the game here.

Even if it’s just some clothes, you want to make sure that you have the item properly balanced, with weight and shape considerations in place.

Ergonomics is another part of this. Having handles that are ergonomic is a big part of this, and it can, in turn, make things a whole lot easier for carrying. The goal of this is to prevent strain on the hands. If you’re situated in a mall and they’re carrying it all day, you don’t want a bag to leave an indentation in the fingers or wrist, so try to prevent strain whenever you can.

You can also have the weight distribution set up so the product feels lighter. Putting it in a way where it’s easy to carry, and the weight is properly and evenly distributed helps a lot.

Multi-Use Bags on the Rise 

One big thing that brands are using are multi-use carry boxes and bags that are held by hand.

For a lot of ecofriendly and sustainable businesses, having this in place is common. Sometimes, they want a bag that allows them to use it again and again, or a box they can carry in, put the product inside, and then bring it again.

Making this from sustainable materials that will last, such as corrugated or kraft fibers, is a good place to start. 

If you’re a luxury brand, this also plays a role, because many luxury providers will use this type of packaging to help with improving their packaging.

Again, less is more sometimes with the packaging, so be mindful.

Designed for Crowd Navigation 

You also want the item to be held and kept in one piece when moving through crowds and busy spaces, like malls or city structures.

Having the item in a package that’s small and efficient, but doesn’t strain the wrists, is a good start. 

The grip is another good one. Those elastic bags that people use are terrible for grip, so they won’t work as well, especially in spaces such as this.   you want to be mindful of this, and make sure you’re not making this a problem.

Finally, make it mobile and easy to carry through such busy spaces. It will help get from one place to the next.

This type of packaging is commonly seen in cosmetic stores, especially in malls. Fashion brands also use this type of packaging, especially boutique brands. And finally, local food markets use this. By having a bag that’s easy to handle, customers can buy from you, and also continue with their day without problems either.

Self-Assembling Packaging for Instant boxes

For some people, having the option to make boxes almost instantly is a great thing.   This type of packaging is on that’s explored, offering you a chance to form the item without even needing human intervention. It takes out the human factor, but also takes out having to spend all of your time making such a thing. Here, we’ll go over self-assembling packaging, how it works, and the way in which it is the future of instant boxes. 

Its Process 

The process involves smart materials, which react to pressure, heat, or even motion, in order to fold it into the shape that it is. That way, when given the right stimulus, it helps to build the box, creating the one that’s there. It's great, especially if you want to have boxes on hand, but don’t feel like spending all of your time putting them together. 

The Industries that benefit this. 

Now, not everyone needs boxes that are self-assembling. In fact, unless you have a big production facility it might not be worth your while to invest in these types of boxes. However, if there is a lot of fulfillment to be done, and centers that involve such, you might want to consider the investment of such. 

Another is to automate warehouse logistics. Many of the automated warehouses that are out there do require you to have some kind of means in order to get the items out quickly and effectively, so self-assembly packaging provides just the means to make this possible. 

Then, there are packaging solutions which are on-the-go. These include various boxes with snacks and other such items that will provide you with something to have on hand. Making the boxes quick to produce, and easy to put together helps with improvements of the packaging, offering instant shipments whenever possible. 

The benefits

Packaging that you self-assemble with boxes that will make it easier will definitely reduce the costs of labor. It is important to make sure that you have these people looking over all of the boxes, to make sure that they are quality checked. However, overall labor costs disappear, becoming far less than they were before. 

It also speeds up your packaging process. For high-volume orders that need to be done right away, this type of packaging provides you with so many unique ways to get the packaging that you need, without much trouble. 

Finally, it minimizes the waste from adhesives. Adhesives do come with a lot of water, especially plastic and the like. With this type of box, it takes that out of the picture, and makes it easier for you to assemble and ship out the boxes. Again, it does the job, and does it well. 

The future of these Boxes 

While self-assembling boxes are starting to become a new way to ship out items, there are also new innovations that will make it worthwhile for you to enjoy. 

AI-assisted packaging is one example. This assembles itself based on the dimensions of the product, all in real-time. That way, you are able to optimize shipments and packaging, without any problems that might be an issue for you as well. 

With self-assembled boxes, you will notice that, with time, it is easier than ever before to make the packaging possible. Consider self-assembled boxes today, a work on making them the easiest, most all-encompassing packaging that you will enjoy. You owe it to yourself and your business to make this easier, especially if the current production of boxes is something that might be a lot, or requires too much labor for you without it.