If you’re serious about sustainability, you can’t fix what you don’t measure. Before you swap in eco-friendly packaging or overhaul your supply chain, the first step is to understand exactly where your packaging waste is coming from. That’s where an audit comes in.
Conducting a packaging waste audit helps you reduce packaging waste, uncover inefficiencies, and build a smarter, greener packaging strategy.
Here’s how to get started in just 5 steps — no fluff, just results.
Step 1: Take Inventory of All Packaging Materials
Start by listing every piece of packaging you use — from primary product containers to shipping boxes, tape, labels, inserts, and even those tiny plastic seals. Don’t forget both inbound (from suppliers) and outbound (what you ship to customers) materials.
📝 Create a spreadsheet or checklist that includes:
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Type of material
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Weight or volume
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Source/vendor
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Purpose (protection, branding, compliance)
Step 2: Measure Packaging Volume and Frequency
Now it’s time to get quantitative. Track how much packaging you’re using in a week or month. This includes:
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Number of units shipped
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Quantity of each packaging material used
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Volume of waste generated (if possible, separate recyclable vs. landfill-bound)
This step helps you identify high-waste culprits and opportunities to cut back.
Step 3: Assess Recyclability and Reusability
Not all materials are created equal. Use your eco audit checklist to categorize items based on their environmental impact:
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Can it be recycled easily?
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Is it compostable or biodegradable?
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Could it be replaced with reusable options?
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Is it made from post-consumer recycled content?
Materials that fail most of these questions are prime candidates for replacement.
Step 4: Identify Waste Hotspots
Now connect the dots. Are you over-packaging certain items? Do fragile goods require excessive filler? Are returns causing waste? Look for packaging patterns that generate unnecessary volume or complexity.
✅ Pro Tip: Ask warehouse staff or customer service for input — they often spot packaging problems firsthand.
Step 5: Create a Waste Reduction Action Plan
Once you’ve identified the issues, develop a roadmap. Start with the low-hanging fruit — like replacing plastic tape with paper alternatives — and build toward bigger goals like redesigning product packaging or sourcing from new suppliers.
Prioritize your changes by:
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Environmental impact
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Cost-effectiveness
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Ease of implementation
And don’t forget to measure progress along the way.
Final Thoughts
A packaging waste audit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right checklist and some honest analysis, your brand can uncover simple yet powerful ways to operate more sustainably. And that’s good for the planet and your bottom line.
Need help reducing packaging waste or sourcing greener options? Direct Source Procurement is here to help you turn your audit insights into eco action.
