How Can You Audit Your Business’s Packaging Waste in 5 Steps?

Running a sustainable business starts with knowing exactly where your waste is coming from. Packaging is often one of the biggest culprits and one of the easiest areas to improve once you take a closer look.

If you’re serious about reducing your environmental impact, a simple packaging waste audit can give you the insights you need to make smart, sustainable changes.

Here’s how to do it step by step using an easy eco audit checklist.

1. What Packaging Materials Does Your Business Currently Use?e

Begin with a full breakdown of all packaging materials used in your business, from the biggest shipping boxes to the smallest stickers or tape.

Your list should include:

• Outer shipping materials (boxes, mailers)

• Product packaging (jars, wraps, bags)

• Infill (bubble wrap, shredded paper)

• Labels, tape, and inserts

Knowing everything you’re using is the first step toward trimming the excess.

2. How Do You Measure Packaging Volumes Accurately?

Track how many units of each material you use in a week or month. If you sell physical products, also consider:

• How many shipments go out daily

• What size packaging is most common

• How often you’re reordering supplies

Tip: Use your sales data or fulfillment reports to estimate your packaging output.

3. How Can You Evaluate the Sustainability of Your Packaging?

For each item on your list, ask:

• Can this be recycled?

• Is it made from post-consumer or renewable materials?

• Could it be swapped for a compostable or reusable alternative?

Use your answers to start building a clear picture of where your reduce packaging waste opportunities live.

4. Where Is Packaging Waste Happening in Your Business?

Sometimes less really is more. Ask yourself:

• Are you using oversized boxes for small items?

• Doubling up on infill or plastic wrap?

• Printing marketing inserts customers barely read?

These “extra” materials often create unnecessary waste and extra cost. Flag them for review.

5. How Do You Create an Action Plan to Reduce Packaging Waste?

Now that you know where the waste is, it’s time to reduce it. Based on your findings, create a 3-month or 6-month plan to:

• Eliminate wasteful items

• Test more sustainable alternatives

• Educate your team and customers on the changes

Start with low-hanging fruit, like switching to paper tape or removing unnecessary inserts, then scale from there.

Final Thoughts

A packaging waste audit doesn’t have to be complex. With a simple eco audit checklist, you can uncover clear ways to save money, impress eco-conscious customers, and reduce your environmental footprint.

Need help sourcing low-waste packaging options or making the swap? Book a call with our team today. Direct Source Procurement can support your business with affordable, sustainable materials built to last (and not end up in landfills).

FAQs

1. What is a packaging waste audit?
   It’s a structured review of all packaging materials your business uses, measuring volumes, sustainability, and waste opportunities.

2. How often should businesses audit their packaging waste?
   At least once a year, though fast-growing businesses may benefit from quarterly audits.

3. What tools help track packaging waste?
   Sales reports, fulfillment data, and packaging supplier invoices can help estimate packaging use and waste.

4. What are the easiest packaging swaps to reduce waste quickly?
   Switching to paper tape, right-sized boxes, compostable mailers, and reducing filler materials are quick wins.

5. Can packaging waste audits save money?
   Yes. By eliminating unnecessary materials and optimizing packaging sizes, businesses reduce costs and environmental impact.