We’re excited to partner with Maria from IN75, sustainable fashion NYC leather goods designer, to create a stylish and functional ring pouch for our smart rings. Handcrafted in New York using Italian leather, this pouch is a sustainable alternative to traditional paper or plastic jewelry boxes, allowing you to keep your safety ring in your handbag or backpack when not in use.
Here’s what inspired us to partner with IN75 to provide a sustainable and reusable pouch for our personal safety smart strings.
When you buy a piece of jewelry, there’s no denying the thrill of receiving a beautifully packaged item. The ribbons, the boxes, the luxurious wrapping — it’s part of the experience, right? But as we become more conscious of our environmental impact, many consumers are starting to feel uneasy about the excess packaging, particularly when it comes to disposable jewelry boxes used for shipping. While these packaging designs can certainly be eye-catching, they also come with a hidden cost — waste.
1. The Environmental Impact: A Growing Concern
The excitement of opening a new piece of jewelry is quickly dampened by the realization of how much waste comes along with it. That glossy box, the plastic inserts, the ribbons, and the layers of tissue paper — all of it eventually ends up in a landfill. And for those who care about reducing waste, this can feel like a frustrating experience.
Plastic, in particular, is one of the biggest culprits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), less than 9% of plastic in the U.S. gets recycled, which means that most of those shiny plastic jewelry boxes are going straight to the trash. It’s not just a small issue; in fact, about 26 billion pounds of plastic packaging are discarded every year in the U.S. alone.
Many of us are left wondering: Is this really necessary? After all, the packaging doesn’t last beyond the initial unboxing experience, and most of it is non-recyclable. This has led to a growing desire for more sustainable alternatives.
2. Over-Packaging: Too Much of a Good Thing?
When you purchase a small piece of jewelry, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of packaging that accompanies it. Multiple boxes, bubble wrap, and plastic bags all contribute to a level of packaging that feels unnecessary. We begin to question: Is all of this really needed for something so small?
While luxury packaging might have been seen as an essential part of the brand experience, it’s clear that today’s consumer is more interested in practicality — and sustainability. Over-packaging not only feels wasteful but also detracts from the overall experience. Instead of enhancing the joy of receiving a new item, excessive packaging often makes the consumer feel guilty about the waste they’re creating.
3. The Cost of Packaging
When it comes to purchasing jewelry, we often wonder whether the price includes the cost of that luxurious packaging. While it might look pretty, some consumers may feel like they’re paying extra for packaging that ultimately ends up in the trash. This perception is especially common when purchasing jewelry from high-end brands that use elaborate boxes, ribbons, and multiple layers of packaging.
As shipping costs rise and packaging becomes increasingly extravagant, many consumers feel they’re being charged for packaging rather than the product itself. It’s not just about luxury; it’s about whether the cost adds any real value to the product.
A Change We Can All Support
We are all at the forefront of pushing for change in the way jewelry is packaged and delivered. Excessive, disposable jewelry boxes and packaging are becoming a thing of the past, as more consumers demand eco-friendly, minimal, and reusable packaging options.
In the end, it’s not just about receiving a shiny, beautiful box with your purchase. It’s about knowing that your purchase is contributing to a better future — one where waste is minimized, and the planet is cared for. Jewelry brands that adopt sustainable practices in their packaging will not only reduce their environmental footprint but also win the loyalty of customers who care about the planet.
So, next time you make a jewelry purchase, consider what the packaging is saying about the brand. Is it thoughtful and sustainable? Or is it just another piece of waste? Let’s make our choices count.