Want to Strengthen Your Sustainability Efforts? Start with Local Packaging Sourcing

When selecting a supplier for labels and packaging, businesses will often weigh the choice between local and overseas manufacturing. Today’s consumer is more informed than ever and seeks brands that prioritize environmental responsibility and align with their values, making it crucial for companies in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) sector to meet their expectations of sustainability. By sourcing locally and reducing reliance on overseas production, companies can not only lower their carbon footprint but also enhance their brand’s sustainability credibility, cementing their brand as a leader in environmental stewardship and fostering loyalty among its customers.

Take as an example, retailers like Whole Foods, who famously emphasize transparency and enforce high standards on the brands they carry. Whole Foods is known for banning specific ingredients in the food, beverage, body care, and cleaning product brands they accept into their stores passing on that promise of sustainability to their end customer. In this way, companies are fully expected to be authentic in their commitment to sustainability in order to avoid “greenwashing” which can alienate customers and damage trust. However, a commitment to sustainability can never be truly realized when a company still relies on overseas suppliers for their packaging. Choosing local alternatives at all stages of product production will ultimately present more authentically sustainable and honest. 

Local sourcing offers more than environmental benefits however, it also provides these practical and strategic advantages:

• Reliability and Responsiveness: Proximity enables stronger supplier relationships, quicker issue resolution, and consistent delivery schedules.
• Simplified Logistics: Local suppliers eliminate the challenges of customs clearance, import taxes, and international shipping delays.
• Cost Stability: Sourcing locally reduces exposure to currency fluctuations and unpredictable tariffs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Local manufacturers understand regional packaging regulations, ensuring seamless compliance and mitigating legal risks.
• Community Support: Partnering with local businesses boosts economic growth in your area and reinforces your commitment to social responsibility.

 Choosing a local manufacturer for packaging is an easy strategic decision that supports sustainability while strengthening community ties. And although often overseas suppliers might seem to compete strongly with bottom barrel pricing, hidden costs like extended shipping distances, customs fees, and quality issues can quickly erode those savings. Finding opportunities to partner with local suppliers is more than a financial decision—it is truly an investment in a sustainable future for the brand, the business and the planet.

Associated Labels and Packaging is committed to sustainability throughout its processes, sourcing most of our raw materials from North American suppliers wherever we can. Contact our team today to explore ways to reduce your carbon footprint and elevate your packaging to reflect your environmental leadership.