Learn how eco friendly packaging in Nigeria is changing businesses and the environment today.
Some years back, I was helping my aunt with her food business in Lagos. She sells rice and beans with stew, packed in plastic plates and nylon bags. At the end of the day, I noticed something — most of these plastics were thrown on the road, some blocked the gutters, and others were burnt in a corner. I felt bad, but I didn’t know any other way then.
One day, a customer came with her own brown paper bowl. After eating, she threw it into a bin. That was the first time I saw packaging that didn’t look like plastic. It was light and didn’t smell. From that day, I started paying attention to what people used to pack their goods.
That simple paper bowl changed how I saw packaging. Since then, I’ve been learning how Nigerian businesses can use eco friendly packaging.
Eco Friendly Packaging in Nigeria
Eco friendly packaging in Nigeria means using materials to pack items that won’t harm the environment. It breaks down quickly, doesn’t pollute water or land, and is safe for people and animals.
Instead of using plastic, people are using paper, cassava starch, coconut shells, banana leaves, and even fabric. It’s not yet everywhere, but more people and businesses are picking interest.
Why Eco Packaging is Important for Nigeria
Our environment is suffering. Everywhere you look, you’ll see used nylon bags, plastic bottles, water sachets, and food packs. They block drains, cause floods, and even harm animals.
When you use eco friendly packaging, you help reduce waste, protect the land, and even breathe cleaner air. Some packaging like cassava bags can even dissolve in water. This is good for our health and for the future of our children.
Packaging Waste We See Everyday in Nigeria
These are the common waste items we see in markets and on the streets:
Nylon bags from food vendors and sellers
Water sachets thrown on the ground
Plastic bottles for soft drinks and water
Take-away plates and spoons
Wrappers from snacks
These items are used once and thrown away. They don’t disappear quickly, and they cause many problems in the environment.
How These Packaging Materials Affect Our Surroundings
Plastics don’t go away easily. They stay in the soil or water for many years. When they block water, they cause flooding. Sometimes, animals eat them by mistake and die. When people burn plastics, it releases dirty smoke that can cause cough, asthma, and other sicknesses.
Even in farms, when plastics are in the soil, they can stop crops from growing well.
Better Options for Packaging in Nigeria
Here are some types of eco friendly packaging people are using:
Paper bags – for wrapping food or items at supermarkets
Cardboard boxes – for deliveries and gift items
Banana leaves – used by food vendors in rural areas
Cassava starch bags – look like nylon but dissolve in water
Coconut shells – for soaps, creams, or candles
Cloth or fabric wraps – used for small gifts and jewellery
These materials are safer and break down faster in the soil.
Materials We Can Find Easily in Nigeria
Nigeria is blessed. Many eco materials are already around us:
Cassava is used to make water-soluble bags
Banana and plantain leaves are great for food
Coconut shells are useful for packaging
Maize husks and bamboo are natural options too
We don’t need to import expensive things. We already have what we need around us.
How to Know if It’s Truly Eco Friendly
Not every simple-looking material is good for the environment. Look out for:
Labels that say “biodegradable” or “compostable”
Recycling signs or green marks
Materials that feel natural and soft, not plastic-like
Brands that clearly talk about their packaging on websites or labels
Comparing Prices of Different Packaging Types
Some people say eco packaging is too expensive. But if you look closely, it may not be true. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Packaging Type | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Nylon Bag | Very cheap, can’t be reused, not good for business image |
| Paper Bag | Costs a bit more, can be used once or twice, looks better to customers |
| Fabric Bag | Costs more, can be used many times, very good for your business image |
Eco friendly packaging may look more expensive at first. But later on, it helps you save money, makes your business look better, and brings back happy customers.
Can Small Businesses Use Eco Packaging?
Yes, they can. Here are smart ways they do it:
Buy from local producers to save transport cost
Reuse clean packaging
Ask customers to return bags or containers
Offer discount for bringing back used packaging
Share packaging cost with customers
Even a simple switch from plastic to paper is a good start.
Real Nigerian Businesses That Are Changing the Game
Here are some businesses already doing well with eco packaging:
Smiley Cups – uses paper cups for drinks
Eco Future Nigeria – makes cassava bags
Ovelia Naturals – uses coconut shells and glass for creams
Green Earth Wraps – sells reusable fabric wraps
These businesses show it’s possible to protect the environment and make money.
Government Support for Eco Packaging
The government is trying to stop plastic waste. In places like Lagos, they no longer allow plastic plates in offices. They also support recycling companies.
But the truth is, these actions are still small. More needs to be done. If leaders support local makers of eco packaging, it will help many businesses.
Problems Facing Eco Packaging in Nigeria
Here are some challenges people face:
The materials are not always available
Some items cost more than plastic
Many people still don’t know about it
Lack of rules to stop plastic use
But there is hope. With more awareness and support, things will change.
Simple Ways to Solve These Issues
Here’s what we can do:
Support those making eco packaging locally
Teach people in churches, markets, and schools
Work with community groups and youth clubs
Show examples of businesses using eco packaging
Everyone can play a role in making packaging better.
How to Start Using Eco Friendly Packaging
If you want to make the switch, start like this:
Change one item first — like using paper instead of nylon
Reuse any container that is still clean
Talk to your customers about the change
Buy from nearby suppliers
Look out for discounts and bulk deals
Step by step, your packaging can become better and safer.
Places to Buy Eco Packaging in Nigeria
Here are some sources:
Green Box Nigeria – sells eco boxes and wraps online
Eco Future Nigeria – good for cassava starch bags
Jumia and Konga – search for “biodegradable” in the packaging category
Artisan markets – many local sellers offer handmade wraps
You can also read our post on Printing & Affordable Packaging Companies in Nigeria for trusted suppliers across the country.
Check around your area too. Some sellers may not be online but can make great items.
If You Don’t Have Much Money, Try These Tips
Going green doesn’t have to be costly:
Use old newspapers to wrap small items
Clean and reuse yogurt cups or tins
Buy packaging items in bulk
Ask customers to return bags or containers
Use raffia or palm leaves to tie items
Creativity can save you money and reduce waste.
E-Commerce Brands Can Also Join In
Online shops can package better too. Here’s how:
Use paper boxes instead of nylon wraps
Add thank-you notes on recycled paper
Print your name on reusable bags
Share photos of your eco packaging on social media
Customers love nice packaging. They may even tell others about your brand.
Why Packaging Affects Branding
When someone sees your package, it’s the first thing they notice. If it looks nice and safe for the environment, it gives a good impression. People will remember your name.
Some even keep the packaging to reuse it or show friends. This helps your business grow.
Customers Notice Good Packaging
A clean, safe package makes people feel good. They trust your product more. Some will even come back to buy again because of the way you packaged their order.
So, never see packaging as a small thing. It speaks for your business.
Use Packaging to Promote Your Business
Try these tips:
Use recycled paper with your logo
Tell customers about your packaging choices
Offer discounts for returned packaging
Partner with green influencers to spread the word
These actions make people see your brand as responsible.
Teaching People About Eco Packaging
Education helps people understand. Schools can teach children. Radio shows can talk about it in simple words. NGOs can run workshops for market women.
When more people learn, more businesses will follow.
Recycling Efforts in Nigerian Communities
Here are good examples:
Lagos – many homes now separate waste
Abuja – some schools teach reuse and recycling
Port Harcourt – student groups run clean-up events
These small efforts add up to big changes.
Young Nigerians Leading the Way
Many young people are starting eco-friendly businesses. They use waste to create packaging. Some even make gift wraps from cloth.
With the internet and social media, they are teaching others too.
How Foreign Buyers Are Changing the Game
When Nigerians sell goods abroad, they must use eco packaging. Buyers from Europe and America don’t like plastic. So, many exporters now use paper, glass, or fabric to pack their items.
This is also making Nigerian businesses improve their packaging.
What the Future Looks Like
In a few years, more businesses in Nigeria will use eco packaging. It may become cheaper. More people will learn about it. Jobs will be created.
This change will help our land, our water, our air, and our people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of plastic in Nigeria?
Try paper bags, fabric wraps, banana leaves, or cassava bags.
Is eco friendly packaging too expensive?
It may cost more at first, but it lasts longer and saves money later.
Where can I find it in Nigeria?
Look online, in local markets, or ask packaging sellers near you.
Does it really help the environment?
Yes, it reduces waste, keeps gutters clean, and protects health.
Can I reuse packaging?
Yes, many eco packages like fabric and boxes can be used many times.
Do customers like eco packaging?
Yes, it makes your business look responsible and different.
Learn from Global Packaging Experts
Eco friendly packaging in Nigeria is growing fast, but it also helps to see what the rest of the world is doing. The World Packaging Organisation’s sustainability page shares useful ideas, examples, and global standards that can inspire Nigerian businesses to do better and go greener.
Before We End…
Eco friendly packaging in Nigeria is not hard. It just needs small steps. Even if you can’t change everything now, you can start with one thing.
Use what you have. Talk to others about it. With time, you will see the benefit.
Your business will grow. Your environment will be better.