DIY could be an option. It’s not scalable for large quantities but when starting out it can save you some dough. There’s plenty of tutorials out there on how to make your own biodegradable packaging. Could be a cool selling point too, handmade packaging for your goods!

Here’s the deal: you'll be hard-pressed finding ultra-cheap eco-friendly options because good materials cost money. But it's an investment with returns. Consumers are willing to pay a bit more for the peace of mind knowing they're not harming the planet. Also, grants for sustainable business practices exist. Look into Green Business Certification.

lol just wrap it in old newspapers, nobody cares about packaging anyway amirite?

Don't forget local options! Sometimes you can find a supplier willing to work out a deal with you especially if you're both local businesses. This could cut shipping costs and reduce CO2 emissions. Plus, you might find cool stuff like seed paper or mushroom packaging!

It ain't just about the supplier, it's how you design your packaging. Simplify it, reduce materials and you'll save cash. Does your product even need a box? And look into the lifecycle, sometimes reusable containers work out cheaper for your customer and they'll bring them back for a discount.

this is such a struggle! thanks for bringing it up, I'm in the same boat and taking notes here...

You can try Uline or even Alibaba for budget-friendly options. Just be sure to double-check the materials and make sure they truly are biodegradable! Sometimes the cheapest stuff comes from overseas and you might get some custom fees slapped on top, so watch out for that.

Hey, I've been there with my own startup. Look into noissue or Packhelp, they offer customizable eco-friendly packaging. They might be a bit pricier but doing bulk orders can save some cash in the long run. Plus, customers are super into the sustainable branding nowadays. Might pay off more than you think!