Home is where the heart is, but if you're an American, home could also be the place where you start your own business. Literally 50 percent of all small businesses in the US start at home. Companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon also started their journeys from homes.

So, some of the most renowned global companies got their starts from inside homes and garages. Then what's stopping you from getting on with your packaging business from home?

Packaging, which, as of 2023, had a global market value of $1.2 trillion as an industry, makes for an amazing business idea. It's a business that you can easily start from home if you're looking for a profitable venture with low overhead costs. Also, with the rise of e-commerce and businesses needing custom and sustainable packaging solutions, there's never been a better time to get started.

Now, like any business, success depends on the right approach - from choosing materials to marketing your services. Let's break it down so you can get your home-based packaging business up and running smoothly.

Finding Your Niche

Everything needs packaging, in one way or another. Processed foods and snacks need packaging. Meat and fish need packaging. Medicine needs packaging. Pretty much every business needs it, but they can't use the same type of packaging.

Similarly, you can't provide packaging for everything, at least not first. You're just getting into business, so start with a niche before you choose to provide packaging for them all.

Opt for niches like household items, books, etc. You can also consider providing packaging for food items like snacks or meat. Keep in mind: food and medication packaging requires special certification that validates the safety of the packaging.

Sourcing Materials the Right Way

Once you've decided on your niche, go out and find yourself some reliable raw material suppliers. Your choice of materials will directly impact your reputation, so you don't want to cut corners here.

Look for suppliers that offer packaging materials that are:

• High-quality
• Durable
• Reasonably priced

Also, if sustainability is something you want to offer, ensure the materials you use align with your brand values.

When ordering supplies, start small and test different materials before committing to bulk orders. Also, consider how easy it is to customize your materials with branding, as this can be a big selling point for potential clients.

Avoiding Harmful Packaging Materials

Not all packaging materials are created equal, and some can do more harm than good. Many conventional packaging options contain chemicals that are bad for both the environment and human health.

Plastics with high chemical content, for instance, can leach harmful substances into food or other packaged goods. If you want your business to have a long-term future, choosing safer alternatives is crucial.

One of the biggest concerns in packaging is the use of non-recyclable materials that contribute to pollution. Single-use plastics, styrofoam, and heavily laminated packaging may seem cost-effective initially, but they create long-term environmental damage.

Consumers are becoming more aware of these issues, and many prefer businesses that prioritize eco-friendly alternatives like paper-based or biodegradable materials.

Also, an even more pressing issue is the presence of PFAS in packaging materials. As noted by TruLaw, these chemicals, often called "forever chemicals," don't break down easily and can pose serious health risks.

A major example of PFAS exposure is the AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), which has been widely used in firefighting. This issue has led to numerous AFFF foam cancer lawsuits. According to the latest AFFF lawsuit update, the first bellwether trials for these cases are scheduled this year.

Businesses that continue to use packaging materials containing PFAS could eventually face legal issues similar to those seen in AFFF cancer lawsuits. To avoid this, it's best to source packaging that is free of harmful chemicals, ensuring both consumer safety and environmental responsibility.

Pricing and Scaling Your Business

Setting the right price for your packaging products is essential to profitability. Calculate your material costs, labor, and shipping fees to determine a pricing structure that covers your expenses while remaining competitive. If you're creating custom packaging, factor in the cost of design work and customization.

Now, your packaging business is bound to grow, and when it does, you need to:

• Invest in better equipment
• Expand your product range
• Explore partnerships with local businesses

Also, as your packaging business reaches new heights, why not ask for bulk discounts from suppliers? After all, you're probably going to order more from them, so discounts will help improve your profit margins.

Starting a packaging business from home can be a rewarding journey and a profitable business altogether. You get things right in this business arena and you're bound to see greater demand for your packaging solutions.

As more businesses seek customized and eco-friendly packaging solutions, your venture has the potential to grow into a profitable and impactful business.