At Nomad, our commitment to the outdoors isn't just something we observe on the weekends — it's at the core of who we are as a company. Whether it's running along the beach or hiking in the mountains, our team deeply values nature and recognizes the importance of preserving it.

This Earth Day, we wanted to hone in on one of our initiatives in particular: our efforts to create more environmentally friendly packaging. Let's take a closer look!

Ever wondered what goes into creating the packaging for your Nomad gear? It's a meticulous process that starts right here at our Santa Barbara headquarters, where our team designs packaging that’s sleek, innovative, and environmentally mindful. 

By taking the steps below, we’ve significantly reduced our use of plastic and virgin forest fiber. 

• We’ve transitioned to magnet-free packaging
• We’ve replaced plastic hang tabs with 100% recycled woven paper loops
• We ship all of our replacement parts in 100% corn starch mailing envelopes

These changes have made our packaging more easily recyclable by our customers and local recycling facilities.

We've also decided not to include AC adapters with most of our power products. We've found that many customers already own multiple adapters, so providing additional ones would lead to unnecessary packaging and electronic waste. By excluding adapters, we're able to make our packaging smaller and lighter, which makes shipping products to their final destinations more efficient and reduces our carbon footprint.

Designing packaging is not without its challenges. Our products range in dimension and weight so ensuring consistency and sustainability across the board requires careful consideration. We checked in with Senior Packaging Designer Becky Liu earlier this week to see if any particularly challenging projects came to mind and she immediately recalled the design process for our 65W AC Adapter. 

Our 65W AC Adapter is one of our heavier, higher wattage adapters and Becky found it difficult to find a box that was strong enough to support the item without using plastic. Through trial and error, she eventually devised a new interior kraft paper structure with reinforced walls that was strong enough to hold the adapter in place. It’s not always easy to avoid plastic, but it’s always worth it.

A major milestone in our sustainable packaging journey was the decision to shift from magnets to an innovative pull-tab design. We were initially drawn to magnets as they’re a simple way to secure packaging and they’re relatively easy to source. However, we later realized that while magnets are reliable and convenient, they present significant recycling challenges, often leading to contamination and equipment damage at recycling facilities. 

By removing magnets from our packaging and adopting innovative alternatives, we’re not only reducing our impact but also making it easier for our customers to participate in sustainable practices. Our magnet-free packaging can be more easily recycled at local facilities. 

Our new pull-tab design demonstrates that sustainable packaging solutions don't have to compromise on functionality or convenience. By thinking outside the box and challenging conventional norms, we're paving the way for a greener future — one Nomad box at a time.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come with our packaging but it doesn’t stop there. Let’s take a moment to review other steps we’ve taken. 

Proudly Carbon Neutral. Since 2020, Nomad has proudly partnered with Climate Neutral to offset 100% of our carbon emissions. From supply chain logistics to employee commuting, we're taking responsibility for our environmental impact and actively working to minimize it year after year. 

Recycled Materials. We’re always working to incorporate more recycled materials into our products. Our iPhone cases, for instance, feature up to 50% recycled polycarbonate, showcasing our commitment to responsible material sourcing and reducing our reliance on virgin plastics. Our buttons are crafted from 100% recycled aluminum, giving new life to a versatile material and diverting it from landfills. We aim to continue working recycled materials into future products (sign up for early access emails here!). 

Open Box. In early 2022, we launched our Open Box program, a section of our website where customers can shop for lightly used refurbished gear. By giving our products a second chance, we're reducing waste and encouraging a more sustainable approach to consumerism. Learn more here.

Our journey towards sustainability is far from over. We're constantly reassessing our practices, identifying new areas for improvement, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Whether it's through innovative packaging designs or the incorporation of recycled materials, we're dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. 

So the next time you receive your Nomad gear, know that you're not just getting a quality item — you're joining us on our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Questions? Feedback? Get in touch with us at support@nomadgoods.com.