Eco Packaging Materials Overview

Material Recyclable Compostable Best Use
Kraft Paper Yes Yes Wrapping, stuffing
Corrugated Cardboard Yes No Shipping boxes
Paper Tape Yes Yes Sealing boxes
Tissue Paper (Uncoated) Yes Yes Wrapping, layering
Plant-Based Mailers No Yes Mailing soft items
Glassine Bags Yes Yes Protecting prints, paper
Compostable Labels Sometimes Yes Product tags, branding
Cotton Twine Yes Yes Package ties

Conventional vs. Sustainable Packaging

Feature Conventional Sustainable
Curbside recyclability Often mixed plastic High
Customer impression Neutral Positive
Reusability Often single-use High
Cost per unit Lower Slightly higher
Brand alignment Variable Strong for eco-conscious brands

Packaging Suppliers to Explore

Company Region Materials
EcoEnclose North America Recycled boxes, paper mailers
NoIssue Global Compostable mailers, custom branding
Uline (Eco Series) Canada/US Recyclable packaging line
Friendly Mailers Canada Plant-based mailers, minimal designs
A Plastic Planet UK/EU Compostable films, wraps

Strategies to Minimize Packaging Waste

Strategy Action
Use only what’s needed Minimal wrap and filler
Choose multi-use materials Boxes with printed care info
Avoid plastic sleeves Switch to glassine or paper
Ask for reuse Encourage customers to recycle or return