Your Ultimate Guide: What are Eco Friendly Packaging Materials?

1 Recycled Paper and Cardboard:

Using recycled paper and cardboard reduces the demand for virgin materials and helps divert waste from landfills. Look for packaging made from post-consumer recycled content. Actually paper and cardboard are always a good packaging choice cause it is recyclable and compostable.

2 Biodegradable Plastics:

Biodegradable plastics, such as PLA (polylactic acid), break down more easily in the environment compared to traditional plastics. They are often derived from renewable resources like cornstarch.

3 Compostable Materials:

Compostable materials, like compostable films and packaging made from plant-based materials, can decompose in composting facilities, leaving behind nutrient-rich compost. Compostable and biodegradable plastics are both good for sustainability.

4 Glass:

Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without losing its quality. It’s an excellent option for products that need a protective barrier. Liquid drinks are often use glass packaging.

5 Metal:

Metals like aluminum and steel are highly recyclable, and recycling them requires less energy compared to producing new metal. They are commonly used for food and beverage packaging.

6 Natural Fiber Packaging:

Packaging materials made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, or cotton can be biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact.

7 Bamboo:

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource and can be used for various packaging applications, such as utensils, containers, and more. And Bamboo is biodegradable.

8 Mushroom Packaging:

Mushroom packaging, made from mycelium (the root structure of fungi), is biodegradable and can be used for protective packaging, especially for fragile items.

9 Water-Based Inks and Adhesives:

When printing on packaging, using water-based inks and adhesives instead of solvent-based ones reduces harmful emissions and environmental impact. Ink and adhesive are also important for packaging, so it is better to be sustainable.

10 Reusable Packaging:

Designing packaging that can be easily reused, such as glass jars or cloth bags, reduces the need for single-use materials. This is the best packaging choice; you can use it again and again before adopting any activity.

11 Paperboard Tubes:

For products like cosmetics and candles, paperboard tubes are a sustainable alternative to plastic containers. This is the same function as paper packaging and cardboard packaging.

12 Recyclable Plastics:

Some plastics, like PP and PE (High-Density Polyethylene), are more easily recyclable than others. Clearly labeling packaging with recycling symbols and instructions can encourage proper recycling. Actually this is the most important steps when choosing eco-friendly packaging. If we are using not recyclable plastics, normally the plastics will last hundreds of years before disappearing. But recyclable plastics are solving this problem and make it recycled plastics again.

It is also the most important area our engineers working for eco-friendly packaging. Currently we have mono-material PE flexible packaging.

13 Minimalist Packaging:

Reducing the amount of packaging used, such as excess plastic wrap or unnecessary boxes, can be eco-friendly by reducing material waste.

14 Responsibly Sourced Wood:

If using wood in packaging, ensure it comes from sustainably managed forests certified by organizations like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

15 Upcycled Materials:

Using upcycled or repurposed materials, such as reclaimed textiles or discarded plastics, can be an environmentally responsible choice.