If you’re trying to attract customers with a green leaf on a box that is then covered with non-recyclable plastic film, a green leaf on a box surrounded by non-recyclable plastic film is not convincing. The idea of sustainable packaging has now stopped being something they believe and has become a fact they investigate, and a disconnect between the two becomes immediately apparent. With custom recyclable boxes, it isn’t really the case because they actually are what it says on the box. Empress Packaging produces packaging boxes for sustainable brands throughout the USA that are not only eco-friendly but also will back up the artwork, the material will too!

Recyclable, Compostable, and Biodegradable are NOT the same.

The three words are used in packaging copy interchangeably and refer to different materials which have different disposal requirements. Recyclable indicates that it can be recycled in regular city recycling facilities, and both uncoated corrugated and kraft boards are 100% recyclable. Compostable is a term used to describe paper or paperboard that can be composted in a composting environment, depending on certification some coated papers are compostable, but plastic-laminated papers are not. The least regulated and most general term of the three is biodegradable, meaning that almost anything is biodegradable as long as it is given the time to do so. A sustainability claim becomes a liability when green packaging solutions are based on one of the terms without verifying which one is relevant for the material.

The advantages of sustainable product packaging.

Recyclable boxes are custom-designed to be recycled in five areas. Packaging that is easily identifiable as plastic-free and uncoated, also known as branding, conveys a sustainability message before customers even read the label. Protection: single-wall recycled corrugated is now as effective as virgin board with regard to protection for most weight classes. Cost savings: Recycled content and single-material construction can be more cost-effective than laminated options, especially when considering volume. Compliance: Several retailers have mandated that vendors provide eco-friendly packaging boxes, or packaging that has been reduced in plastic before listing a product, which prevents a rejected shipment later on. 

Some of the applications for Green Packaging Solutions are listed below:

Recyclable boxes are no longer a marketing decision, but rather the only option for CPG brands targeting big-box and grocery retail. Packaging that can withstand a customer verifying its claim is essential for DTC brands whose messaging is all about sustainability. Brands should seek compostable alternatives in areas where single-use plastic is not allowed. The biggest source of waste may be that plastic air pillows are replaced with paper void fill, which is typically the least visible component of the box that customers actually see.

Customization options that are available for custom recyclable boxes.

Two of the most common base materials that sustainable packaging begins with are uncoated kraft and recycled-content corrugated, depending on the weight class of the packaging and the type of finish. Printing is done in soy- or water-based inks instead of petroleum-based inks where the recyclability claim must be verifiable upon audit. Finishes are eliminated from foil, plastic laminate, and glossy coatings because any one of these can cause a recyclable box to be scrapped from standard recycling streams. Void fill and tape are also very important, as paper-based options can now be comparable to plastic counterparts. For brands that require a third-party certification, FSC-certified stock is available across all of these options.

FAQS

Q: Is the cost of recyclable packaging higher than normal packaging? 

A: Not usually. The recycled materials, corrugated and uncoated kraft, are frequently sold at the same price as virgin at equivalent weight classes.

Q: What is the lowest quantity of custom recyclable boxes? 

A: Depending on size and print method.

Q: How long is the production time? 

A: Timelines are similar to standard corrugated and kraft production.

Q: Is there FSC certification available? 

A: Yes, for most box types and sizes.

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But a sustainability claim that doesn’t fit the box harms a brand more than no claim. Empress Packaging is a manufacturer of recyclable boxes for sustainable brands across the USA. Call (888) 900-7629, email query@empresspackaging.com, or visit empresspackaging.com for a free quote!