Choose Your Sustainable Packaging

"Recyclable" is also core to our Sustainable Packaging Framework. After "Reuse," Recycle is the next most optimal end of life scenario.

The term "recyclable" can mean Curbside Recyclable or Harder to Recycle. Curbside recyclable means that most Americans can put the item in their mixed recycling or blue bin. Harder to Recycle means that (as of today), companies and consumers must dispose of the items in a pre-sorted recycling stream. We prefer Curbside Recyclable over Harder to Recycle, because these items are far more likely to actually be recycled. We also recognize that recycled materials with a strong and consistent market are preferred over goods that are difficult for recyclers to sell.        

When it comes to tape, labels, stickers and anything else you adhere to a package, the blanket term "recyclable" should be avoided! This is because the recyclability of these items depends on what they are being adhered to. If a shipping label is used on a non-recyclable mailer (such as a paper exterior, bubble interior mailer), than the package can't be recycled. If it is being used on a corrugated shippin box, the entire package can be recycled. Our paper-based tapes, labels and stickers all feature "recycle compatible adhesive," meaning that if they are applied to a paper-based package, the entire package can be safely recycled and the adhesive and  

Recycling is generally the preferred end of life scenario for ecommerce packaging. If something can't be recycled, composting is the next best end of life option. Most of the compostable packaging options below are recyclable and naturally biodegradable. We love this because the items can and should be recycled, but if they end up as litter, they will ultimately biodegrade. And, even after the package is recycled into something new, the raw material will eventually return back to the Earth.  

We are often asked if we carry a Compostable Poly Mailer. Currently, we do not. This is because the PLA/PBAT blend currently being used for all Compostable Poly Mailers on the market is not as eco-friendly as 100% Recycled Paper Mailers or 100% Recycled Poly Mailers, and this material does not solve the key challenges posed by traditional plastic. Click here for more information.

We know (and LOVE to see) that so many companies are searching for plastic-free packaging alternatives. This section includes our packaging options that are made with renewable materials - the majority of which are made with paper. It is important to note that most of these are not "polymer-free." Their adhesives include polymers and many of the mailers have adhesive strip release liners with silicone coating. We are often asked if we carry a bio-based poly mailer. Currently, we do not as we have been unable to yet find or develop a poly mailer made with 100% renewable materials (compostable poly mailers available today include PBAT, a petroleum-based binding agent).  

Though inks make up a tiny percentage of the weight of a package, printing inks have, historically, had a major negative impact on the environment. EcoEnclose works with eco-friendly inks, and is thrilled to offer Black Algae Ink - the world's most sustainable ink - as a printing option for all of our paper-based packaging.

Black Algae Ink: The pigment in this ink is made with algae cells! EcoEnclose's paper mailers feature branding and sustainability information on the bottom foldover, printed with black algae ink. And, when you custom brand your shipping boxes, paper mailers, notecards and more, you can choose to print with black algae ink. Learn more and start making algae part of your sustainable packaging strategy!  

Water-Based Inks: For most printing inks, 80% of the volume is the "carrier." This is the part that carries pigments onto the substrate and then evaporates, leaving the colorant behind. Water-based inks means that the carrier is water, so most of what is evaporating into the air is harmless (and emits low or no VOCs). EcoEnclose utilizes water-based inks in all of its post-production and most of its inline printing.  

Soy-Based Inks: These inks utilize a carrier made with soy. We use soy-based inks for any post-production and inline production that uses offset printing technology.

The vast majority of our packaging is manufactured in North America.

We have deliberately sought domestic manufacturing partners for several reasons. It has allowed us to visit and audit our sites, and ensure that working and environmental conditions align with our values. This proximity has made it easier to iterate and improve the functionality and sustainability of our products. Additionally, because many of our products are bulky to ship, working with US and Canada-based suppliers cuts down on the carbon footprint of transportation.

We know that many companies aim to minimize their carbon footprint as their primary sustainability goal. This is an excellent approach to a sustainability vision as it is quantifiable and concrete.