Choose Your Sustainable Packaging
EcoEnclose is the leader in sustainable packaging. We offers many different eco-friendly packaging options. So, it’s not surprising that the most common question we get is “Which one is the most sustainable?”
Unfortunately, there is no easy response. Questions like "Plastic versus Paper" and "Recyclable versus Compostable" do not have clear answers. That’s why we suggest companies develop their own unique sustainability vision to guide packaging decisions. Sustainability and Your Business offers step by step guidance on this process, and our Sustainable Packaging Resource Center is chock full of resources to help you learn more.
This page lists sustainable packaging characteristics and EcoEnclose products that align with each eco feature. Once you're armed with your own sustainable packaging framework, this resource helps you quickly identify packaging options that best align with your vision. Need more info on a specific packaging solution? Check out our Bill of Materials.
100% RECYCLED CONTENT
Utilizing as much recycled content as possible is core to EcoEnclose's Sustainable Packaging Framework. Recycled content means lower carbon emissions, new resources weren't harvested, and that recycling markets are strengthened. Learn more about why Recycled Content is so important to us.
Recycled content can be "post-consumer" (material that has been used by a consumer or business) or "post-industrial" (scraps from the manufacturing process). We aim to use as much post-consumer waste as possible in our packaging because it is more difficult to manufacture with and therefore harder to find markets for.
MAILERS
50% Post-Consumer Waste
90% Post-Consumer Waste
97% Post-Consumer Waste
25% Post-Consumer Waste
SHIPPING BOXES AND INTERNAL BOXES
95% Post-Consumer Waste
Shop now for Custom Shipping Boxes or Quicker Turn Shipping Boxes.
97% Post-Consumer Waste
VOID FILL AND DECORATIVE PAPER
WHOLESALE AND INNER PACKAGING
LABELS AND PACKAGING ACCESSORIES
Sheet Labels: 100% Recycled, 100% Post-Consumer Waste (Direct Thermal Facestock is 100% Virgin Material)
Zero Waste Release Liner: 100% Post-Consumer Waste
100% Post-Consumer Waste
50-100% Post-Consumer Waste
90% Post-Consumer Waste
RECYCLABLE
"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.
MAILERS
Recyclable with Thin Film Dropoff (Harder to Recycle)
Curbside Recyclable
Curbside Recyclable
Curbside Recyclable
SHIPPING BOXES AND INTERNAL BOXES
Curbside Recyclable
Shop now for Custom Shipping Boxes or Quicker Turn Shipping Boxes.
Curbside Recyclable
VOID FILL AND DECORATIVE PAPER
Curbside Recyclable
WHOLESALE AND INNER PACKAGING
TAPES, SHIPPING LABELS AND STICKERS
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
PACKAGING ACCESSORIES
COMPOSTABLE, NATURALLY BIODEGRADABLE
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.
MAILERS
Naturally Biodegradable, Compostable. Plastic tear strip must be removed before composting. Recommended that the adhesive strip is removed before composting.
Naturally Biodegradable, Compostable. Recommended that the adhesive strip is removed before composting.
Naturally Biodegradable, Compostable. Recommended that the adhesive strip is removed before composting.
Naturally Biodegradable, Compostable. Recommended that adhesive strip is removed before composting.
SHIPPING BOXES AND INTERNAL BOXES
Naturally Biodegradable, Compostable. Recommended that adhesives are removed before composting.
Shop now for Custom Shipping Boxes or Quicker Turn Shipping Boxes.
Naturally Biodegradable, Compostable. Recommended that adhesives are removed before composting.
WHOLESALE AND INNER PACKAGING
VOID FILL AND DECORATIVE PAPER
Naturally Biodegradable, Compostable
TAPES, STICKERS AND SHIPPING LABELS
When affixed to a compostable package, labels can be composted (facestock is paper, adhesive is acrylic emulsion)
When affixed to a compostable package, stickers can be composted (facestock is paper, adhesive is acrylic emulsion)
Non-Reinforced Water Activated Tape
When affixed to a compostable package, tape can be composted (facetock is paper, starch based adhesive)
PACKAGING ACCESSORIES
MADE WITH RENEWABLE MATERIALS, PLASTIC-FREE
We know 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).
MAILERS
SHIPPING BOXES AND INTERNAL BOXES
Made with Paper
Shop now for Custom Shipping Boxes or Quicker Turn Shipping Boxes.
Made with Paper
WHOLESALE AND INNER PACKAGING
VOID FILL AND DECORATIVE PAPER
Made with Paper
TAPES, STICKERS AND SHIPPING LABELS
PACKAGING ACCESSORIES
PRINTING INKS
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.
MANUFACTURED IN NORTH AMERICA
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.
- Glassine Bags: Manufactured in China
- Cello Tape: Manufactured in Spain
- Hemp Twine: Manufactured in Hungary
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
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.
- Calculate your carbon savings when switching to recycled content
- Plastic versus Paper versus Bioplastic: Which has a higher carbon footprint
Sustainable Packaging: Product Summary
| Product | Recycled Content | Recyclable | Compostable | Renewable | Made in N. America |
|
100% |
Thin Film |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
|
100% 100% |
Curbside Curbside |
Yes Yes |
Yes Yes |
Yes Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
32.6% |
Thin Film |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Thin Film |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
|
0% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
50% non reinforced; 0% reinforced |
Compatible |
Yes* (non reinforced only) |
Yes* (fiberglass in reinforced) |
Yes |
|
|
0% |
No |
Yes (but not certified) |
Yes |
No |
|
|
0% |
Compatible |
Yes (but not certified) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
0% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside* (see local guidance) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% in facestock* (direct thermal 0% in facestock), 100% in liner |
Compatible |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% in facestock, 100% in liner |
Compatible |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
100% |
Curbside |
Yes* (check local guidance for industrial composting) |
Yes |
No |
For more detail on each of our products, check out individual product pages or our Bill of Materials.