Sustainable Packaging Materials: A Complete Guide
Sustainable packaging is no longer optional for brands that want to stay competitive. Over 70% of consumers say they would pay more for products packaged in environmentally friendly materials. This guide covers every major sustainable packaging material, what makes it eco-friendly, and how to choose the right option for your product.
FSC-Certified Paper and Board
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is the gold standard for responsibly sourced paper products. FSC-certified materials come from forests managed according to strict environmental, social, and economic standards. The chain of custody is verified at every step from forest to finished product.
All Teal Packaging products use FSC-certified paper and board stock as standard, at no additional cost. This means every box, mailer, and insert you order from us carries verified sustainable sourcing credentials.
Types of FSC Certification
- FSC 100%: All material comes from FSC-certified forests
- FSC Mix: Material contains a mix of FSC-certified, recycled, and controlled sources
- FSC Recycled: All material is post-consumer or pre-consumer recycled
Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is made using the kraft process, which produces strong, durable paper from wood pulp. The natural brown color comes from leaving the lignin largely intact, which also makes the paper stronger than bleached alternatives.
- 100% recyclable and biodegradable
- Compostable in commercial and home composting facilities
- Available in weights from 70gsm (tissue) to 400gsm (heavy board)
- No bleaching chemicals used in production, reducing environmental impact
- Natural appearance communicates eco-consciousness to consumers
Kraft is the most popular material choice for brands that want visible sustainability. It pairs well with single-color printing, rubber stamp effects, and minimalist design approaches.
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard consists of a fluted sheet sandwiched between two flat liner boards. It is one of the most recycled materials on Earth, with recovery rates exceeding 90% in the United States and Europe.
- Single-wall (3-ply): One fluted layer. Standard for shipping boxes and mailers.
- Double-wall (5-ply): Two fluted layers. Used for heavy items and stacking strength.
- Micro-flute (E and F flute): Thin fluting for retail-ready packaging with smooth printing surfaces.
Corrugated cardboard typically contains 70-100% recycled content and is accepted in curbside recycling programs everywhere. It biodegrades completely within 2-3 months in composting conditions.
Recycled Paperboard
Recycled paperboard is made from post-consumer waste paper that has been repulped, cleaned, and reformed into new board. Common grades include:
- CCNB (Clay Coated News Back): Made from recycled newspapers with a white clay-coated front surface. Cost-effective for folding cartons.
- CRB (Coated Recycled Board): Higher recycled content, coated on one or both sides for printing quality.
- SUS (Solid Unbleached Sulfate): Virgin kraft board, not recycled but renewable and fully recyclable.
Soy-Based Inks
Traditional petroleum-based printing inks release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production and curing. Soy-based inks replace petroleum with soybean oil, reducing VOC emissions by up to 80%.
- Brighter, more vibrant colors than petroleum inks
- Easier to de-ink during the paper recycling process
- Made from a renewable agricultural resource
- Comparable cost to conventional inks
Teal Packaging uses soy-based inks as standard on all printed packaging. No surcharge, no special request needed.
Biodegradable and Compostable Options
PLA (Polylactic Acid) Window Film
PLA is a plant-based plastic derived from corn starch or sugarcane. It is used as a transparent window material on food packaging boxes. PLA is commercially compostable (not home compostable) and provides the same clarity and moisture barrier as conventional plastic windows.
Water-Based Coatings
Instead of plastic lamination, water-based coatings provide grease resistance and moisture protection while keeping the packaging fully recyclable and compostable. They are the go-to choice for food-safe packaging that needs to maintain recyclability.
Mushroom Packaging (Mycelium)
Grown from agricultural waste and mushroom root structures, mycelium packaging is fully home-compostable and can replace expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam for protective inserts. It is still a premium option with longer lead times but gaining traction in luxury and tech packaging.
How to Choose the Right Sustainable Material
- Budget-conscious: Kraft paper or recycled corrugated. Low cost, high recyclability.
- Premium brands: FSC-certified SBS board with soy inks and water-based coating.
- Food packaging: Recycled paperboard with PLA windows and water-based grease barriers.
- Maximum sustainability: FSC Recycled board with soy inks, water-based coating, no plastic elements.
Every order from Teal Packaging starts with FSC-certified materials and soy-based inks. From there, you can choose the board weight, finish, and additional features that match your sustainability goals and budget. Request a free sample to see and feel the materials before you commit.