Custom eco-friendly boxes u2014 and claims that hold up.
Recycled and recyclable board, plastic-free finishes and right-sized structures u2014 plus straight guidance on what you can and canu2019t say about sustainability on the box.
- Recycled-content board options
- Plastic-free coatings and windows
- Right-sizing to cut material and freight
- Materials
- Paper-based
- Options
- Plastic-free
- Structures
- Right-sized
- Board
- Recycled kraft E-flute
- Ink
- Water-based, 1 color
- Coating
- None
- Insert
- Card, no plastic
What actually makes packaging more sustainable.
Sustainability is about the whole box, not one material choice. In rough order of impact:
n- n
- Use less. A right-sized box with no void fill uses less board, less fuel to ship and less landfill space. Itu2019s also the cheapest change you can make. n
- Choose recycled or responsibly sourced fiber. Recycled-content board and certified fiber reduce demand for virgin material. n
- Keep it mono-material. A box thatu2019s all paper u2014 no plastic lamination, foam or plastic windows u2014 is far easier for recycling facilities to process. n
- Go light on ink and finishes. One- or two-color water-based or soy-based inks, and aqueous rather than plastic laminate coatings. n
- Design for reuse. Mailers with a second adhesive strip can be reused for returns; rigid boxes get kept for storage. n
Making environmental claims on your box.
Environmental claims are regulated, and the rules recently got stricter.
n- n
- FTC Green Guides. The Federal Trade Commissionu2019s Green Guides say environmental claims must be specific and backed by evidence. Calling a box u201crecyclableu201d is only appropriate without qualification when recycling facilities are available to a substantial majority (at least 60%) of the consumers or communities where itu2019s sold. Vague claims like u201ceco-friendlyu201d or u201cgreenu201d on their own are risky. n
- California SB 343. Since October 4, 2026, products and packaging sold in California may not display the chasing-arrows symbol or tell consumers to recycle them unless the material meets CalRecycleu2019s statewide recyclability criteria. Paper and cardboard boxes generally qualify; plastic windows and laminates may not. In July 2026 a federal court in California League of Food Producers v. Bonta barred the California Attorney General from enforcing parts of the law while the case continues, but the October 4, 2026 compliance date was not changed u2014 so plan to comply. n
- Certifications. Only use certification marks (such as FSCu00ae) when the packaging is actually certified through the supply chain, with a valid license code. n
We can tell you what your box is made of and supply material documentation. Decisions about the claims printed on it should be checked with your own compliance adviser.
Eco-friendly options.
| Board | Recycled kraft and corrugated; recycled paperboard (CRB); certified fiber on request |
|---|---|
| Inks | Water-based and soy-based inks |
| Coatings | Uncoated, aqueous; avoid plastic lamination |
| Windows | Open die-cut windows or plant-based cellulose film |
| Inserts | Card, corrugated or molded pulp instead of foam |
| Closures | Tuck and lock structures that need no tape |
Eco-friendly box ideas.
- n
- Recycled kraft mailer with one-color water-based ink and no tape. n
- Uncoated SBS or recycled carton with an open die-cut window. n
- Molded pulp insert in place of foam. n
- Paper tape and paper void fill for shipping boxes. n
- Right-sized shipper that eliminates void fill entirely. n
Frequently asked questions
Are your boxes recyclable?
Paper-based boxes without plastic lamination, foam or large plastic windows are widely recyclable. We will recommend a build that keeps the box mono-material.
Can I print the recycling symbol on my box?
Only when the claim is accurate where the box is sold. Since October 4, 2026, California restricts the chasing-arrows symbol to materials that meet its statewide recyclability criteria. Check claims with your compliance adviser.
What is the most eco-friendly packaging option?
A right-sized, uncoated recycled kraft or corrugated box with minimal water-based ink and a paper insert, closing without tape.
Do you use soy-based inks?
Soy and water-based ink options are available; ask for them on your quote.
Are compostable boxes available?
Uncoated paperboard is often compostable, but compostability claims have their own rules and certifications. Ask us about specific requirements.
Make your packaging greener u2014 and your claims safer.
Send your current box. Weu2019ll suggest changes that cut material and plastic without hurting protection.