Our approach
Packaging has an environmental cost, and so does a damaged product that has to be replaced and reshipped. Our approach balances the two. We help brands choose packaging that protects products with as little material as possible, in formats people can actually recycle, and we describe the result honestly.
1. Right-size every box
Oversized boxes waste board, need more void fill, take more space in trucks and raise dimensional weight charges. Right-sizing is usually the single biggest improvement a brand can make, and it saves money at the same time. Every box we make is cut to your dimensions, so a custom fit costs no more than a stock size. Try the Box Size Finder and DIM Weight Calculator.
2. Paper first
Most of what we produce is paper-based: corrugated board, paperboard, kraft and rigid greyboard. Paper packaging is collected in curbside recycling programs across the United States, and corrugated boxes are among the most recycled packaging in the country.
Where plastic is common, we offer paper alternatives:
| Instead of | Consider |
|---|---|
| Foam or plastic trays | Paperboard or corrugated inserts, molded pulp |
| Plastic air pillows | Paper void fill, crinkle paper |
| Plastic tape | Water-activated paper tape |
| Plastic window film | Open windows or no window |
| Poly mailers | Paper mailers or mailer boxes where protection allows |
3. One material family where possible
A box, insert, tape and void fill made from paper can go into one recycling bin. Mixed materials (foam glued into a box, magnets, plastic windows, heavy plastic laminations) are harder for customers to separate. When you choose an option that affects recyclability, we tell you and suggest alternatives.
4. Recycled content and responsible fiber
Many corrugated and paperboard grades contain recycled fiber. We can specify recycled-content board where performance allows, and certified fiber (for example FSC) can be sourced for projects that need it. Certification labels can only be printed when the material and supply chain qualify and a license applies, so we confirm this before artwork.
5. Lower-impact print and finishes
- Water-based inks and aqueous coatings on paper packaging
- Embossing for premium texture without adding material
- Small foil and spot UV accents rather than full plastic laminations
- Soy- and vegetable-based offset inks where available
6. Design for reuse
Rigid boxes, magnetic boxes, tubes and drawer boxes are often kept and reused for years. Mailers with a second adhesive strip carry returns back. Reuse extends a package's life and spreads its impact across more uses.
7. Honest claims
We never call packaging "eco-friendly", "green" or "sustainable" without saying exactly what we mean, and we encourage our customers to do the same. The FTC Green Guides warn against broad, unqualified environmental claims. Specific claims are more credible and more useful:
Example: "This mailer is made from corrugated cardboard. Please flatten and recycle it with your cardboard." is better than "100% eco-friendly packaging!"
Read the full sustainable packaging guide.
What we do not claim
We do not publish carbon numbers, certifications or percentages we cannot substantiate. If you need documentation for a specific claim (recycled content, certified fiber, compostability), ask us before you print it and we will tell you what can be supplied for your order.
Sustainable options at a glance
MaterialsSustainable PackagingRecyclable, plastic-free and recycled-content options, with honest claims you can print.
MaterialsCorrugated CardboardFluted board for mailers and shippers: E, B, C and double-wall grades from 32 to 48 ECT.
MaterialsKraft PaperboardNatural brown, unbleached board with a handmade, eco-forward look.
MaterialsRecycled PaperboardCoated recycled board: economical, printable and made from post-consumer fiber.
Finishes & Add-onsCustom InsertsDie-cut paperboard, corrugated, EVA foam and molded pulp inserts that lock products in place.
Frequently asked questions
What is your most sustainable box?
Usually a right-sized corrugated mailer or kraft paperboard carton with paper inserts, water-based inks and clear recycling instructions.
Do you offer compostable packaging?
Some formats can be specified with compostable materials. Composting facilities are not available to most people, so widely recyclable paper is often the better choice. We will help you decide.
Can I print a recycling symbol on my box?
Yes, when the claim is accurate for where you sell. Some states regulate recycling symbols and claims, so check current rules. We recommend a simple instruction such as "Please recycle with cardboard."
Do you offer FSC-certified packaging?
Certified fiber can be sourced for many paperboard and corrugated projects. Using the FSC label requires certified material through a certified supply chain; ask in your quote.
