Short answer
The biggest sustainability win in most packaging is not the material, it is the size. Right-sizing a box cuts board, void fill, carriage and emissions at once, usually with a lower unit cost than switching to a premium eco material.
Myth 1: recycled content is always better
Recycled fibre is shorter and weaker, so a high recycled grade sometimes needs to be heavier to hit the same strength. The right answer is the lightest board that survives the journey, which often blends recycled and virgin fibre.
Myth 2: biodegradable means it disappears
Most biodegradable and compostable films need industrial composting conditions that domestic waste streams do not provide. If it ends up in a recycling stream it can be a contaminant. Paper-based alternatives are usually the safer choice.
The myths in short
- Plastic-free is not automatically lower carbon; a heavier paper alternative can be worse if it doubles the weight.
- Thinner board is not cheaper if it increases damage and replacement shipments.
- Recyclable in theory is not recyclable in practice unless the material is accepted kerbside.
- Removing packaging entirely is only a saving if the product still arrives intact.
- Carbon claims need evidence: ask for chain of custody, specifications and certification.
What we would look at first
Pick your top five SKUs by volume, measure how much of each box is air, and fix the worst offenders. We hold FSC chain of custody under licence C214479 and Verified Carbon Standard, so the paperwork side is covered once the pack is right.
Frequently asked questions
- Is cardboard recyclable?
- Yes, corrugated cardboard is widely recyclable kerbside and is made with substantial recycled content.
- Can you supply plastic-free packaging?
- Yes. Paper tape, paper void fill and honeycomb wrap replace most common plastic packing materials.
- Do you have sustainability certification?
- We hold FSC chain of custody (C214479), Verified Carbon Standard and BRCGS Storage & Distribution.
Think your packaging is bigger than it needs to be?
Send us your product dimensions and we’ll come back with a right-sized option. There is no minimum on stock lines, and bespoke corrugated runs can start from as little as one, but we will advise the most cost efficient run rate depending on size and board grade.
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