Sustainable Packaging Without the Greenwashing

The terms are not interchangeable

Recyclable means a facility can process it into new material. Compostable means it breaks down into organic matter under specific conditions — often only in commercial facilities. Recycled content means it is made partly from previously recycled material. Printing the wrong one is greenwashing, and regulators are watching.

What you can honestly print

• “Recyclable” only if local recycling actually accepts the material
• “Compostable” only if the claim names commercial vs home composting
• “Made from X% recycled content” with the real percentage
• Recycling symbols accurate to the material and region
• No “eco” or “green” claims without substantiation

Right-sizing is the hidden win

The most overlooked sustainability lever is size. A right-sized custom box uses less board, takes less truck space, and lowers the carbon footprint of every parcel — often more impact than switching materials. Custom packaging die-cut to your product’s real footprint is inherently greener than a stock box padded with void fill.