Eco-Friendly Kraft Packaging: What It Really Means

Sustainable packaging is one of the most requested things we hear about, and one of the most misunderstood. Here is a plain-language look at what actually makes kraft packaging more eco-friendly.

The material

Kraft board is made from wood pulp and is available in recycled grades. Recycled kraft reduces the demand for virgin fibre, and paper-based tubes and boxes are widely recyclable at end of life. The natural brown look also lets you print less, which itself lowers impact.

Inks and coatings

Water-based and soy-based inks are lower-impact alternatives to some conventional inks and are available on request. Heavy plastic lamination, by contrast, can make a paper pack harder to recycle; a matte varnish or an uncoated finish is often greener and looks honest and premium.

Design for recyclability

The most recyclable packs are mono-material, meaning they are made mostly from one material with minimal mixed components. Reducing plastic windows, foil and heavy lamination, and choosing paper-based inserts and cords, all help your pack stay recyclable.

Right-sizing

An often-overlooked win is simply making the pack the right size. A box sized to the product uses less material and less shipping air, which cuts both cost and carbon. It is one of the easiest sustainability gains available.

Making the choice

You do not have to compromise on quality to be greener. Tell us your sustainability goals and we will suggest the recycled boards, inks and constructions that protect your product and your brand while lowering impact.