Eco Friendly Packaging - How to Do it Right

Apr 27, 2026

Educational

two kraft boxes next to each other on a white table, one is open and one is closed.

Introduction

In today’s world, consumers are starting to value the environmental responsibility that comes with the goods they receive. Packaging has evolved far beyond simple protection and is now a powerful tool for storytelling and sustainability. Sustainable packaging considers the entire lifecycle of materials, emphasizing reduced environmental impact while still meeting functional and branding needs. With this being said, the mission is still wow factor packaging, just without the excess waste.

What is sustainable packaging?

Eco‑friendly packaging is designed to minimize waste and environmental harm by using materials that are recyclable, reusable, compostable, or made from recycled content. The goal is to reduce resource use and pollution, support circular economies, and make disposal easier and less harmful to the planet. Sustainable packaging does not limit the options of packaging; you can still get your custom inserts and deliver beautiful boxes, with the benefit of not contributing to a plethora of pollution.

The difference between eco and non-eco packaging

Eco Packaging: Made from renewable, recycled, or biodegradable materials, designed to minimize environmental impact.

Examples include:

Recycled cardboard or paper
Bioplastics or compostable plastics
Plant-based inks and coatings
Reusable containers (glass, metal, or sturdy plastic)
Foam inserts made from recycled or biodegradable materials for cushioning products

Non-Eco Packaging: Made from conventional materials that often have a higher environmental footprint.

Examples include:

Virgin plastics (single-use)
Non-recycled paper or cardboard
Plastic laminates or coatings that make recycling difficult
Foam inserts made from virgin polystyrene or polyurethane, which are usually non-recyclable and persist in landfills

A blush pink box with pink crinkle paper, a note, the merch item, and a picture. The box is open and on a white table.

Keco Eco-Friendly Boxes

50% post-consumer recycled corrugated base wrapped in a 30% post-consumer recycled paper.
Recycled board that is custom-cut to fit the product.
Replaced usual foam core box bases with corrugated paper that is made with 50% post-consumer material and covered in high-quality paper made with 30% post-consumer material. These boxes do not feature any coating or lamination, ensuring they are fully recyclable.

A blue bubble mailer that says thank you.

100% Compostable Custom Padded Bubble Mailers

Custom 100% Compostable Bubble Mailers offer tailored, eco-friendly protection with a durable, recycled kraft or cornstarch exterior.
Can be both home and industrial composted.
TUV and ABA Certified

Two cardboard tubes with a abstract blue pattern on it with different shades of blue and white on it.

100% Recycled Kraft Paper Tubes

Paper tubes offer stylish and sustainable packaging solutions suitable for a variety of industries.
Size & Dimensions – Tailored to fit your product’s unique needs.
Materials – Choose from FSC-certified, recycled, or specialty papers like bagasse.
Lining Options – Greaseproof, moisture-resistant, or compostable linings available.

A person whos arms are the only thing you can see holding open a cardboard box with a mug inside of it.

Custom Shipping Boxes

E-Flute Corrugated Cardboard
Recyclable, Compostable, Plastic-Free, FSC-Certified
FSC-Certified, Compostable Materials, FDA-Compliant Inks

Printed tissue paper coming out of a kraft brown envelope package.

Custom Tissue Paper

eco-friendly options to meet sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Your packaging doesn’t have to be boring, wasteful, or a total planet killer. Go recycled, go biodegradable, go foam inserts that don’t murder Mother Earth, and suddenly your unboxing game will tell a story that doesn't end up in a landfill.