Sustainable packaging is now a buying criterion, not a nice-to-have. Buyers across Europe, North America and the Gulf ask for recyclable, FSC-certified or plastic-free packaging by default. This guide compares the main eco materials so you can choose one that protects the product, the brand and the planet.
Material comparison
| Material | Source | Best for | Recyclable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft paperboard | Virgin / recycled wood | Mailers, retail boxes | Yes |
| Recycled cardboard | Post-consumer waste | Shipping, inserts | Yes |
| FSC virgin board | Certified forest | Premium rigid boxes | Yes |
| PLA bio-film | Corn starch | Window, wrap | Industrially |
| Moulded pulp | Recycled fibre | Trays, end caps | Yes |
Choose by goal
| Goal | Material |
|---|---|
| Plastic-free mailer | Kraft + soy ink |
| Premium unboxing | FSC virgin rigid |
| Lowest-cost eco | Recycled cardboard |
| Clear window | PLA bio-film |
Expert tips
- Lead with one claim. State "FSC" or "100% recycled" clearly; don't stack vague eco words.
- Match ink to material. Soy and water-based inks compost cleanly with kraft.
- Right-weight, not max-weight. Lighter board cuts freight CO2 and cost.
- Certify, don't assert. We supply FSC Chain-of-Custody and ISO 9001 proof on request.
Four-step plan
- Define the eco claim you can stand behind (FSC, recycled, plastic-free).
- Pick the material from the table that meets it and your budget.
- Send artwork as PDF/X-4 with CMYK and 3 mm bleed.
- Request a free quote; we confirm material, cert and lead time within 24h.
Get a free quote
McLantis Printing & Packaging Group has produced custom eco packaging since 1976 with FSC Chain-of-Custody and ISO 9001 control, shipping worldwide from Shanghai. Tell us your claim, product and volume and we return a sample and firm quote within 24 hours.