In April 2022 the ideal of making packaging sustainable became more of a sanction, with the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax, (PPT). This tax does not formally need to be on your radar, unless you manufacture or import more than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging a year, which has less than 30% recycled content. However, if your business uses packaging in any context, the introduction of this tax is a paradigm shift and a sign of things to come.

Whether driven by your values, consumer pressure, or enforcement, we’re here to support your sustainable packaging projects from design to delivery.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression

The packaging of an item is often the first interaction that the recipient has with your brand, and it sets the tone for the relationship moving forward. Its long been a requirement that your packaging is eye catching, now you must add sustainability to the list of considerations. Data indicates that it is also key to what your contacts do next.

What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging has a lower environmental impact than traditional forms of packaging. This can be evident at several points in its life cycle assessment;

1. In material choice, whether recycled or certified to be sustainable, such as through FSC® certification for paper-based products. Endorsement by the Forest Stewardship Council® ensures that the raw material of wood fibre is sourced from sustainable forests, where land is responsibly managed, natural habitats of plants and animals are conserved, and the rights of forestry workers and local communities are respected.
2. Through the production process, reflecting its efficiency in respect of waste minimisation and energy consumption. Perhaps production is powered by green energy or involves the use of vegetable-based inks, which require less water and solvents compared to petroleum-based inks. The latter also release VOCs, volatile organic compounds, which can be harmful to air quality and health.
3. At end of life, sustainable packaging will be reusable, recyclable, or ideally both.
4. Minimising your packaging, making it effective yet not over-engineered, to minimise the input of raw materials and production processes.

How we can support your sustainable packaging projects

Paper mailing bags
This product is ideal for protecting small bulky items in transit, a more sustainable alternative to plastic bubble lined envelopes. They are produced using FSC® certified paper and are available in a range of sizes. By using a proportionate amount of paper relative to the item being sent, these paper mailing bags can help to minimise the volume, weight and freight of your deliveries, as well as your carbon footprint. The bags have the potential to be reused by their recipients and can be fully recycled in standard domestic waste streams at the end of their life.

Paper wrap
This is not just the envelope you know and trust, this is automated paper wrapping for bulky direct mail pieces, which may incorporate loose inserts. Paper wrap protects items in the post without the need for single-use plastic. Catalogues, magazines, brochures and newsletters are just a few examples of projects that respond well to a paper wrap mailing service. Items can be within the size range of A5 to oversized A4. Paper wrap is FSC® certified and fully recyclable. To extend brand exposure, it can be printed with your artwork before mailing fulfilment machinery prepares your items for the post!

Potato starch polywrap
This fully compostable and biodegradable mailing wrap will increase the sustainability of mailings that need added protection in the post. The frosty and silky finish is noticeably different to clear polythene. It gives the perception of being a premium product, which helps to draw attention to its environmental credentials! Whilst offering excellent durability in transit, this polywrap can be disposed of in home composting or food waste bins. When it’s in contact with micro-organisms, it will fully compost in just 10 days. If it does go to landfill, it will biodegrade and leave no footprint.

Outer packaging boxes
Cardboard boxes are perhaps the epitome of sustainable packaging, given their flexibility, use of FSC® certified materials, and ability to be reused and recycled. We can supply plain or printed boxes in standard or bespoke sizes, with a strength appropriate to protecting their intended contents. Our Design Team are here to support the generation of artwork that will ensure your boxes provide added brand reinforcement, the credit you deserve for creative, effective and sustainable packaging choices.

Printed paper packaging tape
The final piece of the packaging puzzle is often the tape that seals the box. Traditional vinyl and polypropylene tapes used to be the only element of outer packaging that prevented it from being fully recyclable, this is no longer the case. We now supply kraft (brown) or white tape, available as standard in weights that range from 60gsm to 90gsm. Reinforced paper options are available for heavy packages and items that are being exported. For maximum brand visibility, all tapes can be printed in up to three spot colours.

Let’s talk

Packaging has the potential to add value to your business, through brand recognition, kudos with your customers and efficiency in your logistics. Let’s work together to find the approach for your business and the environment.