Eco-friendly packaging lets your brand reduce waste without sacrificing presentation. Customers increasingly choose brands whose packaging can be recycled or composted, and sustainable packaging is quickly becoming the expectation rather than the exception.
We make custom eco-friendly packaging from recyclable kraft and paperboard, recycled-content corrugated, compostable mailers, paper tubes and moulded pulp inserts, printed with water-based and soy-based inks.
From product boxes to shipping mailers and bags, we help you build a packaging range that matches your sustainability promises.
Why choose eco-friendly packaging?
Recyclable and compostable materials
Paper-based packaging can be recycled at home in most areas, and compostable options are available.
Less material, less waste
Right-sized boxes cut board use, void fill and shipping volume.
A brand customers trust
Clear recycling messages show customers you take sustainability seriously.
How to make your packaging more sustainable
Choose a single material where possible so the whole pack can be recycled together. Replace plastic windows with open cut-outs or plant-based film, swap foam inserts for paper or pulp, and use one or two ink colours on kraft. Print a short recycling instruction on the box.
Styles of eco-friendly packaging we make
Every style below can be made to your exact size and printed with your artwork. Not sure which suits your product? Tell us what you are packing and we will recommend the best option.
- Kraft product boxes: recyclable folding cartons.
- Eco mailer boxes: recycled-content corrugated mailers.
- Paper tubes: plastic-free cylindrical packaging.
- Compostable mailers: for apparel and soft goods.
- Recycled paper bags: retail carry bags.
- Moulded pulp inserts: plastic-free protection.
Materials for eco-friendly packaging
All of our eco options are paper or plant-based, chosen for recyclability and recycled content.
- Brown and white kraft
- Recycled paperboard
- Recycled-content corrugated
- Moulded pulp and compostable films
Printing, finishes and add-ons
Printing is where your eco-friendly packaging start working for your brand. We print in full colour CMYK or exact Pantone shades, on the outside, the inside or both, and add finishes that customers notice the moment they pick the box up.
- Water-based and soy-based inks
- One or two-colour printing on kraft
- Plastic-free windows
- Paper and pulp inserts
- Recycling symbols and messages
- Embossing instead of foil for a plastic-free finish
Eco-friendly packaging specifications
| Specification | Options |
|---|---|
| Material | Cardstock (SBS), kraft, corrugated (E, B and double wall), rigid chipboard |
| Box style | Tuck end, auto bottom, mailer, two-piece, sleeve and tray, magnetic, display, die-cut |
| Size | Made to your exact length, width and depth |
| Printing | Full colour CMYK, Pantone (PMS), one or two colours, inside and outside |
| Coating and lamination | Gloss, matte, soft-touch, aqueous, UV, spot UV |
| Special effects | Gold, silver and holographic foil, embossing, debossing, raised ink |
| Add-ons | Windows, inserts, dividers, handles, hang tabs, ribbons, tear strips |
| Quantity | Short runs to bulk wholesale orders |
| Proof | Free digital proof and 3D mockup before production |
| Delivery | Flat-packed; turnaround confirmed in your quote |
Eco-friendly packaging wholesale pricing
The price of eco-friendly packaging depends on a few simple factors, and knowing them helps you get the best value from your budget:
- Size and style: larger boxes and complex structures use more board and set-up.
- Material: paperboard costs less than corrugated, and corrugated less than rigid board.
- Printed sides: outside-only printing is the most economical; inside printing adds impact for a little more.
- Finishes: foil, embossing and soft-touch add a premium feel and a small cost per box.
- Quantity: the unit price drops as the order grows, so wholesale runs give the best value.
Tip: keep one structure across several products and change only the artwork, and you can order eco-friendly packaging in larger combined runs at a lower unit price. Request a free quote and we will suggest ways to reduce cost without losing quality.
Sustainable eco-friendly packaging
More customers now check whether packaging can be recycled before they buy. We can make your eco-friendly packaging from recyclable and recycled-content board, print with water-based or soy-based inks, swap plastic windows for open or plant-based film, and right-size every box so it uses less material and less void fill. Add a small recycling symbol and message to show customers you care.
Artwork tips for eco-friendly packaging
- Design on the dieline we send, with 3 mm (1/8 inch) bleed past every cut edge.
- Keep text and logos at least 3 mm inside folds and cut lines.
- Use 300 DPI images and CMYK colours, or Pantone references for exact brand colours.
- Send logos as vector files and convert fonts to outlines.
- Put the product name and main benefit on the front panel, and barcodes and legal text on the back or base.
Who uses eco-friendly packaging?
Eco-friendly packaging are used by businesses of every size, from start-ups testing a first product to established brands ordering in bulk:
- Organic and natural brands
- Zero-waste shops
- Apparel and fashion
- Food and beverage
- Cosmetics and skincare
- E-commerce brands
How to order eco-friendly packaging
- Request a quote: send us your box size, quantity, material and finish, or simply describe your product.
- Free design and 3D mockup: we prepare the dieline, help with artwork and show you a 3D preview.
- Approve your proof: check every panel, colour and line of text. Nothing is printed until you say yes.
- Production and quality checks: your boxes are printed, finished, die-cut and inspected. Timings are confirmed in your quote.
- Delivery: boxes arrive flat-packed to save space and shipping cost, ready to assemble.
Why order eco-friendly packaging from Custom Boxes Peak?
We make every order to measure, so you never pay for a stock size that does not fit. Free design help, a free 3D mockup and a free digital proof come with every order of eco-friendly packaging, and low minimums mean you can start small and scale up as your brand grows. Our team checks every file for bleed, resolution and colour before printing, so the boxes you receive look exactly like the proof you approved.
Frequently asked questions
Is your eco packaging recyclable?
Yes, our paper and board options are widely recyclable.
Do you offer compostable packaging?
Yes, compostable mailers and some films are available.
Can eco packaging still look premium?
Yes, with good design, embossing and quality board.
Are soy inks available?
Yes. Soy-based and water-based inks are available and work well on kraft and recycled boards.
Can I avoid plastic completely?
Yes, with paper inserts and open windows. Mention it in your quote request and we will include it in your free 3D mockup and proof.
Is eco packaging more expensive?
Often not; kraft with simple printing can be very economical.
Is there a minimum order?
Minimums are low and depend on the style and material. Tell us how many eco-friendly packaging you need and we will quote the best option, with lower unit prices as the quantity grows.