Ordering eco-friendly boxes is slightly more work to get the same quality as a standard run of cardboard boxes, but we can guide you through it to make sure you get the best packaging solution for you.
Check Recycled Content and Certifications
You need to check for certifications such as FSC PEFC, and then ask for the percentage of recycled content in the board, i.e. 70% and above is a good amount of recycled content in the board for it to be considered sustainable.
Get Your Dimensions Right
A number of packaging systems use oversized boxes. Whilst these may contain plenty of packaging material, they will inevitably use more material, weigh more and so produce more emissions in transportation than smaller boxes. It is worth making sure that any boxes ordered are of suitable size for the items they are to contain. As a rough guide, 2-3 cm clearance around each item is enough.
Choose Your Print Method
Water-based ink such as normal water-based print ink or Soy-based print ink is considered to be the most environmentally responsible type of the standard box printing methods. We do not recommend the use of UV-cured coatings (also referred to as cured coatings) or laminate finishes as these will restrict recycling at end of life.
Confirm End-of-Life Recyclability
Check if the packaging supplier uses any adhesive tape and also if the internal coating of the cardboard Packaging is kerbside-recyclable. If using a packaging supplier then ask them if they use water-activated paper tape instead of plastic tape, which would be far easier for the customer to recycle.
Ask the Right Questions Before You Commit
Before you commit to a print run ask your supplier for: samples of the proposed packaging; a material data sheet listing all the materials used in its construction; the minimum order quantity (often 100 – 250 units for small businesses).
There is more on Cardboard Packaging at //capscases.co.uk/services-2/sustainable-cardboard-packaging/.
It’s worth a little extra planning and it will save you money in the long run by ensuring that your packaging is really green.
