The rise of ecommerce has made packaging more important — and more wasteful — than ever. Millions of items are shipped daily using materials that pollute oceans, clog landfills, and require tons of energy to produce. The biggest offenders? Virgin plastics, non-recyclable layers, and single-use packaging.
At Ecopackables, we focus on three core material categories that power our sustainable packaging solutions.
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Our recycled plastic products are made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and are fully recyclable with thin film.
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Our certified compostable films, which are home- and/or industrially compostable and meet strict standards like TÜV OK Compost, ABA and/or BPI certification.
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Our recycled paper options — used in everything from boxes and mailers to labels and voidfill — are FSC-certified and made entirely from post-consumer recycled content.
These materials ensure every product you ship supports a cleaner, circular economy.
We believe packaging can (and should) be beautiful, functional, and sustainable. Here are 10 outdated packaging types your brand can replace without compromising on quality or design.
1. Virgin Plastic Poly Mailers
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The problem: Most standard poly mailers are made from virgin plastic, which is petroleum-based, energy-intensive, and non-compostable.
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Switch to: Recycled polymailers, 100% Compostable Polymailer or 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Kraft Mailers
2. Virgin Plastic Bubble Mailers
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The problem: These as well as hybrid mailers (paper outside, plastic bubble inside) are hard to recycle due to mixed materials — and often made from virgin plastic.
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Switch to: 100% Compostable Padded Bubble Mailers, 100% Recycled Honeycomb Paper Padded Mailers or Post-Consumer Recycled Bubble Mailers with single-material construction for easier recycling.
3. Clear Plastic Apparel Polybags
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The problem: These are typically made from virgin plastics, used once and rarely recycled.
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Switch to: 100% Compostable apparel bags, Recycled Poly Bags, or Ocea™ Paper Garment Bags that customers can recycle curbside.
4. Styrofoam Inserts
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The problem: Styrofoam never biodegrades and breaks down into harmful microplastics.
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Switch to: Molded pulp inserts or corrugated paper inserts— all compostable, curbside recyclable and protective.
5. Plastic Air Pillows
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The problem: Pop easily, become waste immediately, and don’t break down naturally.
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Switch to: Recyclable Kraft paper void fill, Honeycomb Paper Wrap, Recycled Spiral paper cushioning or Recycle Tissue Paper.
6. Laminated Paper Packaging
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The problem: When paper is fused with plastic film, it becomes non-recyclable.
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Switch to: Mono-material packaging with water-based inks and compostable linings.
7. Non-Recyclable Retail Stickers & Labels
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The problem: Most labels are made with vinyl or plastic coatings that can’t be composted or recycled.
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Switch to: Compostable or recyclable stickers made from sugarcane, hemp, or PCR paper with eco-friendly adhesives.
8. Plastic Retail Bags
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The problem: One of the most common sources of litter and ocean pollution.
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Switch to: Recycled paper bags with strong handles — recyclable and reusable.
9. Traditional Cardboard Boxes
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The problem: Most standard boxes use virgin fiber or mixed recycled content, contributing to deforestation and unnecessary carbon emissions.
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Switch to: 100% recycled corrugate boxes — made entirely from post-consumer recycled paper and FSC-certified, offering the same strength and protection with a much lighter footprint.
10. Plastic Packing Tape
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The problem: Most packing tape is made with plastic film and synthetic adhesives, adding waste to the recycling process.
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Switch to: Water-activated paper tape is made from recycled kraft paper and a plant-derived adhesive, this option is curbside recyclable and offers a tamper-evident seal that’s ideal for ecommerce.
Switching to sustainable packaging doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With EcoPackables, you get access to innovative materials, low minimums, and custom solutions that align with your brand values and the planet’s needs.