Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing & Cost
Pricing depends on product type, material type, order size, and printing complexity. Contact us for a tailored quote based on your specifications.
Minimums vary by product type. Custom mailers, polybags, and garment bags start at 5,000 units, boxes at 1,000-3,000 units (depending on type), pouches at 10,000 units, and retail bags 2,000-25,000 units (depending on type). We have various stock packaging on our website that has lower minimums, often as low as 100 units depending on the product.
Yes, we offer volume-based pricing for larger orders. Contact our sales team to discuss your specific order requirements and to receive a custom quote.
We strive to provide cost-competitive, sustainable packaging solutions. Share your current packaging details with us, and we'll work to match your costs while delivering a more eco-friendly alternative.
Materials Overview
The most sustainable packaging options include certified compostable PBAT films, FSC-certified kraft paper, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. Each reduces waste in a different way. Compostable materials return safely to the earth, recycled materials reduce virgin plastic use, and FSC-certified paper supports responsible forestry.
The best choice depends on your product type, disposal access, and regional recycling or composting systems.
There are a variety of environmentally friendly packaging materials such as Recycled LDPE Films, Recycled Paper, Ocea™ Film, Compostable Plant-Based Films, and Food-Safe Laminates. Each material reduces environmental impact through renewable sourcing or waste diversion.
Pro tip: To ensure claims are credible, look for third-party certifications such as BPI, GRS, or FSC.
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials are made from products that have already been used and given a second life, like bottles, containers, or paper. Instead of relying on virgin resources, PCR repurposes existing waste, reducing landfill impact and carbon emissions.
EcoPackables uses recycled LDPE and HDPE resins in many products to help close the recycling loop and support a circular economy.
Ocean-bound plastic (OBP) refers to plastic waste collected from coastal regions before it reaches the ocean. The definition can vary by program or region. EcoPackables' OBP material is collected within 50 km of waterways in coastal cities, primarily in Southeast Asia, where waste management systems are limited.
This reclaimed plastic is used to create Renewa™ material used in some mailers and polybags, helping prevent marine pollution and give plastic waste a second life as recycled resin.
Material Performance & Strength
Small businesses can start sustainably with stock packaging made from compostable, recycled, or paper-based materials, such as kraft mailers, compostable poly mailers, PCR polybags, and recycled boxes.
These options are affordable, available in low minimums with some starting at 100 units, and ship quickly, allowing brands to show environmental commitment without large upfront costs.
Environmentally friendly packaging uses renewable, recycled, or compostable materials with verified end-of-life solutions like composting or recycling. Examples include EcoPackables' compostable mailers, PCR polybags, and FSC-certified kraft mailers. These options reduce emissions and help brands meet sustainability goals without sacrificing quality.
The most sustainable options include certified compostable bioplastics (PBAT, PLA), post-consumer recycled plastics, and FSC-certified paper and cardboard. While not all packaging materials are equally sustainable, each supports a circular packaging system by reducing virgin material use and diverting waste from landfills. EcoPackables uses these materials to balance performance, durability, and environmental responsibility across its product lines.
Small businesses can start sustainably with stock packaging made from compostable, recycled, or paper-based materials, such as kraft mailers, compostable poly mailers, PCR polybags, and recycled boxes. These options are affordable, available in low minimums with some starting at 100 units, and ship quickly, allowing brands to show environmental commitment without large upfront costs.
Sustainable alternatives include compostable air pillows, recycled paper padding, corrugated cardboard inserts, spiral kraft paper, and honeycomb paper wrap. All provide cushioning without plastic waste.
Compostable Materials
Compostable materials are certified to break down within specific timeframes. It takes typically 90–180 days in industrial composting or 6–12 months at home, leaving no microplastics or toxins behind. Biodegradable materials also break down naturally but lack certification and time guarantees, meaning they may degrade more slowly or leave toxic residues behind.
Compostable packaging is made from plant-based materials that fully break down into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter under proper composting conditions. Unlike biodegradable plastics, it leaves no microplastics or toxins behind.
Home compostable packaging breaks down in backyard compost bins at lower temperatures than industrial facilities, usually within 6–12 months. These materials decompose naturally into water, CO₂, and biomass, allowing consumers to compost packaging directly at home without needing commercial equipment.
Not effectively. Compostable bags require active composting conditions such as warmth, moisture, and microbes to break down in 90–180 days. Landfills lack those elements, so the process nearly stops.
To ensure proper composting, compost these bags in industrial facilities or certified home systems rather than discarding them as regular trash.
No. Compostable materials don't belong in recycling bins. Their bio-based structure contaminates conventional plastic recycling streams. Instead, compost them through municipal green bins, industrial composting facilities, or home compost systems if certified.
Use one of three methods:
- Industrial composting facility: fastest and most complete breakdown
- Municipal green or organic bin: if your city accepts compostables
- Home compost: for certified home-compostable items Avoid recycling or landfills to prevent contamination and slow decomposition.
Biodegradable Materials
Biodegradable packaging materials break down into non-toxic organic matter through microbial activity. Common materials used by EcoPackables include PLA, PBAT, kraft paper, and uncoated cardboard. These options decompose safely under composting conditions when properly disposed of.
Pro tip: always check for recognized certifications to confirm verified biodegradability.
Biodegradable food-safe materials include FDA-compliant PLA containers, compostable PBAT pouches, unbleached kraft paper, and bagasse (sugarcane fiber) trays. These meet food-contact safety standards and degrade naturally under proper composting conditions without leaving harmful residues.
Biodegradable packaging materials include paper, cardboard, PLA, PBAT, PHA, cornstarch, bamboo fiber, and natural fabrics. When composted correctly, they return to the environment without microplastics.
Pro tip: Look for third-party certifications to ensure verified biodegradability.
Recycling & Disposal
Yes, but only at designated plastic-film drop-off sites, not in curbside bins. These programs are designed to handle soft plastics like mailers and polybags. Returning them to collection points ensures they're properly recycled into new products instead of being discarded.
Use one of three methods: - Industrial composting facility: fastest and most complete breakdown - Municipal green or organic bin: if your city accepts compostables - Home compost: for certified home-compostable items Avoid recycling or landfills to prevent contamination and slow decomposition.
Composting uses oxygen, heat, and microbial activity to turn packaging into nutrient-rich soil within months. Landfills lack these conditions, causing slow decay and methane emissions. By composting, you prevent microplastic pollution and support a circular system that regenerates soil and reduces greenhouse gases.
Certifications
Look for trusted third-party certifications that verify sustainability claims:
- BPI: Confirms industrial compostability under ASTM standards
- FSC: Verifies responsible forestry and sustainable paper sourcing
- GRS: Ensures recycled content verification and ethical production
- Home Compostable: Confirms safe decomposition in backyard composting
- FDA Compliant: Indicates safe food-contact materials
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that paper, cardboard, and wood-based packaging come from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity, workers, and local communities.
Choosing FSC-certified packaging supports sustainable forestry and helps prevent deforestation by verifying that materials are ethically and sustainably sourced.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification verifies that a product contains genuine recycled content and is made responsibly through social, environmental, and chemical practices. It also ensures traceability throughout the supply chain, confirming that materials are ethically and sustainably produced from start to finish.
BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification verifies that a material fully breaks down in industrial composting conditions within about 180 days, leaving no microplastics or toxic residue. It confirms compliance with ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards, ensuring the packaging safely returns to the environment as organic matter.
Sustainability Concepts
Greenwashing means promoting sustainability claims without verified evidence. To identify genuine eco-friendly packaging, look for third-party certifications such as BPI (compostable), FSC (responsible forestry), or GRS (recycled content). Transparent labeling and certification logos ensure environmental claims are authentic and traceable.
Circular economy packaging is built to stay in use through recycling, composting, or reuse, rather than becoming waste. It prioritizes materials that can re-enter production cycles, reducing the need for virgin resources and cutting overall waste.
EcoPackables designs its packaging to support a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact.
Business Strategy & Implementation
Yes! Sustainable packaging can directly boost sales and brand loyalty. Eco-friendly materials signal responsibility, which improves customer trust, conversion rates, and repeat purchases.
Research shows that brands adopting compostable, recycled, or FSC-certified packaging see higher engagement, especially among younger, sustainability-conscious consumers. Beyond perception, lighter materials also reduce shipping costs, improving margins.
Absolutely! Over 70% of shoppers say that sustainability influences what they buy, and many are willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging. Consumers increasingly expect brands to provide transparent, planet-conscious options rather than single-use plastics.
By using EcoPackables' certified sustainable materials, companies can build credibility and attract long-term, values-aligned customers.
Transitioning to sustainable packaging works best when done step by step:
- Audit your current packaging: identify non-recyclable or virgin plastic components.
- Select sustainable alternatives: choose from EcoPackables' compostable, recycled, or FSC-certified materials suited to your product type.
- Order samples and test performance: check durability, sealing strength, and shipping resilience.
- Evaluate total costs: include shipping savings from lighter materials and potential storage benefits.
- Educate customers: update product pages, inserts, and social posts to explain the change.
This structured approach ensures functionality, brand alignment, and measurable sustainability impact.
Make sustainability part of your story:
- Add product-page callouts and disposal icons
- Include packaging inserts explaining how to compost or recycle
- Share updates via email, social media, and blog content
- Highlight certifications (BPI, GRS, FSC) and before/after visuals
- Reinforce your commitment to long-term impact through consistent messaging
- Clear communication drives education, loyalty, and trust
Use third-party certifications and data-backed documentation to verify your claims. Display BPI, GRS, or FSC certificates, provide supplier traceability, and publish lifecycle or emissions summaries when possible. Avoid unverified claims like "eco-friendly" without evidence, as customers and regulators increasingly expect proof of sustainability.
Industry-Specific Solutions
Small businesses can start with EcoPackables' stock mailers and polybags, which have low minimums starting at 100–500 units. For heavier products, use recycled cardboard boxes or FSC-certified paper packaging.
Many small brands begin with stock options, then transition to custom printing as they grow.
- Mailers made from compostable film, recycled plastic, or kraft paper work well for e-commerce and apparel.
- Polybags available in compostable or post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic protect products during shipping.
- Boxes and paper tubes made from FSC-certified kraft paper offer structure and premium branding potential.
Starting with one core packaging type helps simplify logistics, reduce costs, and scale sustainability as the business grows.
For beauty and personal-care items and refills, choose packaging formats that fit your product type and sustainability goals:
- Pouches available in compostable or recycled films are ideal for refills, samples, and lightweight goods.
- Polybags made from compostable or post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic provide flexible protection for secondary or e-commerce packaging.
- Kraft boxes and paper tubes offer a premium look for retail display, gift sets, and refill programs.
Each format balances durability, presentation, and environmental responsibility across both retail and online applications.
For food and snack packaging, choose formats that protect freshness while supporting sustainability goals.
- Pouches available in compostable or recycled films are ideal for dry goods, snacks, and refills.
- Polybags made from compostable or post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic provide lightweight protection for multi-packs or inner liners.
- Kraft paper boxes and bags with optional grease- or moisture-resistant coatings work well for baked goods, grains, or café items.
Each format is available in food-safe materials that meet recognized standards for direct or indirect food contact.
Choose packaging that meets food-contact safety and supports sustainability. EcoPackables provides FDA-compliant, food-safe packaging made from renewable and recycled materials. Our options include:
- Stand-up pouches in compostable PBAT/PLA laminate for dry goods or snack items
- PCR-recycled film pouches for shelf-stable foods needing longer barrier protection
- Unbleached kraft paper or paper-based pouches (with optional moisture barrier) for items like grains, snacks, or dry mixes
Make sure you match the material to your product needs (barrier, moisture, shelf-life) and check for food-safe certification.
Product Comparisons
EcoPackables is a Certified B Corporation that combines verified sustainability, accessible order sizes, and fast turnaround times. All products are made from certified materials such as compostable, recycled, or FSC-certified materials, including home-compostable films. With low minimums (some stock products starting at just 100 units) and transparent third-party certifications (BPI, GRS, FSC), EcoPackables makes sustainable packaging practical and attainable for businesses of any size while standing apart from larger, less agile suppliers.
It depends on your goals. Stock packaging ships quickly, has no setup fees, and works best for smaller orders or testing new products. Custom packaging strengthens branding, improves unboxing experience, and reinforces recognition.
Many EcoPackables clients start with stock, then transition to custom once they confirm sizing, order volume, and design direction.
Both can be sustainable depending on the product and shipping method:
- Mailers and polybags use 60–80% less material and are ideal for soft goods like apparel or accessories.
- Boxes offer more protection and premium presentation for fragile or stackable items but are heavier to ship.
- Pouches provide a compact, protective middle ground for smaller items and can be shipped in a mailer or box depending on the contents in the pouch.
Neither is universally "better" as they serve different sustainability goals, and it also depends on your local waste system. The best option is the one your customers can actually dispose of properly, both help reduce waste compared to traditional plastic.
Compostable packaging breaks down into natural materials like water and biomass, leaving no microplastics behind, which is ideal where industrial and home composting is available. While recyclable packaging can be reprocessed into new materials through established recycling streams, offering more durability and often times broader accessibility.
Ordering & Shipping
For standard, non-custom orders, standard shipping typically takes 3–7 business days.
For custom orders, delivery times will vary based on the complexity of the design and the volume of the order. Our team will provide a more accurate timeline once your order is confirmed.
Yes, we offer samples of our packaging so you can assess the quality and fit before committing to a larger order. Contact us to request a sample pack tailored to your business needs.
Yes, we ship internationally. Please note that shipping costs and delivery times may vary depending on the destination. Contact our team for specific shipping options and rates for your region.
We accept returns on standard, non-customized items in their original condition within 30 days of receipt. Custom orders are non-refundable unless they arrive damaged or defective.
If you experience any issues with your order, please contact info@ecopackables.com for assistance.