You should only call a packaging “recyclable” if it can realistically be recycled by end-users. In the U.S., the FTC’s Green Guides say an item shouldn’t be marketed as recyclable unless a “substantial majority” of people who buy it have access to recycling facilities for that material. In practice, a good rule of thumb (and now a legal requirement in California) is that at least 60% of the population must have access to recycle that type of packaging. Check the material and format of your packaging: Is it commonly accepted in curbside programs? (e.g. corrugated boxes, PET bottles), or is it something like plastic film or a multi-layer pouch that only a specialty program can handle? If it’s the latter, you may need to qualify the claim – for example, “Recyclable in drop-off programs only” or “Check locally, not recycled in all communities.” Also, ensure you follow any labeling rules: California’s new SB 343 law (the “Truth in Recycling” law) will prohibit the use of the chasing-arrows symbol on packaging that doesn’t meet recyclability criteria. In short, for a recyclability claim to stick, the package must truly be recycled at scale, or your claim must clearly state the limitations.

Be very cautious with “biodegradable” claims – in fact, it’s usually best to avoid this term on packaging without heavy qualification. Why? “Biodegradable” on its own is vague; it implies the material will completely break down into natural substances in a relatively short time, no matter how it’s disposed of. Most packaging will eventually biodegrade if you wait long enough (years or decades), but regulators say that’s not enough. The FTC Green Guides advise that an unqualified “biodegradable” claim means the product should decompose within about one year in typical disposal conditions (like a landfill) – a very high bar that most materials don’t meet. Moreover, some states prohibit “biodegradable” labels on plastics outright. For example, California has laws (such as SB 567 and related “truthful labeling” statutes) designed to keep misleading “biodegradable” plastics off the market, because those claims have historically been abused. If your packaging truly has biodegradability benefits, it’s better to use specific terms like compostable or to describe the context (e.g. “marine biodegradable plastic” with evidence, or “biodegrades 90% in 2 years in soil”). Always have robust scientific proof for any biodegradability claim. In general, unless you have certification or data for a very specific scenario, it’s safest to skip the “biodegradable” claim to avoid greenwashing risk.

 Recycled content is an effective way to reduce reliance on virgin materials and support circularity — but it's important to be clear and accurate in how you talk about it. When making a recycled content claim, specify the percentage and the type: post-consumer (from end-user waste) or pre-consumer/post-industrial (factory scraps). Certifications like GRS (Global Recycled Standard) can help verify these claims and add credibility. In certain packaging types, like flexible food pouches, using 100% recycled content isn’t feasible due to food safety regulations. However, incorporating recycled content into outer laminates or secondary packaging is a meaningful step forward and worth highlighting. When communicating recycled content, avoid overstatements. For example, if a mailer includes 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, state that clearly rather than implying the entire product is recycled. Transparency builds trust, especially when paired with verified data or certification.