Questions You Should Know about Custom Eco Packaging

31, Mar. 2025

 

7 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Eco-Friendly Cardboard ...

From cost savings to brand reputation and sustainability through responsibly used resources, there are many long-term benefits for businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Ecobag.

While it might seem fairly inconsequential, your choice of packaging plays a huge part in your operation. Not only does it protect your product and convey your brand identity, but it can also have an impact on reaching your sustainability goals. 

In this blog, our experts at ESS explore the advantages of switching from plastic packaging to climate-conscious solutions such as cardboard, and the key questions you should ask your packaging supplier. 

The importance of environmentally friendly packaging

We understand the appeal of plastic packaging: it’s a widely available material, its versatility means it can be manufactured to various product specifications, and it’s durable, protecting your products during transportation. 

Not to mention that plastic is familiar, it’s been tried and tested, so why would you make the change from a reliable solution? 

It’s clear why some businesses struggle to make the leap from traditional packaging to new eco-friendly options, but these statistics might make you think twice. 

When it comes to global plastic production, a shocking 40% of plastic is manufactured for packaging. 

A factor that makes this statistic even more concerning is that much of the plastic produced is single-use. Once single-use plastic is discarded it often ends up in landfills.

From here, it can take anywhere between 20-500 years for plastic to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Not only does this damage ecosystems but it can also be harmful to us. 

For food products especially, packaging can have a significant effect on the environment, having a greater impact than the fuel used to ship it. In fact, packaging can contribute to 5% of the energy used in a food product’s life cycle.

Fortunately, as awareness of environmental issues such as climate change and resource depletion increases, more and more businesses are making the switch to sustainable practices, including eco-friendly packaging. 

How eco-friendly packaging can give businesses a competitive advantage 

With all the energy and research required to find an eco-friendly solution to your packaging, you’re probably wondering how much it could benefit your business and whether taking this step is worth it. In reality, there are several business benefits to reducing your carbon footprint.

An increasing number of customers are recognising the importance of their choices. To do their part for the environment, consumers are prioritising companies that are making an effort towards environmental responsibility. 

Recent studies have shown that for 50% of consumers, sustainability is one of the key factors they consider when shopping, with a willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly products. 

This shift in shopping behaviours means that any business prepared to alter their operation to adopt sustainable solutions can benefit from attracting environmentally conscious consumers, as well as improve satisfaction for their existing customers. 

In addition to this, it’s an opportunity to boost your brand image. You could even run a campaign to highlight your new sustainability goals. 

Questions to ask your eco-friendly packaging provider 

If you have decided that now is the time to transition to green solutions, the first thing you need to do is find the right packaging provider. 

We’ve put together some key questions to ask to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality, eco-friendly packaging solutions on the market. 

Where does your cardboard come from? 

While cardboard is an eco-friendly solution, you need to ensure that it has been sourced from a supplier that supports ethical practices in compliance with regulations. 

At ESS, all our corrugated cardboard is sourced following FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) guidelines and is FSC certified, which means the materials we use have been sourced from responsibly managed forests. 

What percentage of the cardboard is made from recycled materials and does this compare to industry standards? 

The industry standard for corrugated cardboard is that it is made from a minimum of 70% recycled material with approximately 90% of it sourced from post-consumer content and 10% pre-consumer content. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Eco Packaging. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

All corrugated cardboard packaging products from ESS are made from a minimum of 70% ranging to 92% on certain parts, going above and beyond industry standards.

We also track our data year on year regarding recycled content percentages with the aim of constantly improving them.

What is your company policy on waste reduction during production? 

The production of your eco-friendly packaging is just as important as the percentage of the recycled materials it is made from. 

There’s no use in utilising sustainable solutions to conserve resources if your packaging provider Is generating waste during production. 

As part of our environmental policy at ESS, we regularly assess the impact of our business operations, reporting any manufacturing processes that might produce excessive waste so action can be taken to reduce it. 

Are the designs optimised for material efficiency? 

A key part of waste reduction is to optimise packaging designs, such as using lighter materials and innovative designs that help to maintain packaging integrity while using few resources. 

At ESS, our customisable approach allows us to craft packaging solutions that are made to your exact product specifications, ensuring secure and protective solutions that reduce the need for excess materials.

Is the packaging easily recyclable or compostable by the end user? 

Most product packaging ends up in the homes of consumers who should be able to dispose of packaging materials through environmentally conscious methods. 

At ESS, all of our eco-friendly packaging solutions are biodegradable, bio-based and compostable, as well as chlorine-free, preventing harmful chemical contamination. 

How does your company stay compliant with UK environmental regulations? 

Environmental regulations are put into place to ensure that our practices protect the environment and human health. 

They set certain standards and guidelines for businesses to adhere to when producing eco-friendly packaging, such as materials and processes that meet certain criteria. 

ESS holds ISO accreditation, an internationally recognised standard for environmental management. We also ensure all of our materials are FSC-compliant. 

What are your long-term sustainability goals regarding cardboard packaging? 

At ESS, we continue to strive towards our sustainability goals. In the future we aim to: 

  • Eradicate our use of single use plastic packaging 
  • Increased the recycled content of cardboard packaging to the highest possible percentage
  • Include printed recyclability instructions on all appropriate packaging for the end-user

Environmentally Friendly Cardboard Packaging Solutions from ESS 

5 Mistakes to avoid when ordering eco-friendly packaging | The ...

Eco-friendly packaging is becoming increasingly popular among consumers and businesses alike. More and more people are becoming aware of the environmental impact of traditional packaging materials and are looking for sustainable alternatives. If you're considering ordering eco-friendly packaging for your business, there are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure you get the best results. In this blog post, we'll discuss the top 5 mistakes to avoid when ordering your eco-friendly packaging.

Mistake #1: Not Considering Your Product Requirements

One of the most common mistakes businesses make when ordering eco-friendly packaging is not considering their product requirements. It's important to choose a packaging solution that can protect your product during shipping and storage. If your packaging is not durable enough, it could result in damaged products, which could cost you money and damage your brand's reputation. Make sure to choose a packaging material that is sturdy enough to protect your product while also being environmentally friendly.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Material

Another common mistake is choosing the wrong eco-friendly packaging material. There are many different materials available, including recycled cardboard, biodegradable materials, and compostable materials. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs. For example, if you require a specific level of durability, recycled cardboard may be a better option than compostable materials.

Mistake #3: Not Considering Your Branding Needs

Your packaging is an important part of your branding, so it's essential to choose a packaging solution that reflects your brand's values and image. Many businesses make the mistake of choosing eco-friendly packaging that doesn't match their branding, which can lead to confusion among customers. Make sure to choose packaging that is both eco-friendly and visually appealing to your target audience.

Mistake #4: Not Choosing a Certified Supplier

Choosing a certified supplier is crucial when ordering eco-friendly packaging. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is a globally recognized standard for responsible forestry practices. An FSC-certified supplier like the Yebo Group can provide you with packaging materials that are made from responsibly sourced wood and forest products. It's important to do your research and choose a supplier that is transparent about their environmental credentials and has a good reputation in the industry.

Mistake #5: Failing to Communicate with Your Supplier

Finally, it's essential to communicate clearly with your packaging supplier. Make sure to discuss your specific requirements and ask any questions you may have. A good supplier will be happy to provide advice and guidance to help you choose the best eco-friendly packaging solution for your needs. Make sure to provide clear instructions and specifications, and to ask for samples if necessary.

In conclusion, ordering eco-friendly packaging can be a great way to reduce your environmental impact while also appealing to eco-conscious customers. However, it's important to avoid these common mistakes to ensure you get the best results. By considering your product requirements, choosing the right material, reflecting your branding needs, choosing a certified supplier, and communicating clearly with your supplier, you can order eco-friendly packaging that meets your needs and helps you achieve your sustainability goals.

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