Fair warning, this post is a bit unfinished–in the sense that something like eco friendly packaging is always evolving and as time goes on, so will more options for sustainable brands. I’m in a lot of online communities for freelance designers, and the question of where to source sustainable packaging comes up from time to time. Which is great news… it means that more of our clients are considering the environment in their businesses. Having had this resource in mind for a while, I figured it would be easy to filter through my bookmarks and fine tons of sources for all you sustainable shop owners.
Blue Heron Botanicals lip balm tubes are home compostable and made from 100% PCW recycled paper.
What I found, instead, was lots of ethical brands with sustainable packaging to inspire us (see the photos and captions throughout this post!) and lots of companies like noissue and tishwish who have eco conscious solutions for mailing supplies (think compostable mailers) versus actual product packaging.
So while there are so many sustainable brands leading the way in innovative, zero waste packaging, finding exactly how it’s done is a little more complicated.
noissue custom tissue paper via noissue blog
I love how companies like noissue above, who provide custom packaging solutions for smaller businesses, dedicate part of their website to sharing how those businesses have used their goods and services. I wish all of the other packaging suppliers did this!
Kinship partners with Ocean Waste Practices for their recycled skincare packaging.
Some eco friendly brands like Kinship share their packaging processes on their website, so the consumer can see how “green” they really are.
Sustainable skincare brand SBTRCT uses compostable packaging, and actually tells you what to do with it in each listing. This is a rarity, even in the world of green beauty!
noissue custom tissue paper via noissue blog
tishwish compostable mailer by Santos
See? Lots of custom options for those seeking a sustainable mailing options these days. The cool thing with brands like these is that the consumer can order general mailers themselves, while companies can customize based on certain order minimums.
Good Flower Farm‘s simple paper tubes looks gorgeous with their beautiful branding.
Here’s the list I have going so far for brands that want to both package and ship their product more sustainable.
Where To Buy Eco Friendly Packaging Supplies
Eco Enclose offers recycled poly mailers, biodegradable and recycled tissue paper, eco friendly boxes and so much more. They also have custom shipping options.
Sun Grown Packaging is an Oakland based supplier of recyclable & biodegradable packaging for eco conscious brands.
noissue is a popular choice for eco friendly packaging as they offer custom packaging supplies with low order minimums and an easy design process. They offer compostable mailers, stickers, tapes, labels, and more.
If you’re shipping from Australia, rethink packaging‘s compostable mailers are made to disappear within 180 days! I really like that they actually show you how to do it, and not just say something is compostable without offering the resources to keep it out of landfill.
If you’re willing to put in the time, Etsy can be a great resource for sustainable packaging supplies! I can’t say that everyone who claims to follow eco friendly practices is being totally transparent, but with so many small businesses to choose from and the ability to easily message the seller, you can ask any and all questions you need to make sure the materials are up to your standards as an ethical brand.
Ocean Waste Plastics is a global project to remove plastic waste from oceans and rivers while offering recycled packaging solutions to businesses.
Similar to noissue and rethink above, tishwish offers corn-based compostable mailers.
A Better Source isn’t a packaging company, but a directory of sustainable packaging and print resources for branding and design!
Vela created a single-use poly bag replacement from FSC-certified paper that supports ocean research with each use. Businesses will love this if they are looking for transparent options that plastic usually provides.
Do you know where to find eco friendly packaging for your small business? Let us know your favorite resources so we can add to this guide!
your two cents