Sustainable Packaging & Shipping Products

Image by Bench Accounting from Unsplash

We all know that feeling of eagerly awaiting for a delivery. When the day finally arrives, we receive the package - only to find out that the shipping and packaging materials are completely unsustainable! We’ve been in that situation countless times, and we are always torn when we see the amount of waste that one delivery creates. At bobagreen, our mission is to prevent the copious amount of plastic waste that a single serving of bubble tea creates, so it is just as important for us to use sustainable materials when we ship and package our products.

We have found it to be a difficult task to source compostable and biodegradable packaging, as there are not many options in the market. This makes it quite difficult for businesses to find and implement sustainable packaging. To combat this issue, we have compiled a list of sustainable shipping and packaging products, some of which we have used ourselves. We hope that these products can inspire other businesses to reduce the amount of waste that they produce, and change to more sustainable alternatives!

Compostable Shipping Labels: Shipping labels are a necessity for ecommerce businesses. Labels that are made from sustainable materials and can decompose can help to reduce the waste that is created through shipping.

Pure Labels

Pure Labels produces shipping labels that are compostable, bio-based, and non-GMO. Each roll contains 200 labels with dimensions of 4” by 6”. One roll is $29.95, and bulk purchases are eligible for discounts. 

Ecoenclose

The shipping labels from Ecoenclose feature a release liner that is fully recyclable. The product is made from recycled materials, and the label and adhesive are completely recyclable. The labels are 4” by 6”, and one roll includes 1000 labels. One roll costs $26.

Compostable Mailers: Mailers are essential for shipping, but unfortunately most of the time they are made from poly-plastics. Luckily, we have found some mailers that are made from biodegradable materials which can decompose!

Noissue

Noissue’s mailers are completely plant-based, compostable, and biodegradable. These packages can be composted both at home and commercially, making it a great solution for all businesses. These mailers come in three sizes: small (10.2” x 15”), standard (11.8” x 16.5”) and large (14.5” x 18.8”). They can be ordered in packs of 100, 250, 500, and 1000. The respective prices are $105, $215, $350, and $615.

Friendly Mailer

These mailers are compostable, biodegradable, and label-friendly. Made of D2W biodegradable materials, these mailers are durable even in the rain. These mailers are available in small (6.7” x 12”), medium (10” x 14”), and large (14.5” x 20”), and come in packs of 100, 300, 500, and 1000. The price of the mailers is dependent on the number of mailers purchased, with the packs ranging from $80 to $360.

Grounded Packaging

The mailers from Grounded Packaging are made from bio-based materials, and are home compostable. They feature an adhesive strip, which makes the mailer reusable for returning items. These mailers come in three sizes: A5 (7” x 11”), A4 (10” x 12.5”), and LF (15.7” x 17.3”). The minimum quantity available for purchase is 100 units, which would cost $26. Depending on the quantity ordered, the price per unit can range from $0.16/mailer to $0.45/mailer.

Tishwish

These 100% compostable mailers from Tishwish are a great alternative to traditional poly-plastic. The mailers are made from corn, and can break down in 4-6 months at home, and in 3 months at a commercial compost facility. They come in three sizes: small (10.8” x 15.1”), standard (11.8” x 16.5”), and large (14.5” x 18.5”), and can be bought in packs of 100, 300, 500, and 1000. Depending on the number of mailers included in a pack, the price of a pack can range from $82.67 to $507.29.

Ecoenclose

The recyclable poly mailers from Ecoenclose are made completely from recycled content, which includes 50% post-consumer waste. These mailers can be custom branded, and feature a dual adhesive strip which makes it ideal for reusing. The minimum quantity for purchase is 100 mailers, and they are available in many sizes: the smallest at 6” x 9”, and largest at 24” x 24”. The price of each pack of mailers depends on the size of the mailer and the quantity ordered, and can range from $14.25 for a bundle of 100 to $177.00 for a case of 1000.

Compostable Custom Stickers: Stickers can be an amazing way to brand your products, and they don’t always have to produce a ton of waste. These products substitute traditional nonrenewable sticker materials with compostable ones - a great way to be sustainable without sacrificing the look and practicality of stickers!

Plan it Green Printing

Plan it Green Printing prints customizable stickers on EarthfirstPLA, which is a biopolymer made of plants. Although the adhesive has not yet been certified compostable, the stock itself has been European Certified Compostable, and is made mostly from corn. The dimensions of the stickers can be customized, and a quote is needed in order to obtain pricing information. For reference, we were interested in buying stickers in the size of 4” x 5”, and the quote that we received stated that 500 stickers would cost $410, 1000 for $440, 2000 for $510, and 3000 for $575.

Noissue

Noissue stickers are compostable, and printed with soy-based ink on acid free paper. The images on the stickers are completely customizable, and the stickers can be ordered as circles, squares, or rectangles. The size of the sticker is also customizable, as there are multiple pre-set dimensions to choose from. For example, the smallest rectangular sticker available is 25 x 50mm, and the largest is 75 x 155mm. The minimum quantity is a sheet of 250 stickers. There is a huge range in the pricing of the stickers, and it can range from $67.64 for 250 25 x 50mm stickers, to $319.41 for 10 000 25 x 50mm stickers.

Greenerprinter

These compostable stickers from Greenerprinter are printed on recycled Kraft paper, making them a great sustainable option. They are customizable, with multiple options of dimensions available. The minimum quantity is 50 stickers, and the price is dependent on the quantity of stickers ordered, and the size of the stickers. For example, an order of 50 4” x 5” stickers would cost $68.20, and $347.94 for an order of 1000.

Compostable Kraft Pouches: Kraft pouches are a great way for businesses to package their goods. Kraft is biodegradable and compostable, making it a great eco-friendly choice!

Clear Bags

The Kraft pouches from Clear Bags are completely compostable and food safe. Featuring a resealable zipper and tear notches, this pouch is perfect for storing any small items. This pouch has dimensions of 4" x 2 3/8" x 6", and has a minimum quantity of 100 bags. The price ranges from $16.70 for 100 bags ($0.167/unit) to $2140 for 20 000 bags ($0.107/unit).

Elevate Packaging

The compostable, bio-based, and non-GMO stand up Kraft bags from Elevate Packaging have dimensions of 4.75 x 6" x 2.5", and can hold 2 oz. There is a minimum order of 100 bags, and discounts can be applied for bulk purchases. The price begins at $34.25 for 100 bags.

Rootree

These compostable pouches from Rootree are customizable, as your company can brand the bags with your own designs! The compostable stand-up pouch comes in many sizes, ranging from 3.13” x 5.12” x 1.97” ($3.46 each) to 14.33” x 13.93” x 6.69” ($5.49 each). These bags can be ordered individually, but discounts for bulk orders can be made.

Roastar

Roastar’s compostable kraft laminate bags are a great way to brand your company’s products while still being sustainable. The bags come in many preset sizes, the smallest being 3" x 3" x 1.5", and largest being 9.64" x 12" x 4.5". The minimum quantity is 1000 bags, and 1000 of the smallest customizable bags costs $520.00, and 1000 of the largest customizable bags costs $3,300.00.