Sustainable Branded Packaging: How to Get Started

Athens played host to the FEFCO Summit in May of this year. Over 250 people gathered at the two-day event to hear discussions on the theme ‘leading circularity’, a topic that underpins the work we do at Greyhound Box.

We were pleased that Konstantinos Skrekas, Greek Minister of Development, used the Summit as a reminder of the impressive 90% recycling rate achieved by corrugated cardboard. It’s the material at the core of our packaging solutions, and it’s one that unboxes a realm of opportunities for more environmentally-friendly designs – particularly for clients looking for more sustainable branded packaging.

Read on to explore how you can make your brand front and centre of product boxes without compromising the planet.

Why You Must Consider Sustainable Branded Packaging

In the last few years, the demands of our customers approaching us for bespoke branded packaging has shifted – a lot. We shan’t name names, but certain wholesalers who continue to pack products of all shapes into a ‘one-size-fits-all’ box (which they subsequently stuff with unrecyclable bubble wrap or plastic filler) has come to work in favour of the sustainable packaging manufacturer.

End-consumers are far privier to the environmental footprint of the packaging their goods come in – meaning the businesses that produce the goods are, too. That’s where we say ‘hello’ to sustainable branded packaging solutions. Applying to far more than the literal box itself, these designs are pushing the bounds of invention and imagination to craft packaging solutions that are as environmentally friendly* as possible.

*As present innovations allow.

Considering the Bigger Picture

Though we welcome any improvement along the production or supply chain that makes a smaller environmental impact than the one before (i.e. a reduction in waste or energy consumption), it’s one part of a much bigger picture.

For instance, we manufacture made-to-measure, bespoke packaging from corrugated cardboard to minimise materials use and maximise recyclability. But if plastic tape is used to fasten the box and not removed before it’s sent for recycling, the box’s recyclability is limited. As such, we educate, support, and encourage our clients with sustainable swaps to increase the eco-friendly nature of their designs.

The best place to start with more sustainable branded packaging is to take it back to basics: why do you need your brand on the box? Clearly defining the reasons for this activity (whether that’s to boost awareness of a new product line or use widespread brand recognition to its advantage), knowing what you need the branding to achieve is key.

Start Here for Sustainable Branded Packaging!

You’re then in prime position to consider the variety of options available to enhance the sustainable nature of the packaging whilst retaining that vital brand recognition.

1. Water-Based Inks 

We’ll start with the most common aspect of branded packaging: direct prints onto the cardboard itself. For years, industry has relied on solvent-based inks that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air when they dry – less than ideal for protecting the planet! Fortunately, a non-VOC releasing alternative is on the rise in both popularity and accessibility: water-based inks.

• Easily recycled
• Biodegradable
• High-quality finish with a soft feel
• Odourless
• Highly pigmented to results in impressive, eye-catching colours
• Exceptional printability for excellent coverage
• Customisable formulation to reflect your brand colours
• Low foaming and fast drying
• High abrasion resistance

Printed boxes for Dougie’s raw petfood

Manufactured from natural and non-polluting substances, water-based inks are both better for the environment and recyclable. That gives you peace of mind that the branding you choose to print onto your packages isn’t going to affect the eco-credentials of the box. And that the package is able to contribute to a more circular economy (given it’s recycled correctly).

Water-based inks are an incredibly versatile choice to uphold the sustainable nature of a package. They’re just as suited to print designs onto both coated and uncoated materials (like our corrugated cardboard) as they are to wider elements of packaging, like pallet labels. The ink also works hand in hand with kraft paper tape, a double sustainable whammy that’s visually impactful!

2. Self-Seal Box Styles

Where a branded seal is necessary, kraft tape takes the lead – more on that, later. But what if the package doesn’t need adhesive at all? Many standard box styles are self-sealing, like the self-locking designs we manufacture for our clients Lauden Chocolate and Orean.

Our self-sealing branded packaging design for Lauden Chocolate

Eradicating the need for adhesive of any kind (whether that’s kraft paper tape or solvent-free glue), the self-seal nature of the box eradicates the need for any additional ancillaries to fasten the package. What’s more, the standard clamshell box design is a no-frills, minimalist design with clean faces, perfect for directly printing your branding onto.

Orean’s branded box to house their ‘Innovation Kit’ in a self-sealing style

3. Eco-Friendly Seals

Yet there’s many packaging projects that do require an additional seal to securely fasten the box together and protect the goods inside. Now, clear plastic tape has long been the go-to choice to seal packages, but its unrecyclable nature makes it less of a suitable option for sustainable branding activities.

Welcome to the stage, kraft paper tape (we told you we’d get to it!). Over the last year, we’ve had a surge in interest for branded kraft tape, particularly among our retail clients. Whether they’re part of the FMCG world or fellow manufacturers in the textiles and furniture sector, branded kraft tape is one of the simplest yet most eye-catching elements of sustainable branded packaging.

• Plastic free
• 100% recyclable (you don’t need to peel it off the packaging before it’s sent to the recycling centre)
• Water and solvent resistant
• Suitable for both hot (humid) and cold storage environments

Black soluCLEAN branding printed onto kraft paper tape to seal boxes for a Solupak cleaning range

In its standard form, kraft tape’s light brown ‘earthy’ colour exudes nature, ideal for those looking for a minimalist yet sustainable seal to protect their products. Partner this with the capacity to print directly onto to the paper tape (with water-based inks), and you’re onto a sustainable branded packaging winner.

Green soluCLEAN branding printed onto kraft paper tape to seal boxes for a Solupak cleaning range

Whether the tape displays your brand’s logo or slogan, or details instructions for handling, the ability to print onto it supports that all-important first impression. Such a simple detail also exudes major professionalism – customers will recognise the extra effort, and they’ll appreciate it.

Boosting the Sustainability of Branded Packaging

The trio of examples above are just the start of improving the sustainability of branded packaging. There’s a whole bunch of other ways to minimise the footprint your product’s packaging has on the environment. From choosing more local manufacturers to considering bespoke designs, the modern packaging world really is your oyster to make the changes that’ll ripple positive impacts for years to come.

Kickstart sustainable branded packaging for your products by getting in touch with our friendly team!