Sustainable Packaging Considerations for Shipping Overseas

Why Sustainable Export Packaging Matters

As global shipping and supply chains face increasing environmental scrutiny, packaging for export is under the spotlight. It’s no longer just about getting products safely from point A to point B—it’s about doing so responsibly, efficiently, and in line with international standards.

With regulations tightening and customers becoming more environmentally aware, manufacturers and exporters are expected to take real steps to reduce waste and carbon emissions. This means reviewing packaging choices not just for durability, but for sustainability, without compromising on performance or delivery times.

The Unique Demands of Export Packaging

Shipping goods overseas presents very different challenges to domestic delivery. Packaging must be strong enough to withstand long journeys and protect against shifting temperatures, humidity, and pressure. At the same time, it needs to be space-efficient to reduce volumetric shipping costs and lower emissions.

There’s also the need to meet a growing list of international packaging regulations. From the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to recycling and labelling laws in the US and Asia-Pacific, ensuring compliance is now a key part of exporting successfully.

Balancing product protection, sustainability, cost, and compliance is a complex task—but an essential one.

What Makes Packaging Sustainable for Export?

Creating packaging that meets sustainability goals while delivering performance means rethinking materials, design and logistics. Here are some of the core principles businesses should focus on:

Optimise Packaging Size and Weight

Reducing unnecessary space in packaging lowers material use and decreases emissions from shipping. Right-sized packaging ensures that boxes are only as large as they need to be, helping improve efficiency across the supply chain. It also reduces the need for extra filler materials, which can often be hard to recycle.

Choose Recyclable and Mono-Material Solutions

Packaging made from a single, recyclable material—such as paperboard or polyethene—is more likely to be accepted by recycling systems around the world. Multi-material packs (like plastic-lined cardboard) are often harder to process and may not be recycled in some countries. Clear, universal labelling also helps ensure correct disposal once the product arrives.

Greyhound Box advises businesses on selecting the most suitable recycled and mono-material packaging for export, balancing sustainability with durability and compliance. For example, in our work with Phoenox Textiles, the packaging aligned with the brand’s own environmental values—using recycled content and simplifying materials to ensure recyclability at the end of life.

Use Certified and Responsible Materials

Using packaging materials that are responsibly sourced is another key step toward sustainable export. Materials certified by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) or PEFC guarantee traceability and responsible forestry practices. For exporters, this can also help meet specific market requirements, such as recycled content thresholds set by the EU.

Design for Protection Without Excess

Good design can significantly reduce the amount of packaging needed while still offering full protection. Corrugated cardboard with the right flute profile can provide excellent stacking strength without adding unnecessary bulk. Where additional protection is needed, recyclable cushioning materials can replace plastic void fill to keep sustainability goals on track.

Reusable Packaging for B2B Shipments

In situations where goods are shipped regularly between the same partners, reusable packaging may be a viable option. Stronger, returnable corrugated packs or boxes designed for reverse logistics can help reduce waste and cut long-term packaging costs, especially in closed-loop systems.

Greyhound Box supports this approach through the design of durable, return-ready packaging tailored for multi-use within closed-loop transit and warehousing systems. Their expertise includes creating corrugated solutions with integrated return mechanisms—ideal for businesses operating consistent B2B shipping routes. Greyhound Box has helped clients implement reusable divider systems and pallet boxes that are returned and reused repeatedly within supply chains, supporting both circularity and cost efficiency.

Keeping Up with Packaging Regulations

Packaging regulations are evolving quickly, particularly in major export markets.

• In the EU, the PPWR will soon require all packaging to be recyclable and include minimum levels of recycled content. 
• In the US, states like California have introduced extended producer responsibility (EPR) and labelling requirements. 
• Across Asia-Pacific, countries such as South Korea, Japan, and Australia continue to update their recycling and packaging waste laws. 

Staying compliant means keeping packaging specifications up to date and understanding what each market requires. At Greyhound Box, we work with our customers to make sure their packaging not only performs well but also meets the latest legal and environmental standards.

Supporting Exporters with Smarter Packaging

Greyhound Box partners with manufacturers and exporters to design packaging that works across borders. Our export-ready solutions are developed to protect goods in transit, reduce waste, and meet international sustainability expectations.

We offer:

• Custom right-size packaging that reduces excess materials and shipping costs 
• FSC-certified and recycled content materials 
• Durable, lightweight corrugated board for international shipping 
• Reusable packaging options for recurring B2B deliveries 
• Ongoing design support aligned with EU, UK, and other global regulations

Final Thoughts

Sustainable packaging for export is about more than just ticking boxes—it’s a vital part of a responsible, future-ready supply chain. By investing in packaging that reduces waste, improves efficiency, and meets compliance requirements, exporters are better prepared to compete in a changing global market.

If you’re reviewing your export packaging strategy, Greyhound Box is here to help with solutions that protect your products and the planet. Contact us to build a smarter, more sustainable way to ship together.