Green packaging: Guide to materials and their uses

Here, we explore green packaging materials, their uses, and why we recommend them to our customers at Swiftpak.

Green packaging materials

Corn starch bioplastic

Made from the renewable resource corn, corn starch is a biodegradable material that’s becoming more and more popular in the packaging industry. There are several advantages to using Corn starch when producing green packaging, these include:

• No toxins
• Low carbon production
• Biodegradable and compostable

Corn starch is commonly used to produce PLA, a packaging material ideal for shipping food and pharmaceutical products that require temperature control. Here are a few examples of PLA packaging products and their uses.

PLA insulation felt packaging

PLA insulation felt is 100% biodegradable and offers incredible flexibility, allowing for adjustment to fit with most carton sizes. Simply place the PLA insulation felt inside the box, pack the products on top and seal. A sterile and effective green packaging solution!

PLA self-sealing insulation bag

PLA self-sealing insulation bags guarantee great heat prevention while preventing condensed water from leaking. The PLA seal-sealing insulation bag is perfect for situations where refrigerated and room temperature foods are mixed into the same packaged.

We’re huge fans of PLA at Swiftpak and offer several PLA packaging products to our customers looking for a green, temperature-controlled solution. For more information on PLA and what we offer, take a look at our ultimate guide to PLA packaging.

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Paper & Cardboard

Reusable, recyclable and biodegradable. Paper and cardboard is commonly used across the industry to produce green packaging solutions for businesses looking to make a positive impact on the environment. There are many advantages to using paper and cardboard packaging products including:

• 100% recyclable and biodegradable
• Minimise waste generation
• Widely available
• World’s most collected and recyclable material
• Minimal carbon footprint

Paper void fill

An incredibly versatile product to protect your goods from damage during shipping. Paper void fill is available in a variety of systems for packing light, medium and heavy items. Paper void fill is highly flexible with multiple machine configurations available for the perfect package. Take a look at our paper void fill blog for a breakdown of the types available and when you should use it.

Reinforced self-adhesive paper machine tape

This green packaging product is a great alternative to gummed paper tape. Not only does it share all the benefits gummed paper tape has, but no water is needed upon activation. If you’re looking for a clean, green and efficient way to seal your packages, reinforced self-adhesive paper machine tape is for you. If you're interested in this new, innovative taping solution, contact Swiftpak today, we're the UK's first supplier!

Embossed paper rolls

A green alternative to bubble wrap. If you’re currently using bubble wrap to package your products, consider using embossed paper rolls instead. With similar cushioning protection, 100% recyclability and biodegradability, embossed paper rolls are a no brainer really.

Paper mailing bags

Fully recyclable Jiffy paper padded bags are a great alternative to polythene bags. Made from high-quality Kraft paper, air is trapped inside the bag to protect the product at hand.

Greener packaging with Swiftpak

Going green is easier than you think. With the help of a forward-thinking packaging supplier like Swiftpak, you’ll have everything needed to achieve a greener packaging solution. From an extensive range of green packaging products, to automated waste reports, and no-obligation packaging audits, begin your transition to a greener packaging solution with Swiftpak today.

no-obligation packaging audit