Key takeaways
- Sustainable packaging reduces environmental impact – Eco-friendly options like recycled cardboard, biodegradable plastics, and compostable materials help businesses minimize waste and pollution.
- Diverse alternatives suit various needs – From bamboo and mushroom packaging to glass and kraft paper, there are sustainable solutions available for different product types and industries.
- Going green benefits both business and consumers – Using sustainable packaging not only supports the planet but also enhances brand reputation, meets consumer demand, and fosters long-term customer loyalty.
In short: Sustainable packaging materials help online sellers cut waste and meet demand for eco-friendly products. Ten good options are recycled cardboard, biodegradable plastics, compostable packaging, bamboo, mushroom packaging, cornstarch, green cell foam, glass, hemp, kraft paper and upcycled materials.
Shoppers care more about the planet than ever. So businesses face growing pressure to go green. For an online seller, packaging is one of the best places to make a positive impact. Here are ten sustainable packaging options that will help your ecommerce business become greener. Related reading: Sustainable Ecommerce: 10 Ways to Make Your Online Business Eco-Friendly.
Recycled cardboard
Recycled cardboard is one of the most common and cheapest eco-friendly packaging options. You can use it for everything from shipping boxes to product packaging. It's also easy to find suppliers who offer recycled options.
Biodegradable plastics
Biodegradable plastics are a greener alternative to traditional plastic packaging, which is a major cause of pollution. They are usually made from biobased sources, like plants. These materials break down naturally over time, so they do less harm to the environment.
Compostable packaging
Compostable packaging is designed to break down naturally in a compost environment, much like biodegradable plastics. It's especially popular for food packaging. Once composted, it can help create nutrient-rich soil for future crops.
Bamboo packaging
Bamboo is a highly sustainable material for eco packaging, from boxes to cutlery. It grows fast, lasts well and is biodegradable. That makes bamboo an ideal choice for any online seller who wants to reduce their environmental impact.
Mushroom packaging
Mushroom packaging is an innovative eco-friendly option made from farm waste and mushroom mycelium. It's fully compostable. You can use it for everything from food packaging to insulation.
Cornstarch packaging
Cornstarch packaging is a biodegradable option that's growing in popularity. It's light and cheap, and it works for many packaging types. One example is biodegradable packing peanuts, an eco-friendly alternative to styrofoam or bubble wrap.
Green cell foam packaging
Green cell foam is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic foam packaging. It's made from recycled paper fibers. This material is light and absorbs shocks well, and it can be molded to fit any product shape.
Glass packaging
Glass packaging is a green choice for any product that can be stored in glass, though it won't suit everything. Glass can be recycled again and again without end. That makes it a highly sustainable packaging choice.
Hemp packaging
Hemp is a fast-growing, renewable crop used to make paper, bags and other packaging. Hemp-based materials are biodegradable and compostable. That makes them a great eco-friendly packaging option.
Kraft paper packaging
Kraft paper is a sustainable packaging material because it's eco-friendly and recyclable. It's made from natural wood fibers that are unbleached and free from harmful chemicals. Kraft paper is also biodegradable.
Upcycled materials
Upcycled materials are a final option for your sustainable packaging needs. Upcycling means reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away, such as old newspapers or fabric scraps.
How do you choose the right sustainable packaging?
Match the material to your product, your shipping route and the rules where your customers live.
- Protection: fragile items need shock-absorbing fillers such as green cell foam or mushroom packaging.
- End of life: compostable packaging only breaks down fully under composting conditions, so check what your customers can actually compost or recycle.
- Size and weight: right-sized, lighter packaging cuts shipping costs and the amount of packaging you report under EPR rules.
- Plastic content: less non-recycled plastic means a lower bill where plastic packaging taxes apply.
Which EU rules apply to packaging?
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40, known as the PPWR, sets the main packaging rules across the EU. It has been in force since 11 February 2025 and has applied generally since 12 August 2026. It replaces the 1994 Packaging Directive.
The regulation aims to make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030. It also sets binding reuse targets and restricts PFAS in food-contact packaging above certain thresholds. See the European Commission's packaging waste page.
Do you pay for the packaging you send?
In many countries, yes. Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, businesses that put packaged goods on a market must register and help fund the collection and recycling of that packaging. Germany, France and Spain all have mandatory packaging EPR.
Some countries also tax plastic packaging directly. Spain, for example, charges €0.45 per kilogram of non-recycled plastic in non-reusable plastic packaging. Read more in Packaging Waste Regulations and the Impact on E-Commerce Businesses.
Is sustainable packaging worth it for your business?
Yes. Switching to sustainable packaging is a simple way to shrink your environmental footprint and meet demand for eco-friendly products. Recycled cardboard, biodegradable plastics, bamboo or upcycled materials all help. Every small change adds up to a greener future.
Sustainable packaging also helps your brand. It builds your reputation and customer loyalty. That makes it a smart investment for any business that wants to stay ahead as shoppers grow more eco-conscious.
Do you need help with your EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) or Plastic Tax compliance? Book a free call with one of our experts and find out how we can help you optimize your compliance costs.
How Taxually handles this
Taxually’s EcoTax registers you with the right EPR schemes in Germany, France and Spain, provides the registration numbers marketplaces such as Amazon ask for, and handles the periodic volume reports and payments to producer responsibility organisations, including the Spanish plastic packaging tax.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most affordable eco-friendly packaging option?
Recycled cardboard is widely available, low-cost, and easy to implement for shipping and product packaging.
Is biodegradable packaging the same as compostable?
Not exactly. Both break down naturally, but compostable packaging requires specific composting conditions to decompose fully.
Which sustainable materials are best for fragile items?
Green cell foam and molded mushroom packaging offer excellent shock absorption and protection for delicate products.
Can I brand eco-friendly packaging?
Yes. Most sustainable packaging materials—like kraft paper, bamboo, and hemp—can be printed or customized with your brand.
Is switching to sustainable packaging worth the cost?
Yes. Eco-friendly packaging improves your brand image, appeals to conscious consumers, and supports long-term sustainability goals.
