Today’s consumers are concerned with more than the quality of the product, but also the environmental impact of the product. Recent studies show that 70% of consumers prefer to purchase from brands that use sustainable packaging, and will be more inclined to remain loyal to companies that demonstrate environmental responsibility.
If you are a brand that wants to produce a product that is 100% recyclable, you are in good company. This document presents actionable, real-life strategies on how to transition your company to a completely sustainable product packaging option, while not sacrificing performance, aesthetic form or customer attraction.
“Design isn’t how it looks and feels. Design is how it works.”
When it comes to creating recyclable product packaging, the way it works is the key to reaching your sustainable development goals.
Why Recyclable Packaging is Important
Let’s begin with the reasons why recyclable packaging is so important!
- 80% of all packaging is thrown away after only one use. This results in the accumulation of waste and pollution.
- Sustainable packaging is the dominant product packaging option available within the eco-friendly packaging market (63% of product packaging options available in 2025).
- Nationally, approximately 18% of plastic product packaging gets recycled. This shows there is a significant gap between what people want and what they actually do.
Brands that want to create a circular economy can find recyclable packaging to be an effective way to compete while also fulfilling their environmental responsibilities.
1. Choose the Right Materials
The foundation for recyclable packaging is the material that goes into the packaging. While traditional plastics are easy to create and low-cost, they do not all meet the requirements for recycling in many areas. Instead:
- Paper and card are very recyclable and are widely accepted for recycling purposes.
- Glass can be recycled an infinite number of times without degrading in quality.
- Aluminium and metal can be recycled and may be used to position products as premium products.
- Recycled plastics will have a smaller environmental impact than using virgin plastics.
When developing recyclable packaging, the goal should be to use only one material whenever possible. Multi-layer laminates (materials glued together) appear visually appealing; however, they are extremely difficult to recycle. If you are unsure about what will work best for your region, it is a good idea to talk with local recyclers to ensure your packaging will be recycled.
2. Use Creative Reusable Materials
With so many innovations in today’s market, it is now possible for companies to develop sustainable packaging without compromising on creative design or durability.
- For instance, many food, cosmetic and accessory companies are now using recyclable pouches made from mono-materials such as PE or PP; these can be reused many times, reducing packaging waste.
- Biomaterials, however, such as seaweed and moulded pulp, are an alternative to traditional plastics because they can be used in creating biodegradable and recyclable packaging.
- Numerous brands are using post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in their packaging to reduce the need for virgin materials and to help close the recycling loop.
When they take into account the materials they choose to make their packaging from, they also improve their overall environmental footprint while satisfying the desires of environmentally conscious consumers.
3. Design For Recycling
It’s not just about the type of materials you use; good design for recyclability is also about keeping it simple.
- Less is more, so when you are designing your recyclable packaging, you should strive to minimize the number of components you have (i.e., fewer pieces = easier to recycle).
- Don’t mix materials; mixing multiple types of materials makes it harder for recyclers to process them separately.
- Choose water-based inks, not solvent-based, as these can disrupt the processing of your recycled materials, and avoid coatings that may interfere with the recyclability of your package.
Creating minimalist packaging will help you save resources and also appeal to today’s consumers. Remember, anything added to your packaging, whether it’s a layer of protective plastic, a label, or a decorative finish, will reduce the ability of your product to be recycled.
4. Label Your Products Clearly and Honestly
One of the biggest challenges currently facing recyclable packaging is confusion created by both brands and consumers.
In California, there was recently a lawsuit against some companies that were allegedly mislabeling the products they were selling as recyclable, even though the local recycling systems couldn’t accept these products for processing.
To build consumer confidence and transparency with your recyclable packaging:
- Utilize easily recognizable recycling symbols with corresponding third-party certifications.
- Publicly display your recycling information according to the most prevalent systems found within each local area.
- Avoid misrepresenting the recyclability of your product; if it isn’t recyclable everywhere, be upfront about this fact.
Transparency enables consumers to make appropriate choices regarding your product and solidifies your reputation for being a sustainable brand.
5. Team Up With Recyclers + Innovators
Don’t attempt to go solo. Smart partnerships can help you expedite your transition into using recyclable product packaging. Examples of partners you can work with:
- Packaging material suppliers that understand what recyclable packaging material goes into the different waste streams within your market.
- Recycling facilities that can help you conduct real-world testing on the recyclability of your product packaging options.
- Take-back & refill options are another way to extend your circular economy further.
Companies that work collaboratively throughout the recycling process will not only see improved sustainability outcomes, but they will also be able to leverage new revenue streams.
6. Monitoring and Reporting on Progress
Consumers want to know more about your company than just the product. They want to know how your products are helping improve the world around them.
As a result, you should take note of the following metrics:
- The percentage of recyclable products you are currently using.
- The percentage of recycled materials your products contain.
- The decrease in the amount of waste your company produces over time.
Share these metrics in your sustainability report and product pages to build trust and credibility with your customer base.
Final Thoughts
The future of packaging will be all about being environmentally responsible and socially accountable. This includes creating a 100% recyclable product line, using recycled materials, and developing sustainable packaging strategies that enable customers to be part of the sustainability / circular economy. If you want to make your customers happy, as well as protect the planet, being a part of the solution with a 100% recyclable product line is the best way to do it.
FAQs
What does it mean for a product to be 100% recyclable?
Packaging made entirely from recyclable materials means that all components of the packaging can be recycled through an existing recycling process to be recycled into raw materials for making new products without contaminants.
Are all recyclable materials equally effective?
No. Although some recyclable materials (like aluminium and glass) can go through an unlimited number of times in the recycling process, plastic materials will depend on whether adequate recycling facilities are in the area and how much contamination there is in a recycled material.
How can small brands afford recyclable packaging materials?
While many smaller businesses have to pay more for recycled packaging in the release of the packaging, there are now several suppliers offering scalable solutions to the problem. Over time, recyclables can help offset the cost of the packaging through reduced packaging weight, fewer layers of packaging that are not needed, and through use of recycled products.
Is all recyclable packaging biodegradable?
Not necessarily. Recycling and biodegradability are separate goals. For example, a recyclable product may or may not be a biodegradable product. You can align your recycling strategy with your company’s values and the truth of what is happening within your company.
How can I ensure customers recycle my packaging properly?
Make recycling and disposal instructions clear to consumers; using familiar recycling symbols will help consumers recycle your product. Establishing partnerships with recycling programs and providing education programs to consumers will increase the likelihood of recycling success.
