Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Packoi Team
When people think of recyclable packaging, paper and cardboard often come to mind first. They’re reliable, easy to reuse, and widely accepted in recycling programs. Yet, they’re far from the only choices available. Plenty of other materials can be recycled, each offering its own balance of durability, cost, and environmental value.
In this article, you’ll discover other environmentally friendly packaging materials that you can use to create the outer and inner layers of your packaging. Let’s get into it right away.
6 Common Recyclable Packaging Materials
Many packaging choices already in use can be recycled without much extra effort. These materials are familiar, reliable, and easy to process across most recycling systems.
From everyday shipping boxes to containers that protect food and household items, each of these options supports cleaner production and waste reduction.
| Material | Source / Base | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Paper & Paperboard | Renewable wood pulp | Flexible, durable (corrugated), and widely accepted in recycling programs. |
| Recyclable Plastics (PET & HDPE) | PET (bottles) & HDPE (jugs) | Sturdy, lightweight, and widely accepted at recycling centers. |
| Glass | Sand and limestone | Infinitely recyclable without losing purity or strength; preserves taste. |
| Cellulose | Plants (wood, cotton, hemp) | Biodegradable, strong, flexible, and moisture-resistant. |
| Wood | Trees (renewable) | Strong, versatile, biodegradable, and stores carbon (if responsibly sourced). |
| Metal (Aluminum & Steel) | Ore | Infinitely recyclable; strong, durable, and moisture/air resistant (aluminum). |
Below are six that continue to set the standard for recyclable packaging in regular use.
1. Paper & Paperboard (Inc. Corrugated)
Paper and paperboard have long been staples of recyclable packaging. They’re sourced from renewable wood pulp and can be reused multiple times without losing strength or quality.
Their flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of products, from food and cosmetics to electronics. Corrugated cardboard adds durability for shipping boxes, while paperboard is ideal for lightweight retail packaging.
Kraft packaging and paper bags provide simple, eco-friendly options for everyday use. Because they’re widely accepted by recycling programs, paper-based materials remain one of the easiest and most dependable packaging choices for both businesses and consumers.
2. Recyclable Plastics (PET & HDPE)
Some plastics can be recycled safely and reused without much loss in quality. The two main types are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
PET is common in water bottles and food containers, while HDPE is found in milk jugs and shampoo bottles. These plastics are sturdy, lightweight, and widely accepted at recycling centers.
The key is to label them clearly and keep non-recyclable plastics, like grocery bags made from low-density polyethylene, out of the mix. For brands that rely on plastic, switching to recyclable or bio-based options helps cut waste while keeping packaging practical and durable.
3. Glass
Glass remains one of the few packaging materials that can be recycled endlessly without losing purity or strength. It’s made from natural elements like sand and limestone and can be reshaped into bottles, jars, or containers again and again.
Its ability to preserve taste and prevent contamination makes it ideal for food and beverages. Although the production and transport of glass require more energy than lighter materials, its durability makes up for it.
Many businesses reuse glass containers several times before recycling, reducing waste in the process. With proper handling, glass packaging offers a long life cycle and a dependable way to support sustainable production and consumption.
4. Cellulose
Cellulose is a naturally occurring polymer that forms the structural framework of plant cell walls. Derived from renewable sources such as wood, cotton, and hemp, it is one of the most abundant organic materials on Earth.
Composed of long chains of glucose molecules, cellulose combines strength, flexibility, and biodegradability. It can be processed into films, fibers, or composites that retain moisture resistance and mechanical stability without relying on synthetic additives.
Since cellulose originates from plant matter, it can break down naturally or be recycled into new cellulose-based products. Its renewable origin and natural decomposition process make it a cornerstone material for advancing bio-based, circular manufacturing systems.
5. Wood
Wood is a naturally renewable material valued for its strength, versatility, and low environmental impact. Composed primarily of cellulose fibers bound by lignin, it offers excellent mechanical properties while remaining lightweight and biodegradable.
Its organic structure allows for efficient carbon storage since trees absorb carbon dioxide during growth and retain it even after being harvested. This makes wood one of the few structural materials with a net-positive effect on carbon balance when responsibly sourced.
The recyclability of wood extends its life cycle through processes like repurposing, re-milling, or conversion into composite fibers. However, sustainability depends heavily on forest management practices.
Certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) confirm that the material originates from forests managed to preserve biodiversity and prevent deforestation.
6. Metal (Aluminum & Steel)
Metals like aluminum and steel stand out among recyclable materials for their exceptional strength, versatility, and circular lifespan. Both can be melted down and reused repeatedly without losing structural integrity or performance.
Aluminum, in particular, combines light weight with remarkable resistance to moisture, air, and light exposure. These traits make it ideal across industries. About 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in circulation today, highlighting its long-term sustainability and recyclability.
Steel offers similar environmental value. It’s one of the most commonly recycled materials worldwide and can be reprocessed indefinitely with minimal degradation. Since both metals require less energy to recycle than to produce from raw ore, they help reduce emissions and conserve natural resources.
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Beyond Recycling: 3 Innovative & Compostable Materials
Recycling has long been the focus of sustainable packaging, but it’s only part of the picture. As more brands look to reduce waste at the source, compostable materials are becoming a strong alternative.
These materials break down naturally, leaving behind no harmful residue and returning nutrients to the soil. They work well for packaging food, cosmetics, and other short-use products.
| Material | Source / Base | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Green-Cell Cushioning Foam | Starch (from maize plants) | Protective cushioning; dissolves in water or can be composted at home. |
| Compostable Packing Peanuts | Plant-based (cornstarch, wheat) | Cushions fragile goods; dissolves in water or can be added to compost. |
| Recycled Air Pillows | Recycled plastic | Fills empty space; lightweight (mostly air), reusable, and cuts material waste. |
| Hemp Labels | Hemp fibers and recycled paper | Durable, natural look; made from a fast-growing, low-water crop. |
| Glassine Paper | Refined wood pulp | Translucent, smooth finish; grease, moisture, and air resistant; acid-free. |
Here are some innovative and compostable materials businesses can use.
1. Mushroom
Apart from being recyclable, mushrooms are also very sustainable. It’s made of fungi, which can easily be reproduced. It only takes 7 days to grow and be created into moldable shapes.
Mushroom packaging has the same qualities as plastic in terms of its durability and ability to protect products. The best part is that mushroom packaging goes beyond being recyclable. This environmentally friendly packaging is compostable.
That means you don’t have to send it to recycling facilities. You can use it as food for your garden.
2. Seaweed & Algae
Seaweed and algae are emerging as promising materials for compostable packaging. They grow quickly without the need for freshwater or fertilizers, making them a renewable source that leaves little environmental impact.
Through extraction and drying, their natural gel, known as agar, can be shaped into thin films, wraps, or pods that hold liquids and solids securely.
The result is packaging that breaks down completely after use, without producing harmful waste. As production methods improve, seaweed-based materials are becoming a practical replacement for single-use plastics in food service, cosmetics, and other short-life products.
3. Cornstarch (PLA)
Cornstarch is made from the starch found in maize, giving it a texture and flexibility similar to traditional plastic. Cornstarch can be shaped into bags, trays, and containers that naturally decompose once discarded.
This makes it a cleaner choice compared to petroleum-based materials. However, there’s an important tradeoff to consider. Corn is a key food crop, and large-scale use for packaging could affect food supply and prices.
While cornstarch packaging offers a renewable and compostable option, it works best when used carefully and in balance with the demand for food resources.
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5 Recyclable Inner Packaging and Design Elements
It’s not just the outer packaging that enjoys eco-friendly alternatives. Even the inner packaging, like fillers and labels, can use sustainable packaging materials.
You have to realize that these also contribute to the growing packaging waste problem. So if you can use biodegradable or even compostable packaging materials, that would benefit the environment greatly.
| Material | Source / Base | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mushroom | Fungi | Grows quickly (7 days), durable (like plastic), and home compostable. |
| Seaweed & Algae | Seaweed and algae | Grows without freshwater/fertilizer; creates compostable films and wraps. |
| Cornstarch (PLA) | Maize (corn) | Decomposes naturally; has a texture and flexibility similar to plastic. |
Here are some of your options.
1. Green-Cell Cushioning Foam
Green Cell Foam offers a safer alternative to traditional styrofoam. Made from starch derived from maize plants, it provides the same protective cushioning without the environmental cost. It can be used to pad fragile items during shipping and breaks down naturally after disposal.
Unlike styrofoam, which lingers in landfills, Green Cell Foam can dissolve in water or be composted at home. This makes it a practical choice for companies aiming to reduce waste while keeping products secure during transport.
2. Compostable Packing Peanuts
Traditional packing peanuts often end up as clutter and waste, but compostable versions change that. Made from plant-based materials like cornstarch or wheat, these peanuts provide the same cushioning for fragile goods without harming the environment.
After use, they dissolve in water or can be added to compost, breaking down completely in a short time. They’re light, protective, and easy to handle, making them a convenient switch for both businesses and consumers.
3. Recycled Air Pillows
Recycled air pillows offer a lighter, cleaner option for filling empty space in packages. Though made from plastic, they use very little of it since most of the volume comes from air. This keeps shipments secure while cutting down on material waste.
When produced from recycled plastic, the impact drops even further. These pillows can be reused multiple times before reaching the recycling bin, giving them a longer life cycle than many single-use fillers.
4. Hemp Labels
Hemp labels give packaging a natural look while keeping it sustainable. They’re made by blending hemp fibers with recycled paper, creating a durable label that prints cleanly and resists wear.
Hemp grows fast and needs little water or chemicals, which makes it an eco-conscious alternative to standard paper labels. These labels can be used for bottles, boxes, or jars without sacrificing quality or style.
To keep them fully eco-friendly, pair them with adhesives made from natural or water-based ingredients instead of petroleum-based glues. The result is packaging that looks good and supports responsible production.
5. Glassine Paper
Glassine paper offers the clarity of plastic with the recyclability of paper. Made from refined wood pulp, it has a smooth, translucent finish that gives packaging a clean, polished look.
The manufacturing process removes acidity and balances pH, making it safe for food and delicate products. Despite its paper base, it resists grease, moisture, and air, which helps keep contents fresh and protected.
Its dense structure adds strength and tear resistance, allowing it to seal items securely without extra layers. Glassine paper combines appearance, durability, and sustainability in one practical material.
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FAQs
1. What qualifies packaging as eco-friendly?
Eco-friendly packaging is made from renewable, recyclable, or compostable materials. It minimizes waste, uses fewer resources during production, and breaks down naturally without releasing harmful substances.
2. How can small businesses switch to sustainable packaging?
Start with simple swaps like recycled boxes or compostable mailers. Partner with eco-conscious suppliers and gradually replace traditional materials as you refine your strategy.
3. Are compostable materials better than recyclable ones?
Compostable materials decompose into natural elements, reducing landfill waste. Meanwhile, recyclables can be reused multiple times. The best choice depends on your packaging lifecycle and goals.
4. Why should businesses switch to recyclable packaging?
It reduces waste, supports circular economies, and shows customers that your brand values sustainability.
5. How can brands ensure their packaging is truly sustainable?
Choose certified materials (like FSC-certified paper) and partner with trusted eco-conscious suppliers such as Packoi.
Conclusion
Sustainable packaging isn’t just a trend; it’s a smarter way forward for brands that care about the planet and their customers. Compostable materials and innovative eco-alternatives help reduce waste and preserve natural resources. As packaging evolves, businesses that prioritize sustainability will stand out and lead the shift toward a cleaner environment.
Avail Sustainably Sourced Materials From Packoi
Recyclability isn’t just about using paper and paperboard packaging materials. There are several recyclable options that you can use to make your packaging solutions more eco-friendly.
For a better transition to sustainable packaging, you need to look for a certification. For instance, Packoi is an FSC-certified company that helps your business stay sustainable and responsible. Get a quote today.
