How To Choose A Sustainable Packaging Company

Let's be truthful for a moment – finding the right sustainable packaging for your products can feel like navigating the deep seas blindfolded. With competing materials, contradictory claims, and rapidly evolving technologies, how do you make sense of it all?

Over the last 8 years, I've been there many times. One moment you're comparing compostable versus recyclable options, the next you're weighing carbon footprints against water usage, and suddenly you're deep in a rabbit hole of certifications and environmental impact studies. It's enough to make anyone want to stick with the status quo and just say "I'll do this later!"

But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be this complicated. After years of helping brands untangle their packaging questions and challenges, I've developed a straightforward framework that cuts through the noise and focuses on what really matters.

I call it the "Four P's of Sustainable Packaging" – a practical approach that anyone can use, whether you're a startup launching your first product or an established Fortune 500 brand looking to improve your environmental impact. This framework doesn't oversimplify the challenges, but it also doesn't overcomplicate, something that we sometimes do in sustainability circles.

Let's dive in :) 

Need help finding the right sustainable packaging solution for your specific product? Book a free consultation and let's tackle your challenges together!

1. Price – Can You Afford It?

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it – sustainability often comes with a higher price tag. That compostable PHA clamshell might cost 2-3 times more than your standard PET plastic container. But before you dismiss the eco option as too expensive, consider the bigger picture.

Many of our clients have found that the marketing benefits and increased customer loyalty more than make up for the higher upfront costs. Plus, I do hear it all the time: "Our customers are willing to pay a little more for products that align with their values."

We should not resist this reality of the world today. Consumers shop based on values.

When evaluating costs, remember to consider the total ownership picture:

• Shipping weight differences (lighter packaging = lower freight costs)
• Storage efficiency (some sustainable options stack better than others)
• Potential savings from reduced environmental fees or taxes

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to get creative! Work with suppliers on volume discounts or test sustainable packaging with a phased rollout. There's usually a sweet spot where sustainability and affordability meet.

And sometimes, sustainable does not cost more. You can actually save money by being more efficient and using less material.

One such example is Justin's light-weighting their packaging! By reducing their plastic by 30%, I am sure that also drove down their packaging spend.

Looking for eco-friendly packaging suppliers that won't break the bank? Check out our supplier directory to find partners that balance sustainability and affordability.

2. Performance – Will It Actually Work?

I learned this lesson when I heard about a client who switched to a mono-material bag for their personal care brand that did not protect the product properly. Sustainable packaging must actually do its job – protecting your product from factory to consumer.

Before making any switches, ask yourself:

• Will this maintain my product's shelf life and freshness?
• Can it handle moisture, grease, or other product-specific challenges?
• Will it survive warehouse stacking and shipping conditions?

I've seen molded fiber trays work beautifully for electronics but fail miserably for greasy baked goods unless they're lined – which then affects their compostability. It's all about finding the right material for your specific needs and there is a lot of details to consider.

Pro-Tip: Look for a supplier who has specific experience packaging your product type with their sustainable solution. For example, if you are a chocolate brand, it's best to have a packaging company say "Look at these 12 chocolate brands already successfully using our solution!" You can take advantage of R&D done before you, the proverbial standing on the shoulders of giants!

3. Preference – What Matters Most to You and Your Customers?

This is where you need to be clear on what enviromental problem is most important to you or what packaging type you need to sell your product.

Different customer bases have different expectations.

We should respect the various paths to going green. The only enemy is greenwashing.

The key is knowing what your specific customers value. You can use surveys to collect live customer feedback. As an example, a skincare brand surveyed their customers and found that recycled content was more important to them than compostability – information that completely changed their packaging strategy.

Struggling to find packaging that aligns with your customers' values? Schedule your free consultation and we'll help you understand what matters most to your specific audience.

4. Partner – Who Are You Working With?

This P could also stand for "Person" or "Personality".

Your packaging supplier isn't just a vendor – they're an integral part of your business. Like choosing a business partner, it's more than just capabilities. Are they a personality fit?

When I help brands choose suppliers, we look for:

• Personality or cultural fit with your company
• Transparency around sourcing and materials
• Willingness to innovate and solve problems together
• Their own sustainability practices and goals

The right partner can make all the difference between a smooth transition and a packaging disaster.

In short, ask: Am I going to enjoy getting on calls and collaborating with this person every week?

The vibe matters!

Bringing It All Together

Sustainable packaging isn't just a box or a bag – it's a brand decision that touches everything from your supply chain to your customer experience. By thoughtfully balancing Price, Performance, Preference, and Partner, you can find solutions that work for both the planet and your business.

Remember, perfect sustainability doesn't exist. It's about making informed choices and trade offs that move your brand in the right direction. You don't need to be perfect to get consumers to love your efforts and buy more of your stuff.

What packaging challenges is your business facing? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!

This blog post was inspired by my work with dozens of brands navigating their packaging sustainability journeys. Ready to find the perfect sustainable packaging solution for your product? Visit PackagedSustainable.com to explore our supplier directory or book your free consultation today!