Essential Terms for Your Sustainable Packaging Journey

I want to give you the sustainable packaging terms that you actually need to know.

Not to just sound smart or throw around buzz words, although you can feel free to do that too!

Here's the reality; When you're starting to explore sustainable packaging options, the terminology can feel overwhelming and you might feel in over your head while talking to people who do this every day. Understanding these terms will help you navigate conversations with suppliers and sustainability experts alike.

Enjoy.

Basic Sustainability Terms

Sustainable: According to Merriam-Webster, something that is "capable of being maintained at a certain rate or level" or "relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged."

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A methodology for assessing environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction through production, distribution, use, and disposal.

Beginning of Life: Refers to the initial stages of a product's existence, including raw material extraction and production.

End of Life: How a product is disposed of after its useful life (recycling, composting, landfill, etc.).

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): A policy approach that extends a producer's responsibility for a product to the post-consumer stage of its lifecycle, often requiring manufacturers to handle recycling and disposal.

Material Composition Terms

Mono-material: Packaging made from just one type of material, making it easier to recycle. This approach eliminates the need to separate different materials before recycling.

Bio-resin: A broad term that can mean many things, from fully compostable plant-based plastics to petroleum plastics blended with plant materials. Always ask for clarification when someone uses this term.

Recyclability Terms

Recyclable: Packaging that can be collected, processed, and manufactured into a new product or material. Note that technical recyclability doesn't guarantee actual recycling in practice.

PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) content: Material that has been used by consumers, collected through recycling programs, and reprocessed into new packaging.

Curbside Recyclable: Packaging that can be placed in residential recycling bins for collection.

Store Drop-off Recyclable: Packaging that must be returned to designated collection points (often grocery stores) for recycling, rather than placed in curbside bins.

Compostability Terms

Industrial Compostable: Packaging that will break down in commercial composting facilities under controlled conditions (temperature, humidity, microorganisms). Requires certification to standards like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432.

Home Compostable: Packaging that will break down in home composting conditions, which are typically less controlled than industrial facilities. Requires certification to standards like TÜV OK Compost Home.

Biodegradable: Since everything biodegrades eventually, this is term to be cautious about, as it has no standardized definition or timeframe in the packaging world. Without specific certification or timeframe, this term can be misleading and is often considered greenwashing. Better to focus on specific compostability certifications instead.

Reuse Terms

Reusable: Packaging designed to be used multiple times for the same purpose before being recycled or disposed of.

Refillable: A subset of reusable packaging that can be replenished with product while remaining in the consumer's possession (like a refillable soap dispenser).

Why Terminology Matters

Using precise terminology helps avoid misunderstandings and greenwashing. For instance, if a supplier describes their packaging as "biodegradable" without certification or timeframes, ask for specifics. Is it certified compostable? Under what conditions? In what timeframe?

Similarly, "recyclable" should be qualified—is it widely accepted in curbside programs, or does it require special handling? What percentage of consumers actually have access to recycling facilities for this material?

The more specific and standardized the terms you use, the clearer your sustainability communication will be, both internally and with your customers.