You have probably heard the phrases. Sustainable packaging. Eco friendly packaging. Green mailers. Better for the planet.
They are everywhere now. On Shopify stores. On Instagram. On shipping supplies websites. On brand homepages that all seem to say the same thing.
But in 2026, the real question is no longer what sustainable packaging is. It is whether it is actually something you can do if you are running a small or growing business that ships orders every day. It is quite a handful to learn, too.
If you haven't heard of us yet—hey! We're NOYO! We've been around for quite some time, offering accessible eco-friendly packaging solutions like padded mailers, flat mailers, boxes, and inner packaging.
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So let’s quickly talk about what sustainable packaging really is, why it matters right now, and what it can look like in real life.
By definition, what is eco-friendly packaging?
Eco-friendly packaging is any packaging designed to have minimal environmental impact throughout its entire life—from how it's made, to how it's used, to what happens when your customer is done with it.
That means packaging that:
- Uses renewable, recycled, or responsibly sourced materials instead of virgin plastics
- Breaks down naturally through composting or biodegradation, or can be easily recycled
- Protects your products without using excess material or harmful chemicals
- Is produced with less energy, water, and waste than traditional alternatives
The key word here is lifecycle. It is not just about what the mailer is made from. It is about the whole journey (sourcing, manufacturing, shipping, use, and disposal).
And no, it is not just slapping a green label on the same old plastic and calling it a day. That is greenwashing. Real sustainable packaging is also backed by certifications like ASTM D6400, EN 13432, or FSC, and comes with transparent information about what it is made from and how to dispose of it properly.
How to make packaging sustainable in a business
Sustainable packaging is any kind of packaging that is designed to have less environmental impact over its entire life cycle.
This includes:
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Using materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or made from recycled content
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Reducing the total amount of material used per shipment
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Designing packaging that fits products properly and does not need extra filler
For example, a padded paper mailer can replace a cardboard box, plastic bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. This reduces waste, saves space, and lowers shipping weight.
Flat mailers can also replace boxes for clothing, documents, and thin items, which again reduces material use and shipping volume.
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What makes eco-friendly packaging important? And why do people want it?
Your customers care.
Over 70% of shoppers now actively prefer brands that use eco-friendly packaging. When they have a choice, they pick the one that does not make them feel guilty.
The environmental impact is real.
More than 40% of all plastic produced gets used once and tossed. Packaging waste is piling up in landfills and oceans at an impossible-to-ignore rate.
It builds trust and loyalty.
Brands using sustainable packaging see higher retention rates and more word-of-mouth buzz. When someone receives a package that looks beautiful and feels responsible, they remember it.
Regulations are tightening fast.
Governments worldwide are banning single-use plastics. Getting ahead now means you will not be scrambling later.
What makes packaging truly sustainable?
There are three main things that really determine whether packaging is sustainable or not. It is not just about what something is made of.
It is also about how it is designed and how it is used in real life (which some people usually overlook)
1. The materials
This is the part most people think about first. Paper based or biodegradable mailers, recyclable padding, and responsibly sourced cardboard are much easier to recycle and break down than plastic or foam.
These materials also tend to come from renewable or recycled sources, which lowers the long-term environmental impact of every shipment.
That does not mean every paper product is automatically sustainable, but in general, choosing materials that can go back into the recycling system or naturally decompose is a much better option than materials that sit in landfill for decades.
2. The design
Even the best materials can be wasted if the packaging is poorly designed. When a box is too big for the product, it needs filler, extra tape, and more handling. That creates more waste and higher shipping costs.
Packaging that fits the product properly uses less material and takes up less space in transit. Right-sized mailers and boxes are one of the easiest ways to reduce waste without changing your workflow. It also makes packing faster and more consistent, especially when you are shipping a high volume of orders.
3. The packing process
This is the part that is often overlooked. Sustainable packaging also depends on how the packaging is actually used. Using fewer layers, avoiding double wrapping, and choosing the right type of mailer or box all make a difference.
For example, if a padded mailer can protect an item on its own, there is no need to add bubble wrap or another box around it.
Small changes in how orders are packed can reduce material use, save time, and lower shipping weight across hundreds or thousands of shipments.
At Impack, we look at sustainability as a complete system. It is not just about selling eco-friendly materials. It is about helping brands pack in a way that is efficient, practical, and less wasteful in everyday operations.
If you're a small business, what can environmental packaging look like for you?
Let's get practical. You do not need a massive budget or a sustainability team to make this work.
- Start with your mailers. Swap traditional plastic poly mailers for compostable or biodegradable ones. They protect your products just as well, look great, and your customers can feel good about disposal.
- Right-size your boxes. Stop using oversized boxes stuffed with filler. Choose packaging that fits your products snugly. Less waste, lower shipping costs, happier customers.
- Skip the plastic extras. Ditch bubble wrap and plastic air pillows. Use recycled paper padding, cornstarch packing peanuts, or even shredded paper from your own office.
- Add simple disposal instructions. A small label or card insert that says "compost me" or "recycle curbside" helps customers do the right thing. It shows you thought about the full journey.
- Communicate your choices. Let customers know you are using eco-friendly packaging on your website, in your emails, and on social media. People notice and appreciate it.
You do not have to overhaul everything at once. Pick one area—maybe your mailers—and start there. Build momentum as you go.
Ready to make the switch?
At NOYO, we have spent years making eco-friendly packaging accessible, beautiful, and practical for small businesses just like yours. Our padded mailers, flat mailers, boxes, and inner packaging protect your products and the planet—without the premium price tag.
