Green Packaging and Eco-Sustainable Labels

Materials for Green Packaging

But what are the most suitable materials for sustainable packaging?

First of all, it’s important to note that the greenest packaging is the one that is minimal — or doesn’t exist at all. Packaging isn’t always necessary, and often a product can be beautifully presented without additional or superfluous wrapping. When packaging is required, it should be made exclusively from materials that are easily recyclable or compostable, and simple to separate and dispose of properly.

Among the most eco-friendly materials are glass, aluminum, and paper, which are almost entirely recyclable. Bioplastics offer a sustainable alternative: they are derived from organic sources such as corn, wheat, or vegetable waste like potato and tomato peels. Common examples include Mater-Bi, PLA, and Biolice.

It’s essential to understand the characteristics of these materials — their durability, how they change over time, and their aesthetic evolution — to avoid making unsuitable choices. Meanwhile, research and development in eco-friendly materials is advancing rapidly: innovations are emerging in cellulose-based packaging and combinations of multiple green materials, promising a much wider selection in the near future.

A final note: biodegradable and compostable packaging must always be certified — carrying the official EU label or certification from a recognized authority.

Examples of Eco-Sustainable Packaging

From London comes an innovation in packaging made 100% from seaweed — a highly flexible material that can even hold liquids and fully biodegrades in 4–6 weeks, at very low cost. Similarly, wheat bran packaging behaves in the same eco-friendly way.

There are also countless creative and innovative ideas on the market for reusable or transformative packaging. For instance:

• Containers that become flowerpots once filled with soil and seeds.

• Pre-cut clothing boxes that can be transformed into hangers.

• Soap wrappers that dissolve completely in water.

• Toothbrush packages that are fully water-soluble within just 10 seconds.

And in some cases, packaging becomes an experience itself — like edible coffee cups made from biscuit coated with sugar and white chocolate. They hold hot liquids without melting in your hand, but deliciously dissolve in your mouth.