Our 5-Feature Eco Code Explained
Eco packaging claims can be hard to compare on the surface, because two products that both call themselves eco-friendly can be doing very different things. The Forms Plus 5-feature eco code breaks this down into five specific properties, each of which has a clear environmental benefit. Each product in our eco range is rated against the relevant features, so you can compare options on the same terms.
Sustainable Materials. These products are made from renewable resources that do not deplete or degrade the environment. This includes paper and cardboard packaging made from pulp and timber taken from forests that are sustainably managed and recognised as such by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Recycled. These items are made from materials that have already been used at least once and recycled into your packaging. Re-using materials in this way saves on virgin resources, cuts down the energy involved in sourcing raw materials and reduces landfill. Many of these products can also be re-used or recycled again after their next use.
Recyclable. These products can be recycled easily, alongside normal household recycling, so they do not need to end up in landfill. Recyclable products can then be made into something else, reducing landfill waste and saving on raw materials.
Biodegradable. These products break down to nothing within a few months rather than taking years or decades. They do this without releasing toxic chemicals into the environment, and without taking up space in landfill.
Plastic Free. These products do not contain any plastics made from fossil fuels. They use natural materials that biodegrade easily without polluting the environment or making their way into the ocean.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Packaging?
Eco packaging also helps with the operational and reporting side of running a business. Many of our eco lines are flat-packed and lighter than their plastic-padded equivalents, which reduces warehouse storage space and lowers the carbon footprint of delivery to your premises. For businesses that report on their environmental impact, our 5-feature code gives you a clear, auditable line on each product you switch to.
Switching from Plastic to Eco Alternatives
If you are reviewing your packaging supply chain, it helps to go through it item by item. The most common switches we see businesses making are:
Bubble wrap can usually be replaced with our Eco Paper Wrap honeycomb roll for general protective wrapping, or with Flexi-Hex® sleeves where you need form-fitting protection around bottles or jars.
Polythene mailing bags can usually be replaced with our Kraft Mailing Bags, which are 100% recycled, biodegradable, compostable and recyclable.
Plastic-padded envelopes can usually be replaced with Enviroflute Padded Envelopes, which provide cushioned protection without the plastic lining.
Polystyrene chips and foam inserts can usually be replaced with Flexi-Hex® sleeves and wraps for fragile items, or with the Eco Paper Wrap for general void-fill.
Cardboard postal boxes plus plastic tape can be replaced with our Eco Postal Boxes or E-Commerce Crash Lock Boxes, paired with paper-based packing tape from our Customised Packaging range.
Eco Packaging FAQs
Q: What is the difference between recyclable, biodegradable and compostable?
All three describe what happens at the end of a product’s life, but in different ways. Recyclable means the product can be processed and made into something else. Biodegradable means it breaks down naturally over time, although the speed varies. Compostable means it breaks down into non-toxic organic matter in composting conditions, typically faster than general biodegradation. A product can carry more than one of these properties at the same time.
Q: Are eco packaging options more expensive?
Some lines carry a small price premium over the cheapest plastic equivalent, but the gap has closed considerably as demand has grown. In many cases, particularly across the Kraft Mailing Bags, Eco Postal Boxes and Eco Paper Wrap, the headline cost is comparable. Storage and despatch savings on flat-packed or lighter eco products can also offset any small price difference.
Q: Can I switch from plastic packaging without losing protection?
In most cases, yes. The Eco Paper Wrap and Flexi-Hex® packaging options have been independently tested to provide effective protection against drops, shock and vibration, and the Enviroflute Padded Envelopes are designed for courier transit. The right choice depends on what you are shipping. Our team can help you match an eco product to the items you currently ship in plastic-heavy packaging.
Q: How do I know an eco claim is credible?
Look for specific, named properties rather than vague language. Our 5-feature code (Plastic Free, Recyclable, Biodegradable, Sustainable Materials, Recycled) sets out which property each product carries, so claims are concrete rather than aspirational. Where products are made from sustainable materials, look for FSC certification or equivalent recognition of responsibly managed forest sources.
Why Buy Eco Packaging from Forms Plus?
Forms Plus have supported businesses with their printing and packaging requirements since 1981. We are based near the ocean in Cornwall, and our environmental position is part of how we buy. We work hard with suppliers to make sure the eco range performs as well as the plastic equivalent it replaces, and we rate every product against our 5-feature eco code so you can see exactly which environmental properties each option carries.
Free samples are available on selected products so you can test the fit, weight and finish before committing to a bulk switch. For branded eco packaging, see our Customised Packaging range, which covers customised Flexi-Hex® bottle sleeves, Pinch Top boxes and printed crepe paper packing tape.
Request a Free Sample or Contact Our Team if you would like help moving more of your packaging supply chain to eco alternatives.
Find out more about how Forms Plus take care of our environment on our Environmental Impact page.
