Compostable vs recyclable vs paper-based—see strengths, trade-offs, and where each wins.
ESTIMATE MY PROJECT COSTNo single material solves every use case. This comparison outlines where compostable, recyclable, plastic free, and hybrid options excel—so you can pick the right fit. For overarching guidance and case studies, see the Sustainable Flexible Packaging pillar.
Compostable shines where industrial composting is accessible. Recyclable mono-materials fit current systems but depend on clean collection. Align end-of-life with your customers’ reality and retailer expectations. For broader decision context, reference our pillar guide.
Paper-first structures cut plastic usage dramatically and offer strong shelf storytelling. Hybrid laminates reduce, but don’t eliminate, plastic—often maintaining higher barrier performance.
Flexible formats typically use 70–80% less material and ship lighter—cutting emissions and cost. Rigid may be easier to recycle today, but usually at a higher material and freight footprint.
Quick wins include resin reductions and downgauging. Long-term progress requires circular economy design that enables large-scale reuse, recycling, or composting.
Use a one-page checklist to align teams on performance, cost, and end-of-life trade-offs. For a higher-level synthesis, see our pillar page.
Need help choosing? Review the big picture in the Ultimate Guide and then model your costs.
ESTIMATE MY PROJECT COST