20 Trailblazing Sustainable Packaging Companies Shaping a Greener
As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, sustainable packaging has emerged as a critical solution to reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly practices. In 2025, the sustainable packaging market is projected to grow significantly, driven by innovation, regulatory pressures, and consumer awareness. This article spotlights 20 trailblazing companies revolutionizing the industry with cutting-edge materials, circular economy principles, and forward-thinking designs. From seaweed-based films to compostable pouches, these companies are redefining packaging for a healthier planet. Below, we explore each company’s mission, offerings, and unique contributions to sustainability.
1. Amcor Plc
- Founders: Founded as Australian Paper Manufacturers
- Founded Year: 1860
- Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
- Product Categories: Flexible packaging, rigid plastics, specialty cartons, closures
- Description: Amcor is a global leader in sustainable packaging, serving industries like food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, Amcor combines innovation with a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Its Amcor AmLite and AmSky programs focus on recyclable and lightweight packaging, while partnerships with brands like Nestlé drive circular economy initiatives. Amcor’s global reach and R&D investments ensure tailored, high-performance solutions that align with stringent sustainability goals, making it a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.
- Key Features:
- AmLite recyclable flexible packaging reduces carbon footprint.
- AmSky blister packaging offers mono-material recyclability.
- Partners with global brands for closed-loop recycling systems.
- Uses post-consumer recycled (PCR) content extensively.
- Lightweight designs minimize material usage.
- Certified by ISCC for sustainable supply chains.
- Focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions.
2. WestRock Company
- Founders: Formed through merger of MeadWestvaco and RockTenn
- Founded Year: 2015
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Product Categories: Corrugated packaging, folding cartons, paperboard, merchandising displays
- Description: WestRock is a powerhouse in paper-based packaging, delivering sustainable solutions for e-commerce, retail, and food industries. By leveraging renewable resources and advanced recycling systems, WestRock creates durable, recyclable packaging that supports circularity. Its collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation underscores its commitment to sustainable design. With a focus on innovation, WestRock’s solutions reduce waste while ensuring product protection, making it a go-to for brands seeking eco-conscious packaging.
- Key Features:
- 100% recyclable corrugated packaging.
- High use of post-consumer recycled fibers.
- Customizable folding cartons for branding.
- Automated packaging systems for efficiency.
- Eco-friendly coatings for enhanced recyclability.
- Supports circular economy through recycling programs.
- Energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
3. Mondi Plc
- Founders: Established as part of Anglo American
- Founded Year: 1967
- Headquarters: Weybridge, United Kingdom
- Product Categories: Paper bags, corrugated packaging, flexible packaging, barrier coatings
- Description: Mondi is a global innovator in sustainable packaging, emphasizing renewable and recyclable materials. Its EcoSolutions approach collaborates with clients to create tailored, eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable paper bags for luxury pasta brands. Mondi’s commitment to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy drives its focus on circularity. With operations in over 30 countries, Mondi delivers high-performance, low-carbon solutions for food, e-commerce, and industrial sectors.
- Key Features:
- Fully recyclable paper-based packaging.
- Biodegradable cellulose windows for visibility.
- Chlorine-free paper production.
- Barrier coatings reduce reliance on plastics.
- Lightweight packaging lowers transportation emissions.
- Certified by FSC for sustainable forestry.
- High recycled content in products.
4. Smurfit Kappa Group
- Founders: Jefferson Smurfit
- Founded Year: 1934
- Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
- Product Categories: Corrugated packaging, folding cartons, paper bags, containerboard
- Description: Smurfit Kappa is a global leader in paper-based packaging, serving industries from food to e-commerce with sustainable, biodegradable solutions. Its focus on renewable materials and recycling has made it a top player in the circular economy. With innovative designs like tamper-proof packaging, Smurfit Kappa enhances product safety while minimizing environmental impact. The company’s sustainability initiatives include reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions and promoting recyclable packaging.
- Key Features:
- 100% recyclable and biodegradable paper packaging.
- High-performance corrugated solutions.
- Tamper-proof designs for enhanced security.
- Uses renewable wood fibers.
- Energy-efficient production processes.
- Supports global recycling initiatives.
- Customizable for brand visibility.
5. Tetra Pak (Tetra Laval)
- Founders: Ruben Rausing
- Founded Year: 1951
- Headquarters: Pully, Switzerland
- Product Categories: Aseptic cartons, filling machines, caps, straws
- Description: Tetra Pak, a division of Tetra Laval, is renowned for its aseptic carton packaging, primarily made from renewable paperboard. Serving the food and beverage industry, Tetra Pak’s solutions ensure product safety and extended shelf life while prioritizing sustainability. Its 2022 sustainability report highlights an 80% use of renewable electricity and a 36% reduction in GHG emissions. With a goal of 100% renewable materials by 2030, Tetra Pak leads the charge in eco-friendly liquid packaging.
- Key Features:
- Aseptic cartons with high renewable content.
- Lightweight, stackable designs reduce emissions.
- Recyclable paperboard-based packaging.
- Advanced filling machines for efficiency.
- Certified by FSC for responsible sourcing.
- Supports global recycling programs.
- Plant-based caps and straws.
6. Stora Enso
- Founders: Established as a forestry company
- Founded Year: 1998 (modern form)
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
- Product Categories: Corrugated packaging, paperboard, barrier solutions, wood foam
- Description: Stora Enso is a global leader in renewable materials, specializing in sustainable packaging solutions for food, e-commerce, and consumer goods. Its focus on replacing fossil-based materials with wood-fiber-based alternatives drives innovation in lightweight, recyclable packaging. Investments like the €97 million Skoghall Mill expansion enhance its capacity for eco-friendly board production. Stora Enso’s commitment to a circular economy and low-carbon solutions makes it a standout in the industry.
- Key Features:
- Wood-fiber-based packaging reduces fossil reliance.
- Lightweight paperboard for lower emissions.
- Recyclable corrugated solutions.
- Innovative barrier coatings for food safety.
- High recycled content in products.
- FSC-certified materials.
- Energy-efficient production.
7. Ball Corporation
- Founders: Ball Brothers
- Founded Year: 1880
- Headquarters: Westminster, Colorado, USA
- Product Categories: Aluminum cans, bottles, aerosol cans
- Description: Ball Corporation is a global leader in aluminum packaging, offering infinitely recyclable solutions for beverages, food, and household products. Its Twentyby30 program aims for a 70% recycling rate for beverage cans in the US by 2030. Ball’s lightweight aluminum designs reduce material use and emissions, while its closed-loop recycling systems promote circularity. With a strong focus on sustainability, Ball is a trusted partner for brands seeking durable, eco-friendly packaging.
- Key Features:
- Infinitely recyclable aluminum packaging.
- Lightweight cans reduce transportation emissions.
- High recycled content (up to 35%).
- Closed-loop recycling systems.
- Supports beverage and food industries.
- Energy-efficient manufacturing.
- Twentyby30 sustainability goals.
8. DS Smith
- Founders: David Solomon Smith
- Founded Year: 1940
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Product Categories: Corrugated packaging, containerboard, specialty paper
- Description: DS Smith is a leading provider of fiber-based packaging, focusing on recyclable and sustainable solutions for retail, e-commerce, and industrial sectors. As a Strategic Partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, DS Smith champions circular economy principles. Its innovative designs, like tamper-proof packaging, ensure product safety while reducing waste. DS Smith’s commitment to sustainability includes using renewable resources and promoting recycling across its global operations.
- Key Features:
- 100% recyclable fiber-based packaging.
- Tamper-proof designs for security.
- High use of renewable materials.
- Lightweight solutions for efficiency.
- Supports circular economy initiatives.
- Customizable for brand enhancement.
- Energy-efficient production processes.
9. Noissue
- Founders: Josh Bowden, Kate Evans
- Founded Year: 2017
- Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand
- Product Categories: Compostable mailers, recycled tissue paper, stickers, tapes
- Description: Noissue empowers businesses of all sizes with accessible, customizable, and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Its compostable mailers and recycled tissue paper cater to e-commerce and food industries, offering low minimum order quantities for flexibility. Noissue’s use of eco-friendly inks and plant-based materials aligns with its mission to reduce waste. By enabling brands to showcase sustainability through QR codes and custom designs, Noissue bridges environmental responsibility with consumer engagement.
- Key Features:
- Compostable mailers for home composting.
- 100% recycled tissue paper.
- Customizable with eco-friendly inks.
- Low minimum order quantities.
- QR code integration for brand storytelling.
- FSC-certified materials.
- Supports circular economy principles.
10. EcoEnclose
- Founders: Saloni Doshi
- Founded Year: 2017
- Headquarters: Louisville, Colorado, USA
- Product Categories: Recycled mailers, boxes, tissue paper, labels
- Description: EcoEnclose is a trailblazer in e-commerce packaging, offering 100% recycled and biodegradable solutions. Its EcoAllies community drives innovation, introducing materials like seaweed-based films and algae ink. EcoEnclose prioritizes domestic manufacturing for transparency and reduced emissions. Its customizable, high-recycled-content products help brands like Ritual and Stio reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining functionality. EcoEnclose’s rigorous vetting ensures authentic sustainability, avoiding greenwashing.
- Key Features:
- 100% recycled and biodegradable mailers.
- Seaweed-based packaging innovations.
- Algae ink for carbon-negative printing.
- High post-consumer recycled content.
- Domestic manufacturing for transparency.
- Customizable for brand alignment.
- Supports reusable packaging systems.
11. Notpla
- Founders: Pierre Paslier, Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez
- Founded Year: 2014
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Product Categories: Seaweed-based packaging, edible films, compostable boxes
- Description: Notpla is a pioneer in seaweed-based packaging, offering biodegradable and edible alternatives to single-use plastics. Its partnership with Just Eat introduced seaweed-coated takeaway boxes, scalable for the foodservice industry. Notpla’s materials decompose naturally, leaving no microplastics, making them ideal for food and beverage applications. With a focus on innovation, Notpla is transforming packaging with plant-based solutions that resonate with eco-conscious consumers.
- Key Features:
- Seaweed-based, biodegradable packaging.
- Edible films for food applications.
- Home-compostable takeaway boxes.
- Zero microplastic residue.
- Scalable for foodservice industries.
- Certified by Compostable standards.
- Lightweight and low-carbon.
12. Be Green Packaging
- Founders: Robert Woodall
- Founded Year: 2007
- Headquarters: Ridgeland, South Carolina, USA
- Product Categories: Molded fiber packaging, compostable trays, plates
- Description: Be Green Packaging specializes in Cradle-to-Cradle certified, tree-free packaging made from renewable materials like bamboo, bulrush, and sugarcane. Serving industries from food to electronics, its compostable and recyclable solutions reduce environmental impact. Be Green’s focus on fast-regenerating materials ensures sustainable sourcing, while its innovative designs meet diverse packaging needs. The company’s commitment to zero-waste principles makes it a leader in eco-friendly packaging.
- Key Features:
- Tree-free, compostable packaging.
- Made from bamboo, sugarcane, and bulrush.
- Cradle-to-Cradle certified.
- Recyclable molded fiber solutions.
- Suitable for food and electronics.
- Fast-regenerating raw materials.
- Lightweight designs for efficiency.
13. Solutum
- Founders: Sharon Barak
- Founded Year: 2017
- Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
- Product Categories: Biodegradable films, compostable plastics, Vivomer material
- Description: Solutum is revolutionizing packaging with its patented biodegradable compound that dissolves in water and breaks down into harmless components. Its Vivomer material, a vegan and home-compostable alternative to plastics, is ideal for food and beverage packaging. Solutum’s solutions support multiple disposal methods, including composting and recycling, addressing the global plastic pollution crisis with innovative, scalable technology.
- Key Features:
- Biodegradable compound dissolves in water.
- Vivomer: vegan, home-compostable material.
- Zero microplastic residue.
- Suitable for industrial and home composting.
- Supports recycling and incineration.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Scalable for single-use applications.
14. Crown Holdings
- Founders: William Painter
- Founded Year: 1892
- Headquarters: Yardley, Pennsylvania, USA
- Product Categories: Metal packaging, aerosol cans, beverage cans
- Description: Crown Holdings is a global leader in metal packaging, focusing on sustainable aluminum solutions for food, beverage, and aerosol products. Its Twentyby30 program targets a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and a 70% recycling rate for cans. Crown’s use of recycled materials and lightweight designs minimizes environmental impact, making it a key player in sustainable packaging.
- Key Features:
- Infinitely recyclable aluminum packaging.
- Twentyby30 sustainability goals.
- High recycled content (35%+).
- Lightweight cans reduce emissions.
- Supports food and beverage industries.
- Energy-efficient production.
- Global recycling initiatives.
15. Paper Mart
- Founders: Family-owned (specific founders not publicly listed)
- Founded Year: 1921
- Headquarters: Orange, California, USA
- Product Categories: Corrugated boxes, shopping bags, packaging peanuts, jewelry boxes
- Description: Paper Mart, with over a century of experience, is a leading supplier of post-consumer, paper-based packaging for retail, jewelry, and e-commerce. Its eco-friendly offerings include corrugated boxes and biodegradable packing materials printed with algae-based inks. Paper Mart’s custom design studio allows businesses to create branded, sustainable packaging, aligning with consumer demand for environmentally responsible solutions.
- Key Features:
- 100% post-consumer recycled packaging.
- Biodegradable packing peanuts.
- Algae-based inks for printing.
- Customizable branding options.
- Wide range of eco-friendly products.
- Supports retail and e-commerce.
- Energy-efficient production.
16. Ranpak
- Founders: Joseph Harding
- Founded Year: 1972
- Headquarters: Concord Township, Ohio, USA
- Product Categories: Paper-based packaging, void fill, cushioning, wrapping systems
- Description: Ranpak specializes in sustainable packaging equipment and paper-based solutions for e-commerce, automotive, and food industries. Its consultative approach helps businesses optimize packaging processes with eco-friendly materials like recyclable paper void fill. Ranpak’s solutions reduce damage rates and material waste, offering cost-effective, sustainable alternatives that align with modern supply chain needs.
- Key Features:
- Recyclable paper-based void fill.
- Automated packaging systems.
- Reduces product damage rates.
- Customizable for specific industries.
- High-performance cushioning solutions.
- Supports circular economy principles.
- Energy-efficient equipment.
17. Gualapack
- Founders: Michele Guala
- Founded Year: 1980
- Headquarters: Castellazzo Bormida, Italy
- Product Categories: Pouch packaging, spouts, anti-choking caps
- Description: Gualapack excels in flexible, compostable packaging for food, cosmetics, and baby products. Its pouch packaging, including spouts and anti-choking caps, is 100% biodegradable, reducing environmental impact. Gualapack’s focus on high-performance, sustainable materials makes it a preferred choice for brands prioritizing safety and eco-friendliness. Its innovative designs cater to consumer convenience while advancing sustainability goals.
- Key Features:
- 100% compostable pouch packaging.
- Anti-choking caps for baby safety.
- Biodegradable spouts for convenience.
- High-performance flexible materials.
- Suitable for food and cosmetics.
- Lightweight designs reduce emissions.
- Certified for compostability.
18. Earthpack
- Founders: Not publicly listed
- Founded Year: 1989
- Headquarters: Irvine, California, USA
- Product Categories: Recycled bags, mailers, tissue, custom boxes
- Description: Earthpack has been a pioneer in eco-friendly packaging for over 30 years, offering recyclable bags, mailers, and custom boxes for e-commerce and retail. Supporting environmental organizations like the Ocean Institute, Earthpack combines sustainability with customization. Its solutions help businesses reduce waste while enhancing brand visibility, making it a trusted partner for eco-conscious companies.
- Key Features:
- 100% recyclable e-commerce packaging.
- Customizable for brand identity.
- Supports environmental organizations.
- Lightweight mailers reduce emissions.
- Biodegradable tissue options.
- High recycled content.
- Durable for retail applications.
19. Better Packaging Co
- Founders: Rebecca Percasky, Kate Bezar
- Founded Year: 2018
- Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand
- Product Categories: Recyclable mailers, compostable bags, rewind film
- Description: Better Packaging Co transforms ocean-bound plastic into recyclable and compostable packaging for e-commerce. By commissioning beach clean-ups in Southeast Asia, the company sources materials responsibly. Its customizable mailers and rewind films cater to businesses seeking sustainable, high-performance solutions. Better Packaging’s closed-loop systems and eco-friendly designs make it a leader in reducing plastic waste.
- Key Features:
- Made from ocean-bound plastic.
- Compostable and recyclable mailers.
- Customizable rewind films.
- Supports beach clean-up initiatives.
- Lightweight for reduced emissions.
- High-performance for e-commerce.
- Closed-loop recycling systems.
20. Cruz Foam
- Founders: John Felts, Marco Rolandi
- Founded Year: 2017
- Headquarters: Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Product Categories: Bio-sustainable foam, compostable packaging
- Description: Cruz Foam leverages seafood industry byproducts to create bio-sustainable foam as an alternative to polystyrene. Its compostable packaging serves electronics and appliance industries, offering structural integrity and environmental benefits. With funding from Sony Innovation Fund, Cruz Foam is scaling its innovative solutions to replace single-use plastics, contributing to a circular economy with zero-waste principles.
- Key Features:
- Bio-sustainable foam from seafood byproducts.
- Compostable alternative to polystyrene.
- Suitable for electronics packaging.
- Zero-waste decomposition.
- Scalable for consumer goods.
- High structural integrity.
- Supported by major investors.
Conclusion
The sustainable packaging industry is at a pivotal moment, with these 20 companies leading the charge toward a greener future. From Amcor’s recyclable plastics to Notpla’s seaweed-based innovations, each company brings unique solutions to address the global packaging waste crisis. By prioritizing renewable materials, circular economy principles, and consumer engagement, these pioneers are not only meeting regulatory and consumer demands but also setting new standards for environmental responsibility. Businesses looking to align with sustainability goals can find inspiration and practical solutions from these industry leaders, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.
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