Choosing eco-friendly packaging for your brand
Eco-friendly packaging uses less material, is easy for customers to recycle at home, and avoids unnecessary plastic. Choose the smallest box that protects the product, recyclable paper or cardboard, and paper tape, and describe it honestly: claims like compostable or plastic-free must be accurate.
By Abdullah Ashraf, Shopify expert · Last updated: October 2026
Quick summary
- Right-size packaging first.
- Choose materials customers can recycle at home.
- Make only accurate, specific claims.
Reduce first
Smaller packaging uses less material, costs less to post and may fit cheaper postal sizes such as Large Letter.
Choose materials
- Recycled cardboard boxes and mailers
- Paper tape and paper void fill
- Recycled or recyclable tissue
- Avoid mixed materials that are hard to recycle
Honest claims
Claims must follow the CMA's Green Claims Code. Say exactly what's recyclable or compostable, and how.
Larger businesses
Bigger businesses may have packaging reporting duties under Extended Producer Responsibility rules. Check GOV.UK for thresholds.
Frequently asked questions
Does eco packaging cost more?
Sometimes, but right-sizing often saves on postage.
Should I tell customers?
Yes, with honest details on product pages and inserts.
Official sources
Checked September 2026. Rules change, so always check the latest official guidance.
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