Biofoam

🏭 Illinois, US

What we like about Biofoam: Industrially compostable alternative to EPE and EPS foam.

bewi.com/products/biofoam/

PLA Foaming Beads

Sold as raw material to make PLA foam.

Similar look and feel to styrofoam.
This would not be our first choice for a cushioning material. While PLA is technically industrially compostable, the majority of US households do not have access to curbside composting that accepts these types of materials.
Furthermore PLA does not add valuable nutrients to the compost stream.
PLA should be composted in industrial facilities.
When designing with a material like this, it’s important to think if consumers will be able to properly dispose of the material.
GreenBlue’s urban compost map is a helpful resource.

Raw Materials

Featured

Clean Filter Packaging

Industrially compostable bamboo bioplastic jars and bottles for personal care products.

BiologiQ

Starch-based bioplastic suitable for films and traditional plastic molding techniques.

FAVINI

Paper made from up to 15% waste sourced from fruit, nuts, and herbs.

Mohawk

Paper from hemp, wheat straw and clothing waste

Kimpack

Cellulose-based cushioning

Biowert

Grass-based plastics suitable for injection molding

James Cropper Paper Maker

Paper from recycled cups, used office paper, or paper offcuts.

MCPP

Home compostable resins

Nature Works

Large scale PLA supplier

Monosol

Dissolvable films for tide-pod style applications

ranpack_guacamole-airplane-supplier-guide_ (1).jpg

Ranpak

Honeycomb paper wrapping.

FKUR

Plant based polyethylene

Evoware

Seaweed based films

Mondi Group

European manufacturer offering recyclable paper packaging with barrier protection against water and grease.

Screen Shot 2022-07-20 at 11.40.00 AM.png

Hemp Press

Folding cartons and collateral made from paper blend made from 50% hemp 50% recycled paper.

Xampla

Plant protein film with water soluble and edible options.

Screen Shot 2022-05-05 at 11.18.12 AM.png

BIOLO

Compostable PHA film bags, mailers, and rollstock.

Screen+Shot+2022-08-07+at+1.13.09+PM.jpg

Traceless Materials

Biopolymer extracted from nature to take many forms: films, rigid containers, and more.

Grounded Packaging

Wide array of food packaging with PCR and industrially compostable films.

Mater-Bi

Compostable plastic for bags, pouches, and food service.

LU Packaging

Range of compostable and 100% PET films for food.

Tipa

Compostable films and laminates made from a blend of traditional plastic and bioplastic.

Magni

Supplier of PVA bags and rollstock.

Futamura

Industrially compostable films and laminates derived from wood pulp.

Sana Packaging

Specializing in cannabis packaging made from hemp plastic and ocean-bound plastic.

Oceanworks

Reclaimed and recycled ocean plastic as pellets or molded into bottles, jars, or caps.

Biofoam

PLA beads to create foam that’s industrially compostable.

Poly Bags & Films

Featured

Eco Enclose

Large offering of stock paper and plastic ecommerce solutions, with impressive PCR rates.

Xampla

Plant protein film with water soluble and edible options.

BIOLO

Compostable PHA film bags, mailers, and rollstock.

Greenhope

Cassava films with large production capability.

Sway

Seaweed based heat-sealable alternatives to plastic.

Paptic

Unique, high-performance paper for durable, recyclable mailers.

Traceless Materials

Biopolymer extracted from nature to take many forms: films, rigid containers, and more.

Yayyy

Industrially compostable bags for coffee and dry food.

Clear Bags

Compostable, clear PLA bags.

WhatsApp-Image-2019-08-23-at-11.32.00.jpg

Avani

Cassava and bagasse alternatives to plastic bags and clamshells.

Repaq

Home and industrially compostable pouches and bags, specializing in food-safe.

Grounded Packaging

Wide array of food packaging with PCR and industrially compostable films.

Mater-Bi

Compostable plastic for bags, pouches, and food service.

LU Packaging

Range of compostable and 100% PET films for food.

Amcor

Films made from PE or PLA, with a diverse catalog of food applications.

Tipa

Compostable films and laminates made from a blend of traditional plastic and bioplastic.

Elk Packaging

Compostable standup pouches and paper boxes.

JBM Packaging

Translucent fully recyclable paper bags.

Magni

Supplier of PVA bags and rollstock.

Better Packaging Co.

Selection of home compostable plastic mailers and bags. They also carry compostable tape and labels.

The Happy Bag Co.

US-based, home-compostable poly bags.

Notpla

Paper, coating, and edible film made from seaweed.

Futamura

Industrially compostable films and laminates derived from wood pulp.

Trays & Inserts

Featured

Pulpac

High-speed molded pulp manufacturing.

Groam

Bio-based foam made from agricultural waste, launching around 2026.

PaperFoam

Molded trays made from a unique blend of potato starch and natural fibers.

Rypax

Chinese supplier of molded fiber with strong sustainability credentials.

YFY Jupiter

Molded pulp made from agricultural waste, manufactured in Taiwan and China.

Theptex

Naturally sources latex foam

ReadyCycle

Paper produce cartons with a water-based protective coating to preserve freshness.

Cruz Foam

Compostable foam made with polymers found in crustacean shells.

Green Cell Foam

Specializes in corn starch foam, a dissolvable, home-compostable alternative to plastic foam and insulation.

Mushroom Packaging

Compostable, protective foam made from mushroom roots and hemp byproduct.

UFP

Molded pulp inserts and trays.

Berkely

High quality thermoformed molded pulp.

Bebox

Unique off-the-shelf solutions for molded pulp void fill.

Mater-Bi

Compostable plastic for bags, pouches, and food service.

Novelis

Aluminum can producer, manufacturing with over 50% recycled aluminum.

Mannok Packaging

100% rPET (recycled PET) food trays and containers.

Paper Mailers

Featured

Eco Enclose

Large offering of stock paper and plastic ecommerce solutions, with impressive PCR rates.

Georgia Pacific

Recyclable padded paper mailers, commonly used by Amazon.

Betapack

Chinese supplier of paper mailers, with an option for honeycomb paper padding.

Avery Dennison

Manufacturer of boxes and paper mailers that also specializes in high quality adhesive and labels.

Ecology Pkg

Expansive catalog of stock and custom ecommerce packaging, from mailers and boxes to tape and labels.

RePack

A reusable packaging system that uses woven PP mailers.

Better Packaging Co.

Selection of home compostable plastic mailers and bags. They also carry compostable tape and labels.

Cushioning

Featured

Ranpak

Honeycomb paper wrapping.

Eco Enclose

Large offering of stock paper and plastic ecommerce solutions, with impressive PCR rates.

Flexi-Hex

Paper honeycomb sleeve for cushioning. Packs flat.

Rocket Industrial

Compostable packing peanuts.

Expandos

Unique paper void fill that’s machine-assembled at your warehouse.

Cruz Foam

Compostable foam made with polymers found in crustacean shells.

Green Cell Foam

Specializes in corn starch foam, a dissolvable, home-compostable alternative to plastic foam and insulation.

Mushroom Packaging

Compostable, protective foam made from mushroom roots and hemp byproduct.

Mater-Bi

Compostable plastic for bags, pouches, and food service.

Biofoam

PLA beads to create foam that’s industrially compostable.

Jars & Bottles

Featured

Clean Filter Packaging

Industrially compostable bamboo bioplastic jars and bottles for personal care products.

Weigand Glas

Glass bottles and jars with options for recycled content.

Vidrala

Glass bottles and jars manufactured in Spain and Portugal.

Vetropack

Glass bottles and jars for food and beverage, made from an average of 60% recycled content.

Urthpact

Bottles and a proprietary coffee valve made from industrially compostable plastic.

Unique Distinctions

Personal care packaging like bottles and tubes made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic, sugarcane, or aluminum.

Treehugger containers

Glass containers made from high percentages of recycled glass and ocean-bound plastic caps.

Sana Packaging

Specializing in cannabis packaging made from hemp plastic and ocean-bound plastic.

Oceanworks

Reclaimed and recycled ocean plastic as pellets or molded into bottles, jars, or caps.

Novelis

Aluminum can producer, manufacturing with over 50% recycled aluminum.

Montebello

Wide range of aluminum tubes and bottles.

Microdyne

Blow molded and injection molded plastic with options for recycled or compostable resin.

Loop

A closed loop reusable container system for a variety of industries.

HEINZ-GLAS Group

Glass manufacturer, specializing in cosmetics and perfume, with options for plastic closures.

Fusion glassworks

Glass bottles , manufactured in China with various closure options.

Ecologic Brands

Molded pulp shell with a thin plastic liner that can be separated for disposal.

Eco Six Pack Ring

Molded pulp six pack rings, compostable and recyclable with paper.

Berry Global

Jars and bottles, with options for recycled content in addition to mono-material pouches.

Ball Corporation

Metal bottles and jars with extensive print and color options.

Ardagh Metal Packaging

Beverage cans made with low-carbon materials and manufacturing processes.

Allstate Can Corporation

Tins and cans made from tin-coated steel.

Alcoa

Aluminum cans and bottles made with low carbon technology and renewable energy.

Corrugated

Featured

Landsberg Orora

US-based corrugated manufacturer with 100% recycled content Envirokraft line. Strongest TikTok game in the corrugated manufacturing world.

International Paper

Corrugated manufacturer with options for a water and grease barrier that’s compatible with paper recycling.

Reliable Container

US-based corrugated manufacturer with 100% recycled content available.

L & M Container Corp.

US-based supplier carrying a good array of stock options and are capable of doing custom solutions.

Avery Dennison

Manufacturer of boxes and paper mailers that also specializes in high quality adhesive and labels.

knackshops_shipper_animation_WHITE.609c5405d85c7.jpg

Salazar Packaging

Stock and custom diecut boxes. 100% recycled paper available.

Screen Shot 2022-07-20 at 9.41.43 AM.png

Boox

Reusable & returnable corrugated plastic box system.

Screen Shot 2022-07-20 at 12.30.52 PM.png

Pratt Industries

US-based manufacturer offering boxes made from 100% recycled corrugated.

Ernest Packaging

California-based supplier of corrugated cardboard.

Royal Paper Box

California supplier of boxes and cartons with FSC certified stocks available.

Ecology Pkg

Expansive catalog of stock and custom ecommerce packaging, from mailers and boxes to tape and labels.

ReadyCycle

Paper produce cartons with a water-based protective coating to preserve freshness.

Elk Packaging

Compostable standup pouches and paper boxes.

Folding Cartons

Featured

Utah Paper Box

Utah PaperBox is a folding carton and rigid packaging manufacturer based in Salt Lake City.

Mondi Group

European manufacturer offering recyclable paper packaging with barrier protection against water and grease.

Paper Tube Co.

Specializing in stock and custom paper tubes, with child-proof or airtight options.

Tetra Pak

Recyclable paper cartons for food and beverage.

Boox

Reusable & returnable corrugated plastic box system.

Hemp Press

Folding cartons and collateral made from paper blend made from 50% hemp 50% recycled paper.

Screen Shot 2022-07-25 at 1.19.26 PM.png

IDP

Box and folding carton manufacturer, specializing in luxury packaging applications

Ernest Packaging

California-based supplier of corrugated cardboard.

Royal Paper Box

California supplier of boxes and cartons with FSC certified stocks available.

Greener Printer

Specializing in paperboard boxes, folding cartons, and collateral, with options for 100% recycled paper.

Ecology Pkg

Expansive catalog of stock and custom ecommerce packaging, from mailers and boxes to tape and labels.

ReadyCycle

Paper produce cartons with a water-based protective coating to preserve freshness.

Avani

Cassava and bagasse alternatives to plastic bags and clamshells.

Elk Packaging

Compostable standup pouches and paper boxes.

Notpla

Paper, coating, and edible film made from seaweed.

Unique Distinctions

Personal care packaging like bottles and tubes made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic, sugarcane, or aluminum.

Food Service

Featured

Eco Products

Large catalog of low minimum compostable options. Be wary of PLA with further research.

Wasara

Elegant bamboo and bagasse molded pulp cutlery.

ReadyCycle

Paper produce cartons with a water-based protective coating to preserve freshness.

Mater-Bi

Compostable plastic for bags, pouches, and food service.

Mannok Packaging

100% rPET (recycled PET) food trays and containers.

Inks & Coatings

Featured

inx_guacamole-airplane-supplier-guide_ (3).jpg

Inx

Inks for direct printing on aluminum designed to minimize the use of solvents.

Hubergroup

Cradle to cradle certified vegetable-oil based inks

AzkoNobel

BPA-Ni (BPA non-intent) coatings

Matter

Anti-microbial coating

Sun Chemical

Inks with a high amount of biorenewable content

Living Ink

Algae based inks.

Siegwerk

Home compostable inks.

Notpla

Paper, coating, and edible film made from seaweed.

Labels

Featured

UPM Raflatac

High-performing self-adhesive paper and film products for an extensive set of end-uses, with a range of fossil fuel-free options.

Blue Label Packaging

Quality custom labels, shrink sleeves, and hang tags with fast turn around for a variety of industries.

hub-lables_guacamole-airplane-supplier-guide_ (3).jpg

Hub Labels

Robust catalog of custom labels for food, beverage, and cosmetics.

Avery Dennison

Manufacturer of boxes and paper mailers that also specializes in high quality adhesive and labels.

Ecology Pkg

Expansive catalog of stock and custom ecommerce packaging, from mailers and boxes to tape and labels.

Better Packaging Co.

Selection of home compostable plastic mailers and bags. They also carry compostable tape and labels.

Specialty Papers

Featured

Fedrigoni

Sustainable paper collection from luxury paper manufacturer Fedrigoni.

FAVINI

Paper made from up to 15% waste sourced from fruit, nuts, and herbs.

Mohawk

Paper from hemp, wheat straw and clothing waste

James Cropper Paper Maker

Paper from recycled cups, used office paper, or paper offcuts.

Mondi Group

European manufacturer offering recyclable paper packaging with barrier protection against water and grease.

Hemp Press

Folding cartons and collateral made from paper blend made from 50% hemp 50% recycled paper.

Notpla

Paper, coating, and edible film made from seaweed.

Cushioning, Raw MaterialsKatelan CunninghamJuly 6, 2021

Biofoam

Biofoam

🏭 Illinois, US

PLA Foaming Beads

Sold as raw material to make PLA foam.

Look and feel

Sustainability

Disposal

Design considerations

Raw Materials

Poly Bags & Films

Trays & Inserts

Paper Mailers

Cushioning

Jars & Bottles

Corrugated

Folding Cartons

Food Service

Inks & Coatings

Labels

Specialty Papers