Elk Packaging
Elk Packaging
🏭 US (California)
What we like about Elk Packaging: Their compostable bioplastic pouch can replace laminate pouches which are traditionally non-recyclable.
Bioplastic Blend Pouches
patent-pending laminate alternative, made from birch and eucalyptus wood pulp, and non-GMO corn. Printed with non-toxic ink.
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More rigid than poly mailer, with options for gussets so that they stand up.
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Bioplastics are derived primarily from renewable materials from plants or animals, instead of fossil fuels which are not renewable. Some bioplastics may have fossil fuel additives to enhance certain performance properties like flexibility.
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Elk Packaging claims that their pouches are compostable, but it’s unclear if they can be composted in industrial settings or at home.
We don’t have information on their certifications. Ask for certifications to verify proper compostability.
If they’re not composted, they should be disposed of with regular trash.
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Bioplastics look and feel like traditional plastic. Proper disposal information should be an important part of the design so that they don't end up in the wrong waste stream. Let customers know if they should recycle or compost the plastic.
Composting is the best case scenario, but it's good to let customers know that if they can't compost it, that the plastic should be reused or thrown in with the trash. Tossing bioplastic in with recycling just adds an extra step on the way to landfill.
You could consider a takeback program. If you can work with an industrial composter that accepts bioplastic, you can bulk compost your packaging on behalf of customers.
Folding Cartons
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Folding cartons are made from a rigid paperboard. The paperboard used for folding carton is often a gray kraft color on the inside, with a more raw texture. On the outside, you can have a variety of colors and finishes, which can dictate the look of the final print.
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Paper is made from plants — a renewable resource. Most paper is made from trees. Trees sequester carbon, which is ultimately released back into the air at the paper's end of life when it biodegrades or is composted or incinerated.
Paper is lightweight in shipping and can be engineered for structural stability with flat pack shipping.
For more transparent sourcing, suppliers may source paper that has an FSC certification. The paper and forest industry created FSC certifications to set standards like stricter restrictions on clear cuts and pesticide use.
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The best afterlife for most paper products — from collateral to boxes — is recycling. Most paper fibers can be recycled more than five times. Paper with tape or stickers can still be recycled, because non-paper materials are sifted out in the recycling process.
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Printed designs will take on the finish of the paper. For a shiny finish, you’ll need to inquire about added coatings. Coatings may also be necessary if your packaging needs extra water resistance.
Corrugated Boxes
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Corrugated boxes and inserts are made from corrugated board which has three kraft paper layers to make a rigid board — two liners and a corrugated layer in between.
Corrugated thicknesses are called flutes. Depending on the liner thicknesses, larger flutes (A) can make a board appear more wavy and smaller flutes (E-G) can make a board appear more smooth.
Most graphics are printed direct on the kraft paper. The ink soaks into the paper, so the corrugated maintains its matte, textured feel. There are coatings and coated substrates available to make boxes look shiny and feel more slick, in addition to making the inks appear more vibrant.
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These paper boxes are made from trees, which are a renewable resource. In the first leg of shipping to a distributor, boxes ship flat, taking up less space in transit. After it’s built and filled, the box will have a set volume in shipping.
Corrugated board is made from paper which is easily recycled or composted (see Disposal).
For more transparent sourcing, suppliers may source paper that has an FSC certification. The paper and forest industry created FSC certifications to set standards like stricter restrictions on clear cuts and pesticide use.
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The best afterlife for most paper products — from collateral to boxes — is recycling. Most paper fibers can be recycled more than five times. Paper with tape or stickers can still be recycled, because non-paper materials are sifted out in the recycling process.
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Typically, you can print on the entirety of a box, from edge to edge. Printed designs will match the finish of the paper.
For a shiny finish, you’ll need to inquire about added coatings. Coatings may also be necessary if your packaging needs extra water resistance.
Poly Bags & Films
Trays & Inserts
Paper Mailers
Cushioning
Jars & Bottles
Corrugated
Folding Cartons
Food Service
Inks & Coatings
Raw Materials
Labels
Specialty Papers
