B2B packaging direct from the importer

Sustainable Packaging – Kraft Paper, Recycled, Compostable

Sustainable packaging does not have to be more expensive or compromise on function. Three material classes cover most requirements: kraft paper (bio-based, compostable), recycled LDPE with GRS certification (50–70% less CO₂) and materials to EN 13432 for industrial composting.

Specifically in the range: kraft paper carrier bags, sustainable carrier bags made of recycled LDPE, kraft paper block bottom bags, recyclable stand-up pouches and tubular film made from 100% post-consumer material. Functionally identical to virgin material.

For brands with CSR reporting, the GRS certificate documents the recyclate content across the entire supply chain. Food-grade variants are available separately made from virgin material or bio-PE – PCR/recyclate variants are currently still in the test phase for food-contact suitability and are not approved for direct food contact.

We advise on the right material choice depending on your industry positioning – from our German warehouse since 1972.

01

What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging meets at least one of these three criteria:

  • Made from recycled material: e.g. 100% recycled LDPE (GRS-certified) – functionally identical to virgin material, with a considerably better carbon footprint.
  • Made from renewable raw materials: kraft paper (FSC/PEFC), bio-PE from sugar cane, compostable multi-layer films.
  • Compostable or recyclable as a single material: mono-materials that are cleanly returned to the loop at the end of their life cycle.

Important: not every “green” packaging is automatically sustainable. We clearly indicate which product holds which certification – GRS for recycled material, FSC/PEFC for paper, EN 13432 for compostability.

02

What is sustainable packaging suitable for?

  • Organic brands & natural food: packaging that fits the brand story
  • Speciality producers: kraft paper look for artisan products
  • Direct marketers & farm shops: a natural appearance at the point of sale
  • E-commerce with a sustainability focus: shipping bags made of recycled LDPE
  • Bakery & patisserie: food-grade kraft paper carrier bags
  • Gift packaging: natural materials for sustainable gifts
  • Catering & events: environmentally conscious to-go packaging
  • Private marketing: homemade jam, honey, herbs from the garden
03

Which sustainable packaging do we stock?

04

Benefits of sustainable packaging

  • Better CO₂ footprint: recycled LDPE saves petroleum resources, kraft paper is renewable.
  • Brand added value: sustainable packaging looks high-quality and credible at the point of sale.
  • Certificates: GRS for recycled material, FSC/PEFC for paper, EN 13432 for compostability.
  • Food-grade: all relevant products meet EU 10/2011.
  • Functionally equivalent: sustainable materials are in no way inferior to virgin material.
  • Printable: with your logo, sustainability seals, brand story.
  • Private & trade: standard quantities for direct marketers, volume tiers for industry.
  • Fast shipping from our German warehouse.
05

Material properties of sustainable packaging in detail

Sustainable packaging comprises recyclable mono-materials, compostable bio-polymers and paper-based solutions. The choice of material depends on your recycling strategy and product requirements.

Mono-PE (LDPE / EVOH / LDPE)

Polyethylene-based mono-material laminate with a thin EVOH barrier layer (< 5 %). Recyclable in the PE stream, NIR-detectable in German sorting facilities. Compliant with the RecyClass design guideline. OTR approx. 1–3 cm³/m²·24h — sufficient for standard foods with a best-before date of up to 12 months.

Mono-PP (CPP / EVOH / CPP)

Pure polypropylene with an EVOH barrier layer. Microwave-safe up to 100 °C, sterilisable. Recyclable in the German PP stream. Suitable for convenience food and microwaveable ready meals.

Kraft paper with a thin PE inner layer

Kraft paper on the outside (FSC-certified), 15–25 microns of LDPE on the inside for grease and moisture protection. PE content under 5 % of the total mass — recoverable in the paper recycling stream. Standard for baked goods, patisserie and bakery.

Kraft paper / PLA laminate — industrially compostable

Compostable laminate of kraft paper and a PLA inner film (polylactic acid from corn starch). Certified to EN 13432 for industrial composting. Breaks down residue-free under industrial conditions (58 °C, controlled humidity) within 12 weeks.

Pure paper mono-materials

Fully paper-based packaging without PE coating: cone bags, kraft paper carrier bags, block bottom and cross bottom bags. Fully recoverable in the paper recycling stream.

Recyclate processing

On request, post-consumer recyclate (PCR) with content of up to 100% – exclusively for packaging without direct food contact. PCR/recyclate variants are currently still in the test phase for food-contact suitability and are not approved for direct food contact.

06

Custom adaptation — sustainable printing and shapes

Sustainable packaging is produced in recyclable materials with environmentally sound printing.

Recyclable printing inks

On request we use printing inks compliant with the RecyClass design guideline that do not impair the recycling process. For compostable packaging we use compostable bio printing inks that break down completely during the composting process.

FSC-certified paper

On request we supply paper packaging made from FSC-certified material — proof of sustainable forestry. Important for organic brands, the EU organic seal and sustainability-oriented brand strategies.

Special sizes and bag shapes

All mono-PE, kraft paper, PLA composites can be produced in the classic bag shapes: stand-up, block bottom, side gusset, flat, ziplock. Special sizes freely selectable.

Minimum run

Minimum run on request — depending on material, format and printing process. Lead time on request. Submit an enquiry.

REQUEST A CUSTOM PRODUCTION
07

Sustainability as a brand strategy and PPWR compliance

Sustainable packaging is the only future-proof packaging strategy from 2030 onwards. The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) makes recyclable or compostable packaging mandatory.

PPWR phased plan and migration path

From 2030, 100% of all packaging must be recyclable, and from 2035 with defined recycling rates. Aluminium multi-material laminates fall outside material recycling unless a technical exemption applies.

Mono-material as the standard

Mono-PE and mono-PP are the established solutions for 80% of all food packaging. NIR-detectable in German sorting facilities, established in the PE/PP recycling stream, RecyClass-certified.

Composting — sensible or marketing?

Industrially compostable packaging (EN 13432) only makes sense where it is actually disposed of in the organic waste bin. This decision rests with the respective municipalities.

SUSTAINABLE BAGS
08

Shipping & delivery

We ship quickly and reliably from our German warehouse. For large orders, direct dispatch by freight forwarder. For special sizes, the delivery time is arranged individually. Free shipping on orders over €200 net within Germany.

Frequently asked questions about sustainable packaging

What does GRS certification mean?

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international certificate that verifies recycled material. GRS-certified LDPE bags contain 100% demonstrably recycled polyethylene after strict supply chain controls.

Are kraft paper bags compostable?

Pure kraft paper is biodegradable and compostable in industrial composting plants. For food-grade variants with an inner coating, the coating must be assessed separately. Look for EN 13432 for industrial compostability.

Is sustainable packaging food-grade?

Yes, all relevant sustainable packaging meets EU Regulation 10/2011 as well as the German LFGB. We send declarations of conformity on request.

Recycled LDPE vs. kraft paper – which is more sustainable?

Kraft paper is renewable, recycled LDPE requires less energy in processing. Both significantly beat virgin plastic. For maximum sustainability: use reusable carrier bags.

Can sustainable packaging be printed?

Yes – we print all sustainable packaging with a logo, sustainability seal or brand story. The printing process depends on the material. More.

Does sustainable packaging work just like virgin material?

Yes – recycled LDPE and Bio-PE are functionally identical to standard material. Kraft paper has different properties (stiffer) but is just as reliable for suitable applications.

Which packaging is fully compostable?

Pure kraft paper bags without an inner coating are industrially compostable. For Bio-PE films there are certified EN 13432 variants.

Are there volume discounts for sustainable packaging?

Yes – as with standard packaging, clear volume tiers. For large orders from organic brands and speciality producers, significant price advantages.

Which certificates do you supply?

On request: GRS (recycled material), FSC/PEFC (paper), EN 13432 (industrial compostability), EU declaration of conformity 10/2011 (food-grade).

Can I order sustainable packaging as a private individual?

Yes, gladly – we also supply standard quantities to private customers. Ideal for farm shops, self-marketers, hobby beekeepers or gift packaging.

How do I tell greenwashing from genuine sustainability?

You can recognise greenwashing by: vague terms (“organic”, “green”) without certificates. Genuine sustainability has clear signs: GRS, FSC, PEFC, EN 13432, material origin documentation. We supply these certificates transparently.

What is Bio-PE and how does it differ from standard PE?

Bio-PE is made from renewable raw materials (e.g. sugarcane) instead of petroleum. It is chemically identical to standard PE – only the raw material origin differs. Bio-PE is recyclable in the same stream as standard PE.

Which sustainable packaging for food shipping?

For food shipping we recommend recycled LDPE bags (GRS-certified) for dry contents, or kraft paper carrier bags for take-away. Note the food-grade inner coating.

Which packaging is the most sustainable of all?

Strictly: reusable packaging (e.g. cotton drawstring bags for repeated use). For single use: compostable kraft paper without a coating. For plastic: 100% recycled LDPE.

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