Everything You Need to Know About Using Recycled and Recyclable Packaging Materials

“Recycle” is one of the main R’s of sustainability! Here’s an ultimate guide to recycled and recyclable packaging products to help your brand make more responsible choices.

Published: 2022-04-04
Read time: 7 mins read

tendlyn Custom Recycled Kraft Mailer by @dshaskey

A Recycle framework is a simple solution to replacing non-renewable packaging with packaging made of recycled materials or recyclable at the end of its life. Packaging products under this framework are popular among consumers in metropolitan areas. Many commercial recycling centers are located in cities, and often, these centers offer accessible curbside recycling services. Packaging that can be recycled or is made from recycled materials is ideal for brands that want to reach modern consumers and increase their customer base.

Thinking about the end-of-life of your brand’s packaging is equally important to ensuring that your unboxing experience is kind to customers and the earth. Your brand should consider switching to packaging under a Recycle framework for a seamless introduction to better packaging choices!

Read on about tendlyn’s Recycle line of products and how packaging given an extended life can elevate your brand.

What is a Recycle packaging framework?

Custom tendlyn Recycled Box, Recycled Tissue Paper,, and Paper Sticker by @tabbyties

It might sound a bit confusing at first, but we promise it’s not! A Recycle framework implies that packaging:

Packaging that follows a Recycle framework is a hassle-free choice for budding brands and small businesses making the sustainable switch. Companies that use recycled or recyclable packaging are preferred among consumers and can lead to repeat purchases from customers.

Contrary to popular belief, recycled and recyclable packaging products are not as expensive as traditional packaging solutions, since recycled packaging products use previously in circulation materials. And many recycling centers are found in larger cities across the globe, so customers can swiftly and properly dispose of recyclable products at locations that accept paper and soft plastics. Notice the slight difference in recycled vs. recyclable packaging. Let’s define what sets them apart from one another!

Recycled vs. recyclable packaging products

tendlyn Recycled Padded Mailer by @cbceramics

True to its description, recycled packaging products are composed of non-new materials, ensuring that no virgin plastics are introduced into circulation. In recycled packaging, non-virgin plastics are mixed with other materials to produce products that are just as durable throughout a second life. Renewed materials found in recycled cardboard mailers and shipping boxes are given a new purpose, perfect for brands wanting to eliminate excessive waste!

Recyclable packaging is made from materials eligible for recycling after use, such as kraft cardboard or various kinds of plastic. Products like recyclable gift boxes, shipping boxes, tissue paper, and mailers are more eco-friendly than their traditional counterparts and avoid generating more waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Recyclable packaging for clothing, accessories, subscription boxes, art products, and more adds value to the overall unboxing experience and helps set a more sustainable standard across industries and consumers.

Whether or not your packaging is made from recycled materials, always confirm that the products you use can be either commercially or curbside-recycled where cardboard or soft plastics are accepted. It takes a bit more effort to discern between what’s recyclable and what’s not, so keep reading to learn how.

Custom tendlyn Recycled Tissue, Recycled Hang Tag, and by @papermotel

What materials are considered recycled or recyclable?

Not all materials are recyclable, so it’s necessary to know the difference between those that are and those that are only used as recycled materials.

Recycled materials:

Recyclable materials:

Of course, be sure to indicate what type of Recycle packaging your brand uses and proper disposal instructions to your customers. You can do so directly on your packaging, on an informational page on your website, or through posts on social media.

Now, pat yourself on the back for getting to this point! Understanding our Recycle framework will be next to second nature in making sustainability on-brand for your business.

Everything you need to know about tendlyn’s Recycle packaging

If you want to create your best customer experience yet, see our catalog of recycled and recyclable packaging options. Read all about them below, and don’t let your unboxing bore customers – check out our customizable Recycle packaging for branding your boxes, mailers, and more!

Recycled Boxes


Custom tendlyn Recycled Box by @hellodaisymade

tendlyn Boxes (US and EU only)

The tendlyn Custom Cardboard Shipping Box is the newest addition to our line of Boxes and comes in multiple sizes!

tendlyn Custom Container Shipping Box (US only)

Recycled Mailers

tendlyn Recycled Padded Mailer by @reneeavenue

tendlyn Recycled Padded Mailer

tendlyn Recycled Mailer, Custom tendlyn Tissue, and by @handzyshopstudio

tendlyn Recycled Mailer

Custom tendlyn Recycled Kraft Mailer by @dshaskey

tendlyn Kraft Mailer

Other Recycled and Recyclable Packaging

tendlyn Paper Tube Packaging pairs perfectly with custom stickers describing your product!

tendlyn Paper Tube Packaging (US only)

Custom Printed tendlyn Recycled Tissue Paper and Paper Sticker by @pointsofmeasure

tendlyn Tissue

Custom tendlyn Recycled Hang Tags by @handmadebyquinnie

tendlyn Hang Tags

Custom tendlyn Recycled Card by @bamboudk

tendlyn Recycled Cards

🎁 Wrapping it up

That’s everything you need to know about recycled and recyclable packaging! When choosing products that follow a Recycle framework, know that you’re taking a responsible step forward in becoming more sustainable as a brand. Your customers will be thrilled to experience premium packaging that won’t contribute to excess waste and can be given a new life at the end of their unboxing!

Keep in mind that your brand can have it all for conscious and creative packaging. tendlyn’s custom packaging that’s recyclable or recycled can tick those boxes and more! Don’t settle for anything less than sustainable for your customer’s experience. Giving materials a new life outside landfills is a stellar starting step that your brand can make today!

We’ve got your favorite packaging products in wholesale quantities, too! Head to tendlyn Plus for more information and get in touch with our talented Design team for your business’s custom packaging.