Sustainability in Packaging: Should You Go Custom or Stick to Standard?

When it comes to sustainable packaging, businesses are often faced with a choice: go custom or stick with standard options. While both options have their pros and cons, the decision comes down to more than just budget. It’s about environmental impact, brand awareness and long-term value.

So, let’s unpack the differences and help you decide what’s best for your products – and the planet.

The Case for Standard Packaging

Standard packaging solutions like off-the-shelf boxes or bags are usually seen as the “easy option.” They’re widely available, relatively affordable and ideal for businesses needing quick turnaround or handling generic products.

Standard packaging comes with a few clear advantages: it typically involves lower upfront costs, is faster to source and implement and works well for short-term campaigns or high-volume product lines where efficiency and speed are key.

Sustainability Perks:

• Often made in bulk with recycled materials
• Less waste during manufacturing due to standardised processes
• Easy to recycle or reuse, depending on materials used

However, here’s where things get tricky. Because they’re not designed specifically for the product, standard packaging can lead to:

• Excess materials used – Oversized boxes filled with void fill, bubble wrap or foam peanuts, much of which ends up in landfill.
• Inefficient shipping – Larger and heavier packages mean more fuel used per unit, which increases carbon emissions and shipping costs.
• Poor product protection – Generic packaging often doesn’t fit snugly, increasing the risk of damage in transit. More damages mean more returns, more replacements and ultimately, a greater environmental footprint.

The Custom Packaging Advantage

Custom packaging is designed to fit your product just right. It’s more than just a box – it’s a strategic choice that can enhance sustainability when done thoughtfully.

Custom packaging offers a range of benefits because it’s tailored to your product. It allows for optimised sizing and material use, which means less waste and more efficient use of resources. Products are better protected during transit, which reduces the risk of damage and the need for replacements. Plus, custom packaging allows your brand to showcase its commitment to sustainability – whether that’s through messaging, eco-friendly materials or clever design that encourages reuse.

Sustainability Perks:

• Less packaging bulk = lower freight emissions
• Can be tailored with recyclable, biodegradable or reusable materials
• Encourages consumers to reuse packaging if it’s designed well

While custom options might carry a higher upfront cost, they often pay off in the long run – especially when you factor in reduced waste, fewer returns and improved customer perception.

A great example of this is how Production Packaging Innovations helped design custom packaging for a client offering gourmet gift hampers. These hampers included a variety of different-sized products, and off-the-shelf boxes simply wouldn’t cut it. We created a structural solution that was not only visually appealing and sturdy enough for transit but also eco-conscious – using recyclable materials and eliminating the need for excess filler. You can read more about it here.

So, which one is better?

It’s not always a clear-cut answer. If you’re sending generic, non-fragile items in bulk, standard packaging made from recycled materials might be just fine. But if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact while creating a tailored unboxing experience, custom packaging is worth the investment.

Why choose Production Packaging Innovations?

At Production Packaging Innovations, we’re big believers in smart, sustainable packaging solutions that not only protect your products but also align with your environmental values. Whether you choose standard options for their simplicity and speed or go custom to maximise efficiency and minimise waste, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our team works closely with you to choose the most suitable materials, optimise packaging design and find eco-conscious alternatives that deliver on both performance and sustainability. It’s all about creating packaging that works for your business – and does right by the planet.

👉 Need help deciding? Talk with our expert team about what packaging solution makes the most sense for your product and your values.