At Paper Tube Co., we'll guide your choices to ensure you're using the most sustainable materials and construction without compromising quality, aesthetics, and functionality.
All of our custom tubes use FSC Mix paper. Our ready-made stock tubes are made using FSC 100% Recycled paper, which can also be used on custom orders when requested. Some specialty papers are not available with FSC certifications and are made using virgin pulp. It really comes down to your requirements and priorities. If you want the most sustainable option, go with white uncoated or kraft FSC 100% Recycled paper that's varnished after printing.
All of our offset printing is done using soy-based inks. These are more sustainable than the industry-standard petroleum-based inks. Just as accurate. Just as vibrant. More earthy-friendly.
We've done 3rd party lab testing for laminated and unlaminated tubes, as well as tubes with paper and film-based liners and they all came back as a PASS for repulpability, which is the first phase of recyclability testing. Per the lab, all packaging that's made using only paper materials (no plastic-based liners or laminates) can be claimed as recyclable. All others require facilities that are able to deal with composite materials.
Paper is made from tree pulp. Trees are plans. So paper is made from plant-based materials. Some customers don't like that trees are being cut down to make paper, even though we use pulp from sustainably managed forests (FSC). Some customers require liners. Typically those liners are made from PE plastic. Some customers want the barrier properties the liners provide, but don't want plastic. For those people, we have alternatives like bagasse paper (sugarcane pulp) and PLA (corn starch bioplastic).
If we're making secondary packaging where you don't have shelf-life issues and you like the natural finish uncoated paper provides, plastic-free is not a problem. If you like the soft touch or matte coated finish that looks more luxurious, we can either opt for biodegradable laminates (less plastic) or adjust your priorities.
That is a trick question. What are you using now? How are you planning to use our packaging? Are there functionality requirements? What is the baseline of packaging in your industry? In order to provide options, we first have to understand your requirements and your priorities.
Now, the MOST sustainable option is a tube or a box that's made out of FSC 100% recycled paper, printed with soy inks, and has not inner lining or outer lamination. All paper. Simple as that.
While we have not done actual compostability testing, we have engaged with several accredited laboratories and spoken to material scientists. In a nutshell, compostability testing is an 8-month / $20K endeavor that, according to everyone we spoke with, may not prove fruitful.
Tubes have a pretty thick spiral wrapped core which may or may not break down to the extent necessary within the required period of time. Given that the tubes are plastic-free and use minimal additives, they will eventually break down (thus being labeled biodegradable), we just don't know if they'll meet the criteria for an official compostability claim unless we spend the time and money on testing. Additionally, we were told that the chances of compostability will improve if the tubes are cut into smaller pieces before going into compost, however that responsibility obviously falls on the consumer, and so we're not able to make any official claims. Regardless of this, we will work with you to ensure your tube packaging has the smallest ecological footprint. We're also happy to work with you on the testing, if you choose to do it yourself.
For more details about sustainability, see our blog.
According to FSC.org, the FSC label is the world's most trusted mark for sustainable forestry. In practical terms, FSC is an organization that manages forests that are used for paper production. They ensure that sources that supply wood pulp to paper mills meet certain environmental goals, like biodiversity preservation, zero deforestation, and fair wages and work environment.
For more information, go to FSC.org.
Most of our products are made using FSC certified materials. For custom orders, our minimum quantity for FSC certified 100% recycled paper is only 2500 pcs.
Spot UV is a clear gloss varnish that's applied to a specific area of the artwork to make it stand out. It is considered environmentally friendly because it uses UV light to cure, which doesn't emit harsh chemicals, solvents, or other synthetic compounds.
Foil stamping is also considered to be environmentally friendly. The process uses a minimum amount of energy, is dry and solvent-free. Most foil is recyclable.
Let’s work together to ensure that what’s on the outside reflects the innovation and care of what’s on the inside. Talk to one of our packaging consultants today and start selling more products tomorrow.
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