Paper and cardboard packaging are often essential to convey legally-required information such as ingredients lists and use-by dates on beauty products. Along with point of sale and various marketing literature, they also create strong visual brand identity. Unfortunately, many brands and retailers overuse these paper and cardboard elements, and often - despite seeming it - they are non-recyclable due to various plastic films and varnishes that have been used.
Fortunately, there are many paper and cardboard options available that are made from recycled materials, are fully recyclable and do not contain plastic films and varnishes (often referred to as ‘uncoated’). It is also easy to find manufacturers who use vegetable inks and offer FSC-approved paper stock options. It’s worth being mindful of the amount of packaging being used, i.e. would a QR code printed on a primary box suffice instead of an additional leaflet? For point of sale display items, cardboard struts can be used instead of plastic stands.