If you are looking for the most eco-friendly mailer possible, you might be struggling to decide between recycled, recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. Here's a chart to help. Bottom line? If 100% compostable is critical to you, choose a paper-based mailer (such as our 100% Recycled Kraft or Paper Apparel Mailers). If the lowest carbon footprint is critical or you need the functional benefits of plastic choose a 100% recycled poly mailer. Compostable poly mailers do not address marine plastic pollution and carry many negative side effects to the planet.
100% Recycled Paper Mailer
Recommended: Best overall source material (recycled, renewable, regenerative) and end of life prospects, highest carbon footprint
- Renewable material that strengthens the land and soil when grown
- EcoEnclose options are 100% Recycled, up to 97% Post-Consumer
- Curbside recyclable and easily recycled
- Compostable (all paper mailers utilize polymer-based adhesives and inks that leave small contamination in soil so recycling is preferred to composting)
- Marine biodegradable
- May slowly biodegrade in a landfill (biodegradability is not desired in a landfill).
- Typically has a higher carbon footprint than film-based counterparts (more material is used, mailers are thicker and heavier).
