Recycled paper is an eco-friendly packaging material made from recovered wastepaper that is cleaned, de-inked, pulped, and re-manufactured into new paper. As brands continue to prioritize sustainability in their packaging systems, recycled paper has become one of the most common choices for shopping bags, product boxes, hangtags, wrapping materials, and eco-focused packaging designs.
It delivers reliable strength for packaging applications while offering a natural, textured appearance that helps brands communicate their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Key Advantages of Recycled Paper for Packaging
1. Enhances a Brand’s Sustainable Image
Using recycled paper significantly reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp, lowers energy and water consumption, and minimizes waste.
For brands, recycled packaging is a strong visual and practical statement of sustainability.
2. Works With a Wide Range of Packaging Structures
Modern recycled paper provides good stiffness, strength, and durability, making it suitable for:
Shopping bags
Rigid and folding cartons
Inserts and dividers
E-commerce shipping boxes
Wrapping and void-fill paper
It performs well with die-cutting, scoring, laminating, gluing, and other common packaging processes.
3. Natural Texture Ideal for Branding
Recycled paper often has a soft, organic fiber texture and subtle natural tones such as beige, kraft, or light gray. This creates a warm, eco-friendly visual style favored by beauty, lifestyle, apparel, home decor, and craft brands.
4. Good Compatibility With Printing & Finishing
Recycled paper supports many packaging finishing techniques:
Offset printing
Screen printing
Flexo printing
Foil stamping
Embossing and debossing
Spot UV
While colors may appear softer compared to coated papers, the natural tonal effect often enhances the eco-conscious look brands want.
Common Packaging Applications
For Paper Bags & Shopping Bags
Recycled kraft paper is strong and tear-resistant, making it ideal for retail shopping bags and takeaway packaging.
For Product Boxes & Brand Packaging
Higher-weight recycled paper and recycled board are used for gift boxes, folding cartons, and premium outer packaging structures.
For Hangtags & Labels
Recycled paper’s natural texture works well for price tags, product information cards, and brand labels, emphasizing sustainable value.
For Protective Inserts & Structure
Recycled fiber can be formed into dividers, trays, molded pulp, corner protectors, and other protective packaging components.
For Wrapping & Filling
Lightweight recycled paper is widely used for wrapping goods, gift packaging, cushioning, and paper-shred fillings.
How Recycled Paper Is Made
1. Collection & Sorting
Recovered paper is separated by type—office paper, newsprint, packaging paper, corrugated board, etc.—to ensure consistent material quality.
2. Cleaning & De-inking
Ink, adhesives, and contaminants are removed through washing, flotation, or chemical treatments, producing clean pulp suitable for packaging use.
3. Fiber Refining
Fiber length and flexibility are adjusted to achieve the strength and stiffness required for different packaging applications.
4. Papermaking & Finishing
The pulp is formed into paper at various basis weights (gsm), dried, pressed, and rolled for use in bags, boxes, labels, and protective materials.
Common Types of Recycled Paper in Packaging
In packaging, you will commonly find:
Recycled kraft paper — durable and ideal for bags and shipping materials
Recycled white card / recycled board — suitable for printed boxes and premium packaging
Recycled corrugated board — used for e-commerce and shipping cartons
Recycled wrapping paper — used for gift wrap and lightweight protection
Recycled black card — popular for high-end tags and branding components
Each type supports different structural and aesthetic needs.
FAQ
1. Can recycled paper be used for premium packaging?
Absolutely. Many premium brands use recycled materials to reinforce their sustainability message and create distinctive packaging aesthetics.
2. Does recycled paper affect print quality?
Not negatively — it simply produces a more natural, textured look. Colors tend to appear slightly softer, which many brands find appealing.
3. Is recycled paper suitable for heavy-duty packaging?
Yes. High-weight recycled kraft and recycled board offer excellent strength for bags, cartons, and protective packaging.
4. Can recycled paper be recycled again?
Yes. Recycled paper can re-enter the recycling stream, contributing to a circular packaging system.