With a growing number of consumers concerned about waste-reduction, companies are looking to recycled packaging as a more sustainable option. Recycling can help to breathe new life into old materials by repurposing them in the form of eco-friendly packaging.
One of the most common materials used for recycled packaging is paper. Old newspaper, stock and cardboard make the perfect material for packaging everything from perfume to matchsticks and even dog treats. Glass is another material that can easily be recycled for packaging beverages and other forms of bottled products. Although less plastic is recycled than other materials, upcycled plastic has been used to create recyclable packaging for common household products such as cosmetics and drink containers.
Each example of packaging made from recycled substances demonstrates that there are numerous opportunities for companies to repurpose old material in ways that are stylish and attractive to eco-conscious consumers.
28 Examples of Recycled Packaging
From Newspaper Beer Branding to Sustainable Reduced Shoeboxes:
Katherine Pendrill — May 24, 2015 — Eco
27
DIY Yoyo Kits
The Modernized Sling-Slang Yoyo is a Fun Homemade Project
26
Tapered Cosmetic Packaging
This Cosmetic Packaging Design Features Reusable Boxes and Pouches
25
Paper-Based Beverage Branding
Paperboy Wine Packaging is the Ultimate Eco-Friendly Vino Vessel
24
Sustainable Reduced Shoeboxes
The Omni Clip Effectively Holds Footwear with 11 Times Less Material
23
Recycled Soap Packaging
S.H.I.N.E. is a Project Focused in Mozambique for Those in Need
22
Recycled Journal Branding
Sustainable Duck Eggs Packaging Makes Resourceful Use of Paper Waste
21
Bottle Cap Balms
The American Gentleman Beard Balm Comes in Recycled Beer Caps
20
Upcycled Cardboard Gift Bags
Turn Cardboard Boxes into Creative Gift Totes with This Guide
19
Origami Easter Packaging
Minieco's Printable Paper Project is Great for the Holidays
18
Minimalist Gadget Boxes
Lyve's Digital Packaging Solution Simplifies Shipping and Receiving
17
Vintage Solid Shampoo Branding
J.R. Liggett's Shampoo Bars
16
Nature-Inspired Candle Rebranding
The Standard Wax Rebranding is a Back to Basics Return to Nature
15
Repurposed Paper Towels
World Centric's Organic Paper Towels are Recycled and Unbleached
14
Eco-Friendly Light Packaging
Hyunseo Design Creates a Recyclable Design
13
Spherical Wooden Perfumes
Pacific Perfumes' Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Packaging is Protected in Wood
12
Plantable Present Paper
Kickstarter Campaign Eden's Paper Provides Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
11
Memory Folding Box Cards
Greetabl is a Memorable and Sincere Greeting Card Alternative
10
Festive Holiday Fragrances
The Juniper Ridge Christmas Fir Cabin Spray Incorporates Woodsy Scents
9
Handsome Pooch Packaging
Frank's Dog Product Packaging is Specific to Dachshunds
8
Sustainable Matchstick Stationery
Protect the Environment One Recycled Paper Pencil at a Time
7
Bottle Stopper Tech Accessories
These Cork Tablet Cases Are Made Using Eco-Friendly Materials
6
Liquor Candle Packaging
These Detroitwick Soy Candles Come in Upcycled Vodka Bottle Holders
5
Reusable Delivery Packaging
The RePack System Encourages Consumers to Return Their Used Envelopes
4
Artistic Eco Packaging
Woolworths Contemporary Soaps are Wrapped in Printed Paper
3
Cheap Eco-Friendly Frames
The Tonki Cardboard Frame is Sustainable and Easy to Ship and Assemble
2
Eco Energy Drink Containers
The E-ON Premium Energy Drink is Packaged in Rexam Aluminum Cans
1
Charming Packaging Collages
Takako Handa's Transforms Snack Packaging into Recycled Cardboard Art
Related Ideas
Quirky Paper Wine Bottles
Magnotta Wines' Ugly Duck is Packaged in Fully Recyclable Paper
3D-Printed Packaging Molds
Unilever Partnered with Serioplast on 3D-Printed Packaging Solutions
Eco-Friendly Retail Pop-Ups
Stella McCartney's Ibiza Pop-Up Uses Recycled Wood; Efficient Lighting
Recycled Plastic Candy Packaging
Berry Global Group and Mars Launched 100% Recycled Plastic Jars
Recycling-Focused Store Concepts
COS Adopts Recycled Materials to Enhance its New Store Locations
Refillable Alcohol Containers
Diageo Partnered With ecoSPIRITS On Refillable Alcohol Solutions
Plastic Bottle Recycling Tools
The 'BottleLoom' Bottle Strip Cutter Transforms Plastic Waste
Paper-Made Chocolate Packaging
Nestlé Quality Street Tubs are Being Trialled in a New Format
Recycled Metal Skincare Packaging
The NIVEA Creme Tin Now Has an 80% Recycled Aluminum Design
Eco-Conscious Cleaning Product Packaging
Method is Introducing Recovered Coastal Plastic Packaging
Beer Packaging Shifts
Moosehead Breweries Will No Longer Offer Glass Bottles for Its Beers
Eco Reusable Bottles
Anew Drops a Plant‑based Reusable Bottle to Set a Standard for Sustainability
Paperboard Supplement Packaging
Vital Proteins is Transitioning to Paper-Based Canisters
Sunscreen Packaging Solutions
TerraCycle Partners With Leading Skincare Brands for Packaging
Fiber-Based Recyclable Packaging
Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Debuts New Eco-Friendly Packaging
Sustainable 3D-Printed Packaging Lines
APC Packaging's Adapte Collection is Innovative
Recyclable Yogurt Drink Packaging
The New Yop Bottles are Made with Clear PET and Recycled PET
Sustainable Carton-Style Packaging
This Elopak Paperboard Reduces Packaging's Carbon Footprint
Sustainable Packaging Initiatives
Cafe Spice Transitions to Polypropylene Plastic Trays
3D-Printable Packaging Pastes
Engineers from University of Washington Developed a Printable Paste
Sustainable Sourceable Packagings
Securikett's Eco-Friendly Packaging are Verifiable by Consumers
Fully Recyclable Oil Packaging
The New Frylight Packaging Has a Fully Recyclable Spray Pump
Recyclable Aluminum Tequila Packaging
DE-NADA Tequila is Rolling Out Eco-Friendly Packaging
Paper-Packaged Chocolate Bars
Walkers Chocolates Switched to 100% Recyclable Packaging
Lightweight Gin Bottles
Brockmans Gin's New Packaging Contains 30% Less Glass Than Competitors
Sustainable Paper Cosmetic Packaging
The Arcade Beauty Paper Packette is Made with 80% Paper
Plastic Reduction Concierges
The SodaStream Sustainability Concierge Helps to Cut Waste
Paper-Made Spirit Bottles
This Johnnie Walker Black Label Bottle is Made with 90% Paper
Recyclable Apple Packaging Initiatives
Superfresh Growers Introduces a New Sustainable Packaging
Fully Recyclable Paper Wrappers
KIND Snacks Launched Curbside Recyclable Snack Bar Packaging
Recyclable Paper Tissue Packaging
ARIA Premium Bath Tissue Packaging Can Be Curbside Recycled
Biodegradable Hemp-Based Packagings
Two Packaging Companies are Partnering to Reduce Plastics
Everyday Sustainable Bags
Out of the Woods Offers Versatile Bags for Essentials
Sustainable Packaging Options
Vetroplas Partners Highlight Refillable, Recycled And Airless Soluti
High-Barrier Recyclable Paper Packs
Prymat Has Adopted Mondi’s BarrierPaper Solution
Refillable Glass Packaging Designs
Bormioli Luigi Unveiled the 'Swing' and 'Reverre'
Encouraging Jar-Reusing Campaigns
Kraft Mayonnaise's Initiative Encourages Consumers to Repurpose
Refillable Product Pilots
Ocado Retail Debuts a Reusable Packaging Pilot with the Refill Coalition
Reusable Takeaway Packaging Pilots
VTT Launches Reuse Pilot for Ready Meal Packaging
Ergonomic Eco-Friendly Drink Packaging
The Tetra Prisma Aseptic 300 Edge Packaging is Mindful
Recycled Plastic Condiment Packaging
Plastipak and Kraft Heinz Announced a New Partnership
Plastic-Free Supply Chains
Ericsson is Investing in Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Reusable Packaging Grocery Stores
Nude Foods Market Packs Foods in Returnable Glass Jars
Reusable Packaging Supermarket Trials
Amcor and Ocado are Working Together for a Packaging Project
Recyclable eCommerce Packaging
This New Amazon Packaging is Paper-Made and Arriving in the UK
One-Handed Paper Cartons
The One-Hand Pump Paper Pack is Made from 100% Recyclable Materials
Canned Liquid Soaps
Niul Cosmetics Packages Its Soap in Aluminum Cans
Resealable Recyclable RTD Packaging
The Reef RTD is Now Being Offered in a Tetra Pak Container
Lightweight PET Bottle Designs
TricorBraun Introduces Lightweight PET Bottle Solutions
Bio-Based Monomaterial Skincare Packaging
These Lumene Moisturizer Jars are Easy to Recycle
Sustainable Retailer Packaging Updates
This Co-op Sustainable Packaging Initiative is Expansive
Highly Recyclable Packaging Films
The Südpack CarbonLite Films are Suited for Cheese and More
Purpose-Built Water Bottle Packaging
The Sidel Returnable PET Bottle is Fully Recyclable
Fiber-Based Packaging Partnerships
This Packaging is From UPM Specialty Materials and BASF
Recycled Gin Bottles
York Gin Launched the UK’s First Completely Recycled Gin Bottle
Paper-Made Juice Packaging
The Tetra Park Tetra Brik Aseptic is Made with Up to 80% Paper
Reduced Plastic Drink Packaging
This Lucozade Packaging Update Cuts Plastic Use
Sturdy Recycled Packaging Materials
The RDM Group Vincicoat PLUS (V+) is Recycled and Resilient
Sustainable Cafe Delivery Cases
This Paper Pulp Coffee Carrier Keeps Drinks Hot or Cold
Medicine Packaging Recycling Programs
Boots Blister Pack Recycling is Headed to Over 800 Stores
Branded Packaging Solutions
Custom Packaging Enhances Product Presentation And Brand Identity
Insulated Recyclable Bags
ProAmpac Unveils a Sustainable Packaging Solution for Grocery Deliveries
Paper-Made Alcohol Bottles
Diageo Debuts a New Paper Bottle for Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
Low-Plastic Seafood Packaging
This Sainsbury’s Packaging Update Reduces Plastic Use
Recycled Packaging Planter Pots
Tetra Pak and Keter Partnered for the Cube Planters
Personal Care Refill Solutions
Zero Co Unveils its New Paper-Based Refill System
All-Red Tomato Rebrands
Pomì Unveils a New Sustainable Design to Attract Consumer Attention
Recycable Sleeve Labels
Phenix Label Introduced Recyclable Shrink Sleeve Options
Circular Logistics Systems
Tosca and Cabka introduce reusable pallets for supply chains
Decorated Candle Tins
Soap & Paper Factory Introduces New Sustainable Candle Tins
Reduced Packaging Drink Ranges
The 7-Eleven 7-Select Replenish Range Features a New Bottle Design
Recycled Liquid Product Packaging
The Sidel StarLite-R Still is Crafted from 100% rPET
Compostable Single-Use Beer Cups
The BioPak Beer BioCup is Targeted Towards Stadiums and More
Biodegradable Cheese Packagings
Nestlé Joins Oglivy Colombia on the Self-Packing Cheese
High-Barrier Paper Packaging Platform
ProAmpac Launches a High-Barrier Paper Platform
Paper-Based Barrier Drink Packaging
Tetra Pak and Sterilgarda Alimenti Partnered on New Packaging
Paper-Packaged Porridge Products
Everyday Essentials Porridge Oats Come in Plastic-Free Packaging
Aluminum-Free Carton Packaging
This SIG Aluminum-Free Full Barrier Solution Reduces Material Use
Moulded Fibre Transport Containers
PAPACKS Launches Fiber Box for Seafood Transport
Paper-Made Dissolvable E-Waste
Franziska Kerber Designs a New Source of Sustainable Electronic
Recyclable Scent Label Formats
Sampling Innovations Europe Introduced Scent Green® Label
Ohio-Based Refill Stores
Reduce & Reuse Refillery Helps Save Money and Reduce Packaging Waste
Eco-Friendly Bread Packaging
Modern Milkman Debuted Compostable Bread Bags
Recycled Fish Packaging Boards
Kp Evolve Fish Boards use recycled PET and eliminate absorbent pads
Sustainable Ocean Packaging Designs
COAST Cannabis Co. Unveils a New Ocean-Based Packaging Design
In-Store DIY Packaging Stations
Taco Bell UK is Uniquely Supporting Circular Fashion Sellers
Tubular Paper-Made Snack Packaging
The Sonoco Paper Can is Made with 100% Recycled Fiber
Eco-Friendly Shipping Materials
The Kite Packaging Smart Fill Range is Eco-Minded
Mono-Material Packaging Designs
Free the Birds Introduced Mono-Materials for Skinimalism Packaging
Recyclable Bottle Containers
The 'Recyklobox' Allows For Sustainable In‑Store Returns
Cocoa Bean-Based Display Units
Mars Wrigley is Trialing a Second 'Cocoa Cardboard' Bean Display
Treasure Box-Inspired Wellness Packaging
NATPAT Recently Unveiled Redesigned Retail Packaging
Bio-Based Single-Use Cups
The VeriGreen Plus Was Created by eGreen and Polymateria
Paper-Packaged Olive Oils
Jordan Olivenöl Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Debuting a New Bottle
Eco-Conscious Canned Water
Wenlock Spring's Revamped Cans Appeal to Gen Z
Biotransformable Cup Designs
The Verigreen Plus Biotransformable Cup for Single Use Packaging
Recycled PET Industrial Bags
Boxon Launches Food-Contact Big Bags Approved in EMEA
Paper Food Packaging Campaigns
This Koehler Paper Campaign Showcases the Market Shift
Sun-Powered Plastic Recycling
Photocatalysts transform discarded plastic into clean fuel sources
Eco-Friendly Cracker Packaging
Jacob’s Crackers Selection Now Comes in Boxes with Reduced Plastic
Sustainable Spirit Packaging
Sapling Spirits Vodka is Now Packaged in Aluminum Bottles
Eco-Friendly Wooden Wine Cases
Cheval Blanc Opts for a New Eco-Friendly Packaging Design
Reduced Plastic Snack Packaging
ALDI Specially Selected Hand Cooked Chips Come in New Packets
Streamlined Packaging Updates
Blanco's New Packaging Design is Holistic in Nature
Carton Packaging Frameworks
The Consumer Goods Forum Unveiled the Liquid Carton Guidance
Paper-Made Confectionery Bags
Saica Group and Mondelez Launch a New Sustainable Multipack Solution
Paper-Based Earbud Envelopes
Oman Air Transitions to Using Recyclable Paper Envelopes for Earbuds
Aluminum OTC Packaging
Foster & Thrive's Products Come in Eco-Friendly Aluminum Bottles
Plastic-Free Takeaway Boxes
Just Eat Takeaway.com Launches the Huhtamaki Xampla Boxes
Shea Butter-Infused Lip Treatments
Kinfield's Lip Rescue Moisturizing Lip Treatment is Recyclable
Plastic-Cutting Retail Initiatives
Amazon is Cutting Its Plastic Use in North America
Lightweight Wine Bottle Packaging
ALDI and Greencroft Partnered on New Wine Packaging
Recycled Packaging Designs
DEBATIN and PreZero Launch the 60% PCR Material-Sourced Packaging
Recyclable Paper-Made Tray Packaging
The PaperSeal Pressed Packaging is Cost-Efficient
Recycled Plastic Candy Packaging
Cadbury Mini Eggs Came in Recycled Plastic Packaging This Easter
Sustainable Disposing Initiatives
The Perfume Shop Has Updated Its Recycling System
Recycled Packaging Tray Upgrades
Mondelēz Introduced Recycled Trays Across European Brands
Tree-Free Sustainable Packaging
Craste Uses Crop Residue to Create Eco-Friendly Packaging
Eco-Friendly Paper Towels
Bravo's Paper Towels are Made from 90% Recycled Materials
Paper Sampling Containers
Arcade Beauty Debuts a Paper-Based Sampling Solution for Beauty Products
Customizable Packaging Solutions
Wax Paper Global Has Introduced an Innovative Packaging Solution
Recycled PE Packaging Films
Amcor Unveiled the DCM Mono-Material PE Film
Adaptable Plastic Alternatives
2M Group is Unveiling a Plastic Alternative for the Supply Chain
Respiration Control Packaging Films
This Recyclable Film Packaging from Innovia Films is Effective
Reduced-Plastic Packaging Moves
Squire Shifts to Box and Card Packaging
Plastic-Free Sushi Trays
BioPak's Latest Innovation is Eco-Friendly Sushi Trays
Recyclable Mono-Material Packaging
Jindal Films Expanded its Range of Mono-Material Solutions
Pet Gear Recycling Schemes
Pet Supplies Plus & Wag N' Wash Achieve a Recycled Packaging Milestone
Reusable Cardboard Buckets
Royal Flora Holland Launches a Reusable Bucket for Logistics
Revamped Packaging Brand Websites
Macpac's New Website Highlights its Sustainability Efforts
Fiber-Based Packaging Partnerships
UPM and Felix Schoeller Partnered for a Flexible Solution
Retail Recycling Reward Programs
Boots Offers Advantage Card Points for Recycling Drop-Offs
Recyclable Cover Papers
Saputo Dairy UK is Transitioning its Spreadable Covers to Paper-Based
Sustainable Marble-Effect Packaging
Sulapac Collaborates With FaiveleyTech for Packaging Solutions
Bio-Based Packaging Concepts
UPM Specialty Materials and Paramelt Debut Paper-Based Packagings
Reusable A4 Shipping Boxes
Flyeralarm Partners With Reuse.Me To Reintroduce Circulated Boxes
Eco-Designed Sampling Formats
Sampling Innovations Europe Unveiled Easy Dose
Flexible Paper-Based Packaging
Parkside Introduces the Recoflex™ Paper Packaging for Fresh Food
Collapsible Plastic Shipping Solutions
Kite Packaging Plastic Pallet Boxes are Cost-Effective
Sustainable Parcel Services
India Post and IIP Work On Crafting Eco-Friendly Parcel Solutions