Basics

This page aims to lay out Packaging Materials that are sustainable
These are more ideal than more conventional materials used, especially for OSE Products
Long term Decentralized OS Production would be nice, but in the near term it is likely a matter of Inventory + Buying them Off The Shelf
Using “Nice Packaging” could also allow for it to be used as Long Term Storage etc/kept for later resale rather than immediately disposed of, this is worth considering

Materials List

Cardboard / Corrugated Containerboard is largely already quite a regulated + recycling heavy industry
Either way just checking for SFC / Other Ecolabels is all that is needed really
Certain Coated Paper Products should be avoided if able though
Also for certain things such as Pizza Boxes , enhanced recyclability cam be done via addition of Wax Paper or some means of preventing the Cardboard from becoming too contaminated
All in all though even in Paper Shredder - shreddings, or in a Paper Brick , Cardboard makes GREAT RDF so Product End of Life is easy to manage

Paper Cushioning / Expanded Cardboard may sufffice for lower shock load shipments/well fitted boxes etc
Starch Packing Peanuts can be used for more intensive packing jobs/for Bulk Fill
Moulded Pulp Inserts can work as well, although these will require mold production
Mycelium Foam / Molded Mycellium is an emerging market, but not easily available COTS as of now
While “dirty”, Sawdust , Wood Wool , or Paper Shreddings also make a somewhat shock adsorbing Bulk Fill Option

Silica Gel is the Industry Standard
- If reused for Filament Drying / a Desicant Dehumidifier etc it isn’t a COMPLETE waste
Desiccants that would require Calcination to “recharge” should be avoided if possible
Synthetic, ESPECIALLY Non-Biodegradable/ Fluropolymer based Sachets should be avoided as well

Optimizing for Laser Engraving or Print on Packaging Labeling (with Sustainable Ink ) over Adhesive Stickers reduces waste and “stickies” in shredders/recycling processes downstream
- Also should save money/aid in automation

Paper Mailers instead of LDPE Bags if possible (Are Wax Paper Mailers available?)
Use of Non-Polystyrene Padding in Padded Mailers is also advisable, as Mixed Materials are hard to sort

Reusable Trackers/Shock Indicators are preferable to Single Use/Disposable Devices
A Deposit and Return ecosystem may be in order for these

Short of potentially Cellophane most Tapes are Plastic Based
Using Refilable Dispensers, and Reducing where tape is used help
Also Tape can Jam Shredders and Related Machinery, so reducing it’s use aids Product End of Life