How to use the result
A practical planning estimate
Material selection starts with product protection and the real recovery system customers can access. A lighter material is not automatically better, a compostable claim is not useful without the correct composting route, and a recyclable label should describe the complete package rather than one component.
Describe product risk, weight, moisture, shipping channel, and branding needs honestly.
Select the disposal route most customers can actually access—not the idealized one.
Request documentation and test complete prototypes before making environmental claims.
How the shortlist is produced
Material fit = protection + logistics suitability + realistic recovery route + brand needs + evidence availability
The selector applies directional rules rather than a carbon calculation. It does not estimate lifecycle emissions or determine legal recyclability. A credible decision may require supplier data, material composition, local collection rules, testing, and a formal lifecycle assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is compostable packaging always more sustainable?
No. The outcome depends on certified composition, the matching composting system, collection access, contamination behavior, product protection, and what alternative it replaces.
Which certification matters for paper packaging?
FSC and SFI address fiber sourcing and chain of custody, not automatic recyclability. Also request recycled-content evidence, full material composition, and appropriate performance testing.
Can I use the recommendation as a customer-facing claim?
No. Treat it as a sourcing shortlist. Claims should be specific, documented, applicable to the complete packaging configuration, and reviewed against the rules in every market where they appear.