Give an over-the-top unboxing experience with less waste
Our simple, eco-friendly products make it easy to put your personal point of view on all of your packaging, no matter where you sell. Whether you sell on Etsy, your own website, or in person, a personalized experience is what charms your customers. It’s not just your handcrafted products that entice them, but also your unique perspective. Perhaps this means a special, one-of-a-kind unboxing experience when their order arrives. Or, they see a beautiful, personalized display when they buy from you at a craft fair or farmers market.
From packaging labels and stickers to thank-you cards, jewelry packaging, table tent cards, and more, you can design online for free using Avery Design and Print Online (ADPO) software. What’s more, you can use free predesigned templates in ADPO or upload your own logos, graphics, or even Canva creations. Then print your designs yourself, or let us print them for you, on products made from recycled materials and responsibly sourced paper.
Why make the switch to eco-friendly packaging
With climate change concerns rising, consumers are seeking more sustainable choices, and that includes brands with more sustainable packaging. In fact, 66% of people consider sustainability a top factor when buying products (Global Sustainability Study 2022, Simon-Kucher & Partners). Additionally, Avery internal research indicates that 61% of consumers specifically prioritize recyclable packaging and clear disposal instructions. This is better for the environment because using recycled or curbside-recyclable packaging supports a circular economy and reduces landfill waste.
Ultimately, choosing to care about what your customers care about (like environmentally friendly packaging) is another opportunity to make your customers happy.
Avery eco-friendly products are marked with these icons, so you see the benefits at a glance.
What is eco-friendly packaging?
Overall, eco-friendly packaging aims to lessen the harm to the environment at every stage, from getting the raw materials to making, using, and throwing away the packaging. This helps promote sustainability and conserve resources. Below are the specific benefits of using Avery eco-friendly labels, tags, and cards to promote sustainable packaging for your own business. However, you can use these features as a guideline as you source other earth-friendly packaging materials like filler and boxes.
Products used for packaging (labels, cards, tags, etc.) that are made using recycled materials. This includes both pre-consumer waste (manufacturing scraps) and post-consumer waste (used items) and means fewer materials going into landfills.
Avery label paper is responsibly sourced, avoiding harm to forests and habitats as much as possible. Additionally, the methods to grow and harvest materials are done in the most environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable manner available.
Made with Recycling Compatible Adhesive (RCA). These special adhesives don’t interfere with the recycling process.
Avery eco-friendly tags, cards, and labels (when used on recyclable paper or cardboard) can be tossed in the recycling bin after use. Note: Avery label backing sheets are not recyclable.
Even blank printable products have some printing, like the Avery logo and product number on a label sheet. This information on our eco-friendly products is printed with soy-based inks from renewable soybeans instead of petroleum.
Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF) paper uses recycled content that may have been bleached with chlorine in the past but is not re-bleached with chlorine compounds. More sustainable alternatives are used instead, like oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide.
Sustainable printing processes
Using UV, soy, or water-based inks on eco-friendly packaging is a better alternative to petroleum or solvent-based inks. These inks have a smaller carbon footprint and release fewer chemicals. Whereas solvent-based inks emit high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), causing air pollution and health risks. In contrast, all custom-printed Avery products use safer and more sustainable water-based or UV inks, which are energy-efficient and mercury-free.
Free tools for custom packaging design
Adding your personality is key in order to make your customers smile while still striving for sustainability. Avery Design and Print Online (ADPO) is a free tool for creating custom packaging designs. There are a wide variety of designs you can apply to Avery eco-friendly products. To find templates, visit the Avery template-finder page, search by product number, keyword, or category, and customize them with your own text, images, and colors for professional-looking results. Once selected, you can customize any template with images, background color, and/or graphics, or by adding and formatting text.
More packaging design resources
- Flush Packaging: Custom Packaging Designed for Small Business
- How to Design a Logo for Your Business
- How to Design Labels Using Illustrator and Avery
Best labels for more sustainable packaging
Avery offers quite a few label products that are all great for creating more environmentally friendly packaging. However, our top two recommendations for packaging add a lot of personality to the unboxing experience. Firstly, the 22855 Kraft brown label is made from recycled materials and is a popular choice on Avery.com. The scalloped oval shape adds a unique flare to a wide variety of product packaging. Secondly, consider making your own eco-friendly stickers! Check out the 3383 repositionable sticker paper or the eco-friendly Kraft brown full-sheet labels. Both products can easily be used with Cricut or similar craft-cutting machines.
Food packaging templates for eco-friendly labels
Use free Avery templates to easily design custom food packaging labels with your own text and pictures. Pack a punch with personal design and less environmental impact.
Candy packaging
Add your own logo and information, then print your own candy packaging labels on Avery 2″ x 4″ labels sold by the pack (48163) or the sheet (94207).
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed rectangle labels.
Beverage packaging
Add a personalized logo and company info., then print your own packaging labels for beverages on Avery Kraft brown scalloped oval labels sold by the pack (22855) or the sheet (94061).
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed Kraft brown labels.
Coffee packaging
Customize with your own logo and information, then print your own coffee packaging labels on 2.5″ round Avery labels sold by the pack (22808) or the sheet (94502).
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed round labels.
Custom product packaging ideas to make with eco-friendly cards and labels
Use eco-friendly Avery labels, cards, and tags to create custom product packaging by choosing from many online templates. Get inspired with the free predesigned templates below, and don’t forget to make sure your cosmetic labels are compliant.
Jewelry packaging
Personalize with your logo and business details, then print your own jewelry packaging cards on Avery Kraft brown, 4.25″ x 5.5″ eco-friendly postcards (5629).
Soap packaging
Add your logo and product information, then print your own soap packaging tags on Avery 2″ x 3.5″ Kraft brown tags (80517).
Cosmetic packaging
Personalize with your logo and product details, then print your own packaging labels for cosmetics on Avery 2″ x 2″ Kraft brown labels sold by the pack (22846) or by the sheet (94107).
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed square labels.
Creative packaging solutions for eco-friendly unboxing
Creating custom packaging that is more sustainable doesn’t have to be boring. Try some creative packaging solutions using eco-friendly Avery products and free template designs that will brighten your customers’ day.
Eco-friendly shipping labels for packaging
Edit to add your logo and important details, then print your own eco-friendly shipping labels for packaging on Avery 3-1/3″ x 4″ labels sold by the pack (48464) or the sheet (94215).
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed shipping labels.
Eco-friendly packaging stickers
Add your own logo and fun messages, then print your own eco-friendly packaging stickers on Avery 3-1/3″ x 4″ labels sold by the pack (48464) or by the sheet (94215).
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed eco-friendly matte white labels.
Thank-you cards
Print this design on Avery 8315 note cards for inkjet printers or 5315 note cards for laser printers, which are both made of responsibly sourced paper.
After customizing your design, you can also choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed note cards.
Free stickers for customers
Click customize to edit these stickers, then print them on Avery 3383 sticker paper (sourced responsibly and sold by the pack) or recycled Kraft brown full-sheet labels (94268).
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed labels in a variety of eco-friendly materials.
Event promo cards
Add your own logo and event information, then print your own promo materials using Avery Kraft brown, 4.25″ x 5.5″ eco-friendly postcards (5629).
Sustainable packaging & display for selling in person
The impact of personalized packaging isn’t exclusive to unboxing. When you sell in person, everything about your display should stand out, and your customers should still walk away with packaging that feels special.
Labels & seals for eco-friendly packaging
Add your own logo and information, then print your own packaging labels and seals on Avery 2″ x 4″ eco-friendly Kraft labels sold by the pack (5784) or by the sheet (94207).
Or, choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed food and beverage labels.
Business cards
Add your logo and contact info., then print on Avery eco-friendly Kraft business cards (28311).
Raffle tickets
Insert your logo and giveaway details, then print your own raffle tickets using Avery 16154 tickets made from responsibly sourced paper.
Tent cards for display
Add your own logo and text, then print your own display information using Avery 5309 tent cards made with responsibly sourced paper.
Booth name badges
Add your own logo and text, then print your own name tags with Avery eco-friendly adhesive badges (48395).
Delight your customers with eco-friendly, personalized packaging
In summary, switching to eco-friendly packaging doesn’t mean sacrificing the charm and uniqueness that your customers love. You can use eco-friendly Avery products to create personalized, over-the-top unboxing experiences that delight your customers while also caring for the environment. In fact, our free online design tools and customizable templates make it easy to add your personal touch to packaging that is both beautiful and earth-friendly. By choosing recyclable and responsibly sourced materials, you contribute to a healthier planet and show your customers that you share their values. Embrace the future of packaging with Avery and make every unboxing a memorable (and more sustainable) event.
