We’re all told that “Cardboard is the sustainable choice.” And often, it really is — recyclable, biodegradable, lightweight — what’s not to love?
But not every packaging material works for every product. Just this week, we received a new drill delivered from the Far East. The protective inserts were made entirely from corrugated cardboard — well-intentioned, but poorly executed. By the time the drill arrived, the inserts had disintegrated and the drill was lucky to have arrived unscathed!
Damaged packaging means potentially damaged goods, costly returns, delays, more waste and ironically, less sustainability in the bigger picture.
So here at Excel Packaging, we did what we do best: we made it better.
We created a new insert using Envirafoam® R — our closed-cell foam with a minimum of 65% recycled content. It’s lightweight, non-abrasive and designed specifically for packaging applications that need serious cushioning and impact protection. Unlike the cardboard version, it won’t crumble in transit — meaning fewer breakages, less waste, and lower hidden costs.
And the sustainability credentials hold up: Envirafoam® R is fully recyclable, contains recycled material which makes it more eco-friendly than traditional foams. So, you get the best of both worlds — real protection and a smarter, more presentable pack.
Sometimes cardboard is the best choice. Sometimes it isn’t. The real solution is understanding what your product truly needs — and matching it with the right material for the job.
If you’d like to see how Envirafoam® R could protect your products better and save you money on damage and returns — get in touch. We’re always happy to help you pack smarter.