We help you meet your sustainability goals.

Sustainable packaging doesn’t have to look sustainable.

Make a big impact on your customers – not the environment. With our help, you can create a strong, eco-friendly story to support your brand.

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What does it mean to be green?

Sustainability is not just about what happens at the recycling bin. A truly “green” product will be holistically sustainable, not relying on toxic processing, excessive energy consumption, or wasteful manufacturing.

At Zumbiel, sustainability goes deeper than paperboard material. It’s built into everything we do, starting at the source (the trees) and running through our processes, machines, and recycling.

We evaluate the entire lifecycle of paperboard packaging—from the first fiber sourced to the final fold.

100% certified sustainable packaging

Zumbiel’s paperboard is sourced from single, non-threatened species grown at dedicated tree farms.

Our rigorous Chain of Custody (CoC) certifications, including FSC® and SFI®, ensure that our fiber comes from responsibly managed forests.

We are committed to:

  • Planting trees
  • Supporting ethical forestry practices
  • Protecting water quality and biodiversity
  • Preserving labor rights

When you choose Zumbiel, we guarantee a sustainable chain of custody that respects the environment and industry workers.

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Functional. Not Flimsy.

A sustainable paperboard shouldn’t disintegrate, rip, or slow you down.

At Zumbiel, we consider three main characteristics when packaging with paperboard:

  • Stiffness: The perfect paperboard will fold when needed and provide structure and protection during can transport.
  • Caliper: Paperboard caliper (thickness) affects shipping logistics. Thin, strong paperboard means light loads, efficient transport, and reduced carbon footprint.
  • Moisture: The proper “wet strength” grade will keep your sustainable paperboard intact regardless of temperature or environment.

Our Sustainability Initiatives

Every year, we’re growing and improving upon our production methods.

Finding Partners

Using suppliers with meaningful sustainability programs.

Certifications

Certified by SFI and FSC to guarantee sustainable chain of custody for paperboard.

Lowered Carbon Emissions

Across operations, we take active steps to reduce our carbon footprint.

Facility Upgrades

Making our operations more efficient reduces waste.

Recycling

Most of our paperboard is recyclable or made from recycled material. Certain substrates are also compostable.

Long-Term Programs

We are currently developing a 15-year plan to achieve carbon neutrality.

Our Packaging Material

We prioritize responsibly sourced, recyclable materials:

  • Standard beverage cartons: 100% recyclable
  • Up to 10% post-industrial recycled content
  • 100% recycled materials available for appropriate applications

Start Packaging With Zumbiel

Reduce waste on short runs with our HP PageWide digital press printing. Let our team match you with substrates that meet your sustainability goals.