5 best places to buy recyclable and compostable courier bags

As retail goes online, our packaging waste grows, harming the environment. With 73% of consumers altering their purchasing habits to reduce their environmental impact, your business can make a difference by using recyclable or compostable courier bags. Consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products, and not making the switch could hurt your business. 

Padded mailers

A padded mailer is typically made of lightweight materials such as paper or plastic with a layer of padding material on the inside. The protective layer, usually made of bubble wrap or foam, provides cushioning for the item being shipped. 

Padded mailers come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be used to ship a wide range of products. Common examples include books, clothing, small electronic devices, glassware, and ceramics. Padded mailers are lightweight and easy to store, making them ideal for businesses needing a cost-effective packaging solution for small items. 

Advantages of padded mailers:

• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Built-in protection
• Speed of packaging
• Small

Disadvantages of padded mailers:

• Susceptible to crushing
• Easily torn or punctured
• Not designed for large or heavy items
• Best at holding one item at a time
• Non-recyclable

Cardboard boxes (cartons)

A carton is a paperboard or corrugated cardboard box. These come in various shapes and sizes and can be customised with different finishing techniques to match the company branding. 

Cartons are commonly used for retail packaging, shipping, and storage of goods because they are strong, recyclable, and larger than bags or mailers. When sending items using a cardboard box it’s common to use fillers to stop the item from being tossed around.

Advantages of boxes:

• Strong
• Designed to hold heavy items
• Reusable and recyclable
• Available in many sizes
• Ideal for shipments of multiple items

Disadvantages of boxes:

• More expensive than mailers
• Requires additional product protection
• Takes up more space in storage and shipping

Are mailers cheaper than cardboard boxes?

At face value, mailers are typically cheaper than cartons. This is because they are smaller, requiring fewer materials to produce. They are also lightweight, which reduces shipping costs. If your products are small and light, mailer bags are likely the right option. 

However, depending on your products and shipping operations, mailer bags may not always be cheaper in the long term. For heavier or bulkier items, the strength of cartons will likely be more cost-effective. Additionally, if your products require additional padding or protection, a carton may be a wiser choice.

Compostable and recyclable courier bags NZ

If you think padded mailers are the best solution for your products, it’s time to decide which ones are the best fit. Below are the top five places to buy recyclable and compostable courier bags in New Zealand. 

Ecotime

Offering both retail bags and courier bags, Ecotime is New Zealand-owned and operated. The range of products is designed for retail and e-commerce operators looking for a cost-effective alternative to plastic. Retailers can choose between recyclable and home-compostable products in several sizes and styles. 

The bags have a matte black finish and a durable feel. The recyclable bags also include an inner layer of bubble wrap to ensure fragile items are protected. 

The courier bags come in the following three sizes: 

• 115mm x 225mm
• 50mm x 210mm
• 210mm x 300mm

R3pack

Based in Auckland, R3pack was founded in 2017, offering a range of eco-friendly packaging products. The compostable range is certified with international standards for home and commercial composting and is printed with non-toxic inks. Their courier bags are available in packs of 100 and various sizes, and can also be custom-labelled. 

Ecobags

Located in Manukau City, Ecobags was founded by husband and wife duo, Jas and Simren. Their mission is to provide alternatives to plastic in everyday New Zealand life. 

Available in sets of 25 or 100, their courier bags are made with cornstarch and printed with non-toxic inks. They are compostable, resealable, and 100% biodegradable. 

Better Packaging 

Better Packaging is based in New Zealand but also has Australian ABN certification and distribution centres in the USA, UK and China. The company is BCorp Certified and climate positive, with stringent sustainability testing on all products. 

Better Packaging offers padded inserts, sealable bags, and customised courier bags. The bags are fully compostable and come in two sizes:

• 160 X 235mm
• 260 X 385mm

Primepac

Here at Primepac, we’ve been supplying New Zealand businesses with innovative packaging solutions for over 20 years. With sustainable packaging at the forefront of consumers' minds, we have several courier bag options to choose from. 

Padded Kraft Mailers

These all-purpose mailers are made of two layers of brown honeycomb paper. When the customer is finished with it, they can easily recycle it in their household recycling bin. 

See the Padded Kraft Mailers ››

Paper Courier Bags

Our Paper Courier Bags are natural, plastic-free, and made from recycled, FSC-certified paper. The extra thickness protects your products whilst still being easily recycled or composted. 

See the Paper Courier Bags ››

Eco Compostable Courier Bags

Our white Eco Compostable Courier Bags are made with cornstarch, PLA, PBAT, and non-toxic inks. They are 100% biodegradable, with 99% breaking down in half the time required by worldwide composting standards. 

See the Eco Compostable Courier Bags ››

Compostable courier bags

The matte black compostable courier bags are a sleek option for eco-friendly packaging. Made with plants and non-toxic inks, the bags are compostable in both domestic and commercial conditions. 

See the black Compostable Courier Bags ››

Cushioned Paper Courier Bags

Our Cushioned Paper Courier Bags are made from recycled and FSC-certified paper. The thick corrugated cardboard is designed to protect your products from damage but can be easily composted or recycled at the end of its use. 

See the Cushioned Paper Courier Bags ››

Want to know more about packaging trends and insights? Our report delves into the NZ packaging industry and explores Kiwis’ e-commerce behaviour and our insights across the sector. Download your free copy by clicking here or clicking the image below.