Renewable Packaging Materials: Shift Away from Fossil Fuels

by Label Muse Jul 21,2025Sustainability

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Sustainable Packaging Materials

Renewable Packaging Materials: A Shift Away from Fossil Fuels and Trees

Path To Sustainability: Renewable

As brands move toward sustainable innovation, renewable sourcing has become a key pillar in eco-friendly packaging design. From non-tree paper alternatives to bio-based films, today’s materials are redefining what’s possible beyond virgin pulp or petrochemical plastics.

This post explores a growing portfolio of renewable packaging solutions including FSC-certified papers, agricultural byproduct papers, and plant-derived films.

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Beyond Trees: Non-Wood Paper Alternatives 🍇

These innovative renewable paper facestocks are a bold shift from traditional tree-based paper. These papers are made with:

~15% agri-industrial byproducts such as grape skins, citrus peels, and barley husks
40% post-consumer recycled waste
100% Pure Cotton Wet Strength – made from natural cotton fiber, a renewable alternative to wood pulp
Hemp Derived Wet Strength Paper – harvested from industrial hemp, which grows quickly and with minimal environmental impact

The composition of agricultural waste with post-consumer waste reduces reliance on forests and makes use of natural materials that would otherwise wind up in landfills. Renewable packaging materials are efficient and practical. For wine, food, and artisanal products, agricultural byproduct labels offer a tactile, eco-forward story that supports regenerative sourcing.

✅ Ideal for wine bottles, wellness brands, and natural product packaging.

renewable materials can be made from fruits, grains, and botanicals

🌿 FSC®-Certified Papers: Responsible Tree-Based Options

While not all paper alternatives are non-wood, those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) offer renewable packaging options when responsibly sourced.

Examples include:

70# Classic Crest FSC® – a smooth, premium paper with FSC certification for forest-friendly sourcing
Semi-Gloss FSC® – economical and performs well in wet-applications such as craft beverages, refrigeration and more.

These materials deliver on both aesthetics and environmental responsibility. Our FSC® certification ensures the wood or plant source is harvested sustainably.

🌱 Renewable Films: Plant-Based, Not Petrochemical 🌲

Recently developed, this wood-based polypropylene film, certified by ISCC PLUS, is unlike conventional plastic films made from fossil fuels. Labelink’s tree-derived film uses residues from sustainably managed forests, turning trees into high-performance labeling films via a mass balance approach.

Made from tall oil, a byproduct of paper pulping—no new trees cut

Visually indistinguishable from standard PP films

Enables brands to transition away from oil-derived plastic labels

✅ Ideal for food and beverage, personal care, and premium packaging seeking a plastic-like appearance without fossil fuels.

tree pulp can be turned into bio-based film

Why Renewable Matters More Than Ever

With global packaging regulations tightening and consumer demand rising, switching to renewable resources is not just smart—it’s necessary. Materials made from agriculture, fast-growing plants, and certified forests help your brand:

Reduce dependence on fossil fuels

Preserve biodiversity by avoiding deforestation

Tell an authentic sustainability story your customers will trust

We Help You Test for Success

Not sure if thinner materials will work for your application? We’re here to help. Our team provides testing and validation support to ensure your packaging performs as expected — before you commit.