As sustainability in packaging becomes a defining value for modern consumers, the pressure on businesses to adopt environmentally friendly packaging practices continues to rise. Nowhere is this more visible than in food and packaging. For food manufacturers, packers, and SME brands, the spotlight is on how products are packed, preserved, and presented to market.
At Aropack, we know that sustainable packaging isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a business decision. That’s why we focus on delivering custom packaging solutions that don’t just meet functional needs, but also support a circular economy and the demand for eco friendly packaging materials.
The Problem With Conventional Plastic Packaging
Despite its convenience, traditional plastic plastic bag solutions have become a symbol of unsustainable practice. Not only are they derived from fossil fuels, but their mixed-material structure makes recycling plastic in the UK a growing challenge. With increasing pressure on brands to use bags recyclable and move toward recyclable plastic packaging, change is no longer optional.
From recycling plastic penalties to shifts in customer perception, failing to adapt packaging is now a competitive and compliance risk — particularly for businesses operating in the sustainable packaging UK landscape.
What makes packaging truly sustainable?
At Aropack, we define sustainability of packaging through real functionality: materials that are earth friendly packaging, designed to be sorted through local recycling infrastructure and made without excess waste. It also means developing sustainable packaging examples that work just as well (or better) than outdated materials.
Material Impact
The type of material used is the foundation. Environmentally friendly packaging materials should be produced with minimal energy, reduce emissions during manufacturing, and avoid toxic by-products. Equally important, they should either be recyclable within the UK infrastructure or made from post-consumer recycled content where possible.
This is why we focus on mono-material options — such as recyclable LDPE — that keep the environmental footprint low and integrate seamlessly into recycling plastic in the UK streams. Unlike traditional laminates that require specialized recycling, these materials can often be processed through existing local collection systems.
End-of-Life Simplicity
One of the most overlooked but vital aspects of sustainability of packaging is how easy it is for the end user to recycle it. If packaging is confusing to dispose of, or if it includes multiple materials that need to be separated, it’s likely to end up in landfill — even if it’s technically recyclable.
By creating clear, single-material structures and providing recyclable-ready formats, we not just support sustainability — but practical, real-world recycling behaviour. This aligns with customer expectations and helps brands meet the growing need for eco friendly packaging materials that consumers can feel good about.
Our Sustainable Packaging Solutions
At Aropack, we offer a wide range of sustainable packaging solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of forward-thinking businesses — particularly those in the food manufacturing and packing space. Whether you’re scaling an SME brand or looking to upgrade your existing materials to meet sustainability goals, our product range is built to support you.
Recyclable Bags
Our recyclable bags are a durable and lightweight solution for packaging a wide range of food products. These bags are manufactured using low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is fully recyclable under – Code 4 or polyproplene (PP) under – Code 5, making them suitable for customers looking to reduce reliance on multi-material films. They’re ideal for dry goods, bulk ingredients, and powdered food applications, offering strong protection while maintaining eco friendly packaging materialscompliance.
Mono-Material Films for Food Packaging
When barrier protection and recyclability are both a priority, our mono-material films provide an ideal solution. These films are engineered using a single plastic family, making them compatible with existing recycling plastic in the UK waste streams. Perfect for food in packaging applications, our films help brands meet regulatory standards while still delivering excellent product protection, sealing performance, and shelf appeal.
Compostable Packaging
Made of renewable materials, cellulose- and PLA-based multi-layer structures with metallised and paper alternatives, we offer compostable packaging in roll stock and pouch forms with compostable zippers and printed with non-toxic compostable inks.
Individually certified and meet the EN13432 global standard for home and industrial composting, our compostable packaging adheres to EU standards and TUV Compost certification.
Why UK Brands Are Making the Switch
Businesses investing in environmental packaging today are doing more than ticking boxes — they’re futureproofing their products. With customers now seeking eco friendly packaging materials and choosing brands aligned with sustainable packaging companies, packaging is part of your customer experience, not just your supply chain.
Regulations like EPR are pushing companies to reconsider how they design, use, and dispose of packaging. From recycle plastic bags to reducing unnecessary layers, every packaging decision contributes to a greener, more efficient future — especially for co packaging operations working across sectors.
Let’s Build Better Packaging Together
Our team at Aropack works closely with brands to develop custom packaging that’s not only functional and brand-ready but also aligned with your sustainability goals. Whether you need recyclable film rolls, packaging bags for dry goods, or fully sealed pouches — we’ll help you reduce impact without compromising performance.
Give us a call on 01233 281460 or send us an email at info@aropack.co.uk for a consultation. Let us help you find the perfect balance between sustainability and functionality.
