What certifications ensure sustainable packaging?

Ensuring that packaging is truly sustainable requires adherence to recognized certifications that verify environmental performance, responsible sourcing, and circularity. Several key certifications and eco-labels are widely respected in the packaging and cosmetics industries, providing credibility and transparency to sustainability claims.

1. FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®)

This certification guarantees that paper and wood-based packaging materials come from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. FSC-certified packaging supports biodiversity conservation and community rights.

More info: https://fsc.org

2. PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)

Similar to FSC, PEFC promotes sustainable forest management through certification of timber and paper materials used in packaging. PEFC is recognized globally and ensures traceability and eco-friendly sourcing.

More info: https://pefc.org

3. Cradle to Cradle® Certified™

This holistic certification evaluates packaging based on five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. It is a rigorous standard promoting circular economy principles, encouraging designs that are fully recyclable or biodegradable.

More info: https://www.c2ccertified.org

4. OK Compost (Industrial and Home)

Issued by TÜV Austria, the OK Compost certification certifies that packaging materials are industrially or home compostable, decomposing without harmful residues in composting environments. This is particularly relevant for bioplastics and paper-based packaging.

More info: https://www.tuv-at.com/en/certification/ok-compost

5. ISO 14021 – Environmental Labels and Declarations

This ISO standard provides guidelines for self-declared environmental claims on packaging, including recyclability and biodegradability. While not a certification per se, compliance ensures transparency and credibility of sustainability claims.

More info: https://www.iso.org/standard/66652.html

6. USDA BioPreferred® Program

For packaging made from renewable biological materials, the USDA BioPreferred label certifies bio-based content, supporting reduced reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing biodegradability.

More info: https://www.biopreferred.gov

Why certifications matter

Certifications serve as independent third-party verifications that packaging meets environmental and social responsibility criteria, helping brands communicate authenticity and build consumer trust. For cosmetic packaging, where sustainability is a growing demand from consumers and regulators, these certifications are essential tools in a robust sustainability strategy.

Get to know mPackting certification at https://www.mpackting.com/certifications