Sustainability
The Big Picture
With the ever-increasing attention on environmental consciousness, people are choosing products and companies that reflect a commitment to reducing harmful impact to our planet. This growing focus on sustainability touches virtually every industry and continues to influence the entire value chain from design, sourcing and production, to transit, purchasing, and beyond.
By adopting modern, sustainable material alternatives and responsible manufacturing practices, companies are not only helping to mitigate environmental consequences but also meeting growing demand for eco-conscious products in the marketplace. For brands, increased emphasis on sustainable practices results in improved brand reputation, compliance with regulations, and ultimately contributes to long-term economic and environmental resilience.
Jump directly to a section below:
Sustainable Advantage of Choosing Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging offers significant sustainability advantages over traditional or rigid packaging materials by using fewer raw resources and generating less waste. Its lightweight structure requires less material to produce, which not only reduces manufacturing energy use but also minimizes transportation emissions due to lower shipping weights. Many flexible packaging formats are also designed to use thinner layers without sacrificing performance (downgauging), further conserving materials and lowering the environmental footprint. Additionally, advances in recyclable films and bio-based resins are making flexible packaging an increasingly viable option for circular economy models, where materials can be reused or repurposed instead of ending up in landfills.
Beyond the technical material advancements, flexible packaging can extend product shelf life, which plays a key role in reducing food waste and improving supply chain efficiency. Barrier properties tailored to specific products help maintain freshness and safety longer. In industrial and healthcare applications, flexible packaging can replace bulkier, rigid formats with streamlined solutions that take up less storage space and generate less post-consumer waste. By combining sustainability with performance and protection, flexible packaging not only meets modern market demands but also supports long-term environmental stewardship goals all while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations
Expanding EPR laws aim to reduce packaging waste, increase recycling rates, and encourage sustainable packaging design and promote a circular economy. These regulations can shift the financial and operational burden of packaging waste management from municipalities and taxpayers to producers (e.g., manufacturers, brand owners, importers, or distributors). While compliance may introduce additional responsibility for producers, research suggests that consumers may be willing to pay a premium for sustainable options making these investments not only necessary for compliance but also strategically valuable in meeting customer demand and strengthening brand competitiveness. As more states enact EPR laws for packaging, producers must stay informed on each state’s unique requirements, timelines, and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs). Eagle’s dedicated Sustainability team monitors the latest regulations and helps guide customers and partners to the right packaging solutions to support sustainable initiatives and manage EPR compliance.
For Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) Markets
It is no surprise to CPG companies that sustainability is infused into the consumer decision-making process. However, while it is known that consumers are concerned with the environmental-impact of their purchased goods and associated packaging, they may be unfamiliar with the advantages of sustainability concepts beyond recyclability like the use of downgauged, compostable, or bio-based materials.
“US consumers believe that it is brand owners and packaging producers, not retailers or consumers themselves, that should be held responsible for sustainability in packaging.” (McKinsey, 2025) As producers in the CPG supply chain, we have a responsibility to pioneer sustainable solutions, bring them to market, and educate consumers for widespread adoption. Brands that actively showcase and clearly communicate their sustainability initiatives help remove the burden of choice for the end user and are likely to be viewed more favorably.
Eagle offers a variety of sustainable packaging materials for CPGs that match the functionality and performance of traditional packaging and rigid alternatives and drive a positive customer experience.
Our material advancements in sustainability for consumer-packaged goods have been recognized and awarded by the Flexible Packaging Association.
For Medical & Healthcare Markets
While brands in the medical and healthcare industries are no strangers to strict regulatory requirements, bringing sustainable solutions to market can add an additional layer of complexity. In fast-paced medical environments, functionality and ease-of-use are crucial for end-users. Ensuring sustainably packaged products provide the same integrity and performance is critical in healthcare settings and sterile environments.
By integrating eco-conscious materials and innovative designs, brands can support patient safety and regulatory compliance while advancing their sustainability goals. Eagle is dedicated to supporting medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, and other healthcare brands in achieving their sustainability initiatives.
Sustainable Packaging from Eagle
Eagle provides innovative sustainable packaging options for a wide range of consumer and healthcare applications. Our recyclable (both store drop-off and curbside), post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, compostable, and premium traditional packaging materials are carefully chosen to minimize negative environmental impact.
We provide a variety of packaging solutions that are made from recycled materials, can be recycled after use, or can break down in landfills. Available in clear, white, matte, and metalized structures, our sustainable packaging films deliver dependable barrier protection in both single- and multi-layer formats across a range of thicknesses designed to meet the diverse needs of consumer and healthcare markets. These materials are intended to support your goals for packaging sustainability, helping you respond to the growing demand for environmental responsibility.
Looking Forward
Sustainable packaging and responsible manufacturing are critical for reducing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and protecting ecosystems for our future generations. Eagle is dedicated to continuously finding new ways to improve the sustainability of what we do. Our dedicated Sustainability team keeps a close eye on the state of responsible manufacturing and sustainable packaging materials. No matter what the future may hold, you can count on us to deliver a variety of sustainable flexible packaging solutions.
Sources: OECD, 2022; McKinsey, 2025; PMC, 2020
The Eagle Advantage
Our entire product portfolio is backed by our advanced manufacturing capabilities. Our products and processes are thoughtfully designed to better serve you and ensure your packaging delivers both functionality and a seamless experience for the end user. The best packaging supplier is one you can rely on, and we are committed to setting the standard for quality, service, and speed in everything we do.
Ask our flexible packaging experts!
Looking for more details or ready to kick off your next packaging project? Send us a message and we’ll be in touch!
Related Resources
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging: State Legislation Overview
What is EPR for Packaging? Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws shift the financial and operational burden of packaging waste management from municipalities and taxpayers to producers (e.g., manufacturers, brand owners, importers, or distributors). These laws aim to reduce packaging waste, increase recycling rates, and promote sustainable packaging design. As of 2025, seven
What’s New in Packaging EPR?
As the push for sustainability gains traction across the U.S., five states—Oregon, Colorado, Maine, California, and Minnesota—are setting the pace in implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging. These laws shift the cost and responsibility of packaging waste management from municipalities to producers, aiming to create a circular economy
How Plastic Packaging Affects the Environment
You’ve seen it before: A sea turtle caught in a wasted fishnet or struggling inside of a plastic bag. It’s the most evocative image in the work to change the way that humans use plastic, but the challenge is far from simple. Plastic packaging has had a growing environmental impact
Introduction to Flexible Packaging Recovery
Introduction to Flexible Packaging Recovery October 16, 2023 Eagle Flexible Packaging is fully committed to providing sustainable packaging solutions for a wide range of food and non-food industries. Our compostable, recyclable packaging products, with PCR (Post Consumer Recycled content), from renewable sources, and premium traditional packaging materials are chosen to
Contact
Headquarters
1100 Kingsland Dr | Batavia, IL 60510
North Campus
4 Taylor St | Waupun, WI 53963
Copyright © 2025 Eagle Flexible Packaging | Privacy Policy | Sitemap