About
Sustainability
FSC-certified papers, water-based inks, recycled boards across the catalog. The substrate origin and recycled content of every order, published on request.
Overview
What it is.
Sustainability is the default at XC Paperbox, not a product line. Every paper we stock can be FSC-certified on request. Our inks are water-based across the catalog. Our unbleached kraft variant uses no chlorine bleach. We publish the substrate origin, recycled content, and carbon footprint of every order.\n\nFor brands with sustainability claims, this is the third-party-verifiable baseline. For brands without sustainability claims, it is the assurance that the packaging supply chain is not a liability.
FSC-certified papers
Every paper we stock — kraft, art paper, coated, recycled, greyboard, corrugated — can be supplied as FSC-certified on request. Our FSC Chain of Custody certificate is A000511, audited annually by a third-party body. We can ship the corresponding FSC certificate with any order.
FSC certification is the most widely recognized third-party verification of sustainable forestry. For brands selling in retail or to consumers, it is the standard that makes sustainability claims defensible.
Water-based inks
We use water-based inks across the catalog — no solvent-based inks, no UV inks with unreacted monomers, no heavy-metal pigments. Water-based inks meet FDA 21 CFR for food contact and meet EU 1935/2004 for EU food-contact applications.
The exception is spot UV and certain specialty finishes, which require UV-curable systems. For these, we use low-migration UV formulations and add an FDA-compliant overcoat for food-contact applications.
Recycled content
Our recycled paper stocks are 100% post-consumer recycled fiber, with FSC Recycled certification. Our greyboard is 100% recycled fiber. Our kraft variant is available in 100% recycled on request.
We publish the recycled content percentage of every order on the packing list. For brands with science-based targets or ESG reporting, this data feeds directly into the supply-chain emissions calculation.
Production waste
Our production waste streams are sorted and recycled. Paper waste is baled and sent to a local recycler. Film waste from lamination is sent to a specialist recycler. Ink waste is consolidated and disposed of through a licensed waste handler. We do not send any production waste to landfill.
We track and report production waste by stream on request. For brands with circular-economy commitments, this data is the foundation of any meaningful claim.
Carbon footprint
We have measured the carbon footprint of our production operations and our most common substrates. The data is published in our annual sustainability report, available on request.
For brands with science-based targets, we can supply substrate-level carbon footprint data per order. This feeds directly into Scope 3 emissions reporting and supports product-level carbon labeling for the brands that need it.
What we will not do
We will not greenwash. We will not claim sustainability benefits we cannot verify. We will not source from suppliers that do not meet our environmental standards. We will not substitute recycled or FSC content without telling you.
If a substrate is not available with the certification you need, we will tell you. If a finish requires a process that is not in line with your sustainability commitments, we will tell you. If there is a better substrate for your application, we will tell you — even if it costs us the order.
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Frequently asked
Questions about sustainability.
What is your FSC certificate number?
A000511, audited annually. Valid through 2027.
Do you offer 100% recycled packaging?
Yes — our recycled paper stocks are 100% post-consumer recycled, with FSC Recycled certification. Greyboard is 100% recycled by default.
Are your inks water-based?
Yes — across the catalog. We use solvent-based inks only when the substrate requires it, and we will tell you in advance if a substrate change affects ink choice.
Can you publish the carbon footprint per order?
Yes — for brands with science-based targets, we can supply substrate-level carbon footprint data per order. The data feeds Scope 3 emissions reporting.
Do you ship plastic-free?
Our standard packaging is plastic-free — corrugated outer cartons, paper tape, paper void fill. We do not use plastic bubble wrap or plastic air pillows.
What is your position on palm oil?
We do not use palm-oil-based materials in our production. Our paper substrates are wood-fiber or recycled-fiber based.
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