Plastic-Free Claim FAQ
What Does Plastic-Free Gift Packaging Actually Mean?
A procurement guide to defining claim scope across board, coatings, adhesives, windows, inserts, closures, labels and transport packaging.
The short answer: define the scope and verify every component
Plastic-free is not a complete global material specification. Buyers should define whether the claim covers the retail box, finishes, adhesives, inserts, closures, labels and transport packaging, then verify the bill of materials and target-market claim rules.
Does a paperboard gift box automatically qualify as plastic-free?
No. It may contain lamination film, polymer coating, hot-melt adhesive, tape, windows, foam, labels, magnetic components, ribbon or a protective bag.
Is water-based coating plastic-free?
Not automatically. Water may be the application carrier while the dried layer contains synthetic polymer. Request composition and claim-specific supplier evidence.
Do inks and adhesives count in the claim?
That depends on the defined scope and applicable guidance, but they should not be ignored. List intentionally added materials and avoid an unqualified claim that overstates the evidence.
Can a box contain a small plastic component and still use the claim?
Do not assume a universal threshold. Jurisdictions and voluntary schemes may differ. State exclusions clearly or use a narrower factual material statement.
Are magnets and ribbons plastic-free?
They are multi-component items and may include polymer coatings, binders or synthetic fibres. Obtain specifications for the exact closure rather than judging by appearance.
Is a plastic-free package automatically recyclable?
No. Recyclability depends on collection, sorting, component separation and reprocessing. Plastic-free and recyclable are separate claims.
Is plastic-free the same as biodegradable or compostable?
No. These are different properties with different test methods, conditions and claims. Do not infer one from another.
Does the claim include protective shipping materials?
Only if the stated scope includes them. Clarify retail packaging, inserts, labels, sleeves, bags, tape, shipping carton and pallet materials separately.
What is safer than a broad plastic-free claim?
A specific factual statement may be clearer, such as no plastic film lamination or an identified fibre percentage, provided it is accurate and does not imply unsupported broader benefits.
What evidence should buyers request?
Request a component-level bill of materials, supplier declarations, intentionally added polymer information, weights, claim scope, jurisdiction review and change-control process.
Plastic-free claim scope checklist
Map the entire delivered packaging system.
| Component | Possible hidden polymer | Buyer check |
|---|---|---|
| Board surface | Film or dispersion coating | Exact layer composition |
| Adhesive | Hot melt or polymer dispersion | Grade and amount |
| Insert | Foam, flocking or tray | Material and removability |
| Closure | Ribbon, tape or magnet coating | Component specification |
| Delivery pack | Bag, tape or labels | State claim boundary |
On smaller screens, use the slider or swipe the table horizontally to compare all columns.
Official references and related packaging pages
- review FTC environmental marketing claim guidance
- review the UK CMA Green Claims Code
- review the European Commission green claims initiative
- review ISO 14021 self-declared environmental claim scope
- browse custom gift packaging structures
- review paperboard folding carton formats
- compare corrugated shipping packaging
- compare broader gift packaging material questions
Need help specifying your packaging?
Send the package format, materials, intended use, destination market and required documents. UGI Packging can review the specification before sampling or production.