Overview & Specifications
What Are Compostable Sleeves?
Compostable sleeves are sleeves specified with composting in mind. A material listed as compostable on a quote form does not verify certification: the finished sleeve, including inks, adhesives, coatings and any film, and the disposal conditions all need supporting evidence before it can be called compostable.
Compostable Sleeves sit in the Custom Sleeves range and under Sustainable Packaging.
What it has to do
What a Compostable Sleeve Has to Get Right
A compostable sleeve has to start from a documented material, keep every added component compatible, name the standard and disposal route and keep the claim accurate. Each need below is matched to the option that meets it.
01
Documented
A Documented Material
The material and its certification are confirmed from documentation, not from a quote-form option. Until documentation is supplied, availability is qualified.02
Compatible
Compatible Components
Inks, adhesives, coatings and foils are part of the finished sleeve and are checked against the claim.03
Standard
Standard and Disposal Route
Compostability depends on the standard, certification and whether industrial or home composting is meant.04
Accurate
An Accurate Claim
Claims follow the FTC Green Guides and the documentation for the finished sleeve.
Compostable vs Standard Paperboard Sleeves
Choose a compostable sleeve when a compostability claim is part of the brief, and a standard sleeve when it is not. The table compares the two.
| Attribute | Compostable Sleeve | Standard Sleeve (Box Sleeve) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Paper or paperboard documented as compostable | Paperboard, kraft or corrugated |
| Finishes | Checked against the claim | Full finish range |
| Claim | Only with standard and certification | None implied |
| Structure | Full sleeve or band | Full sleeve |
Compostable Sleeves Specifications
Compostable Sleeves are specified around the package, the board and the sleeve format. Review the specifications below to plan the sleeve.
| Specification | Available Configuration |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Material-led sleeve |
| Category | Custom Sleeves |
| Structure | Full sleeve (Box Sleeve), band (Belly Band) or compatible sleeve format |
| Dimensions | Based on the finished package dimensions |
| Board | Paper or paperboard intended for composting; certification confirmed from documentation, not the quote-form option |
| Add-ons | Die-cut window (open, or film checked against the claim), locking tab |
| Compostability | Evidence covers the finished sleeve, added components, standard, facility conditions and disposal route |
| Inks / Adhesives | Considered as part of the finished compostable construction |
| Print Coverage | Exterior only, or exterior and interior |
| Print Methods | Offset, digital, UV or screen printing; CMYK and Pantone spot colors |
| Coatings and Finishes | Selected and checked against the compostability claim |
| Starting Price | From $1.25 / unit; final price depends on size, board, print, finishes and quantity |
| Minimum Order | 500 units |
| Standard Production | 7 days from approved proof |
| Rush Production | Available on request |
| Shipping | Ships flat, USA and worldwide |
How Do You Specify a Compostable Sleeve?
Size the sleeve to the finished package, then confirm the material, standard and disposal route before artwork. The final specification is set on the approved dieline.
| Measurement | What to Record |
|---|---|
| Package | Outside size |
| Material | Paper or paperboard with documentation |
| Standard | Certification and disposal route |
| Claim | Wording to be printed |
Check the Claim Against the Spec
Compare the printed claim with the material certificate and every component before approval.
What to Check Before Bulk Production
Review a sample in the final material with the final artwork. Record the approved material, components and claim wording on the signed-off sample.
| If the sample shows | Review before approval |
|---|---|
| Claim not backed by certificate | Remove or qualify it |
| Finish not compatible | Remove or change the finish |
| Sleeve slides off | Review size and board on a new sample |
| Disposal route unclear | State it on the sleeve |
Seven days covers standard production from approved proof once the specification is confirmed; delivery timing is confirmed separately.
