Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re new to molded pulp packaging or looking to customize your order, we’ve put together answers to the questions we hear most. From materials and printing to samples and custom designs, here’s everything you need to know about working with SPI.

Can I order samples before placing an order?

Yes. We recommend ordering samples to test product fit, evaluate the material and texture, and explore branding and design options before placing a larger order.

How do I choose the right size packaging for my product?

Start by comparing your product dimensions with the interior dimensions listed on each product page. Because product shapes and fit can vary, we recommend ordering samples to test your product before placing a larger order.

Do you have minimum order quantities?

Our stock GreenKraft packaging is available in low minimum order quantities, making it a good option for small businesses, emerging brands, product launches, and special projects.

Semi-custom and fully custom packaging have higher minimum order quantities depending on the type of project.

How do you close GreenKraft clamshells?

GreenKraft clamshells do not have built-in latches. They can be secured with a paper sleeve or belly band, label, ribbon, rubber band, or adhesive.

Visit our Design Tips for ideas and examples.

Can I suggest a new GreenKraft clamshell size?

Yes! We appreciate suggestions from our customers. If there is a size or shape you would like us to consider adding to our stock GreenKraft collection, please contact us.

Can you print on the packaging?

Yes. SPI offers custom screen printing for select creative projects.

Our screen printing is designed as an artistic finish rather than a replacement for printed labels or sleeves. It works especially well for bold artwork, logos, and patterns, but is not intended for fine details such as ingredients, small text, or barcodes.

Can we add our logo to GreenKraft clamshells?

Yes. Our Semi-Custom program allows you to add a custom debossed logo or window to select stock GreenKraft clamshells.

Semi-custom projects have minimum order quantities, tooling costs, and longer lead times than our standard stock packaging.

Do you offer paper sleeves or belly bands?

Yes. We offer a selection of sleeves and belly bands designed to work with our stock packaging.

For custom printing, sizes, or shapes, you can work with a printer to create a sleeve specifically for your brand and packaging.

How can I customize stock molded pulp packaging?

There are many ways to turn our stock molded pulp packaging into distinctive branded packaging without creating a fully custom package.

Options include paper sleeves and belly bands, labels, ribbons, screen printing, custom die-cut inserts, and other creative additions.

What is molded pulp packaging?

Molded pulp, also called molded fiber, is a three-dimensional packaging material made from paper fiber.

Unlike a traditional paperboard box that is cut, scored, and folded into shape, molded pulp is formed using molds and then dried and pressed. This process creates the distinctive rounded shapes, tactile textures, and dimensional forms found in our packaging. Read more: what is molded pulp?

What is your molded pulp packaging made from?

Most SPI molded pulp packaging is made from recycled paper and cardboard fiber, including post-industrial and recovered paper materials.

The exact appearance of the finished packaging reflects the fibers used to make it, which gives molded pulp its natural color and texture. Read more: materials

Is molded pulp packaging recyclable?

Yes. Our molded pulp packaging is designed to be recycled with paper and cardboard through most residential and commercial recycling programs.

Recycling availability can vary by location, so we recommend checking your local recycling guidelines.

Is your packaging plastic-free?

Our molded pulp packaging is fiber-based and contains no added plastic laminates or plastic coatings.

This simple material construction helps make the packaging compatible with established paper recycling systems.

Why is your molded pulp packaging sustainable?

Sustainability is at the core of our packaging system.

Our molded pulp packaging combines recycled paper fiber, recyclable design, efficient material use, and a simple fiber-based construction to provide an alternative to many plastic and multi-material packaging formats.

Our goal is to design packaging that works within existing recycling systems and can become raw material for the next generation of paper products.

Is SPI’s molded pulp packaging available in different colors?

Our stock GreenKraft packaging is available in its natural fiber color only. We do not add dyes or bleach to change the color of the material.

For custom molded pulp projects, natural tan, gray, and white fiber options may be available depending on the project and manufacturing requirements.

Because molded pulp is made from paper fiber, some natural variation in color and appearance should be expected.

Do you offer custom molded pulp packaging?

Yes. Sustainable Packaging Industries designs and develops custom molded pulp packaging for consumer products and growing brands.

Custom packaging can be designed around the dimensions, protection requirements, presentation, and sustainability goals of your product. Learn more on spi-packaging.com

What is the difference between stock, semi-custom, and fully custom packaging?

Stock packaging uses one of our existing GreenKraft sizes and is available in low minimum quantities.

Semi-custom packaging starts with an existing stock design and adds features such as a custom debossed logo or window.

Fully custom packaging is designed specifically around your product and requires custom molds and tooling.

We can help you determine which approach makes the most sense based on your product, quantity, timeline, and budget.

What are the minimum order quantities for custom packaging?

Fully custom molded pulp packaging is generally best suited for larger production volumes. Most fully custom projects begin at approximately 30,000 units. Learn more on spi-packaging.com

For lower-volume projects, we may recommend starting with stock packaging and customizing it with a sleeve, label, screen printing, or a custom die-cut insert.

I don’t see the exact packaging I need. What are my options?

You may not need to develop fully custom packaging.

We can help you explore stock GreenKraft packaging, custom inserts, branding options, semi-custom modifications, or fully custom molded pulp depending on your product and anticipated order volume.

Contact us with information about your product, dimensions, quantities, and packaging goals, and we can help identify the best path forward.