Product packaging is paramount. More than just a way to keep items protected, it tells a story and elevates the branding experience. Increasingly, the story end-users want packaging to tell, however, is one of sustainability. Consider that roughly half of U.S. consumers say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, according to a McKinsey report. And globally, 69% of consumers see compostable and plant-based packaging as the most sustainable type of packaging.

Top 40 supplier NC Custom (asi/44900) is helping to tell that sustainable story with the post-consumer recycled paper wrappers and boxes, and fully compostable candy bags it launched this year. In this Q&A, Lance Stier, managing partner and CEO of NC Custom and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo, talks about the new packaging options and how they fit into the supplier’s overall sustainability strategy.

Lance Stier, NC Custom (asi/44900)

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your new eco-friendly packaging?

Lance Stier: Our wrapper bar (WB3) and die-cut boxes (CW5) are packaged in material made from 80% post-consumer recycled hemp paperboard. We’ve also introduced our best-selling digibags in compostable packaging.

This snack box (CW5-121-E) from NC Custom is made from 80% post-consumer recycled paperboard.

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Q: How difficult was it to develop these eco-friendly packaging options without sacrificing quality or affordability?

LS: It required significant R&D, development and time. We’ve been working on this project for over five years across our various business segments.

This 2-ounce ECO digibag (CDHF-DCE-E) from NC Custom is made from certified home-compostable materials.

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Q: Compostable packaging is sometimes criticized, since manufacturers don’t always explain that they won’t turn to compost in a landfill, and not all compostable packaging can break down in a backyard compost system. Can you explain how your packaging avoids those issues?

LS: Importantly, our digibags are printed with water-based inks and include a scannable QR code linking to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a tutorial on composting. We specifically created our products for at-home composting. We didn’t want customers limited to compost industrially. This was a key part of development.

Q: Why was it important for you to launch these sustainable packaging offerings?

LS: Corporate social responsibility programs are strong, and this is a very strong consumer and corporate trend. Demand from promo distributors has also been very strong. Also, I personally believe in the future of eco-packaging as I’m a father of three children and take pride in knowing that our new products won’t end up in oceans or landfills. This is an important personal goal.

Q: How does this new eco-packaging fit in with your company’s overall sustainability strategy?

LS: We’ve had a focus on sustainability for more than 20 years. On the retail side of our parent company, Nassau Candy, we’ve been business partners with the largest specialty retailers in the country. This has driven our continuous investments in sustainability on a significant scale, companywide. We’ve invested heavily in sustainable practices in our facilities, including building the largest solar energy project in Nassau County, NY, powering 100% of our manufacturing needs. All of our facilities are SEDEX audited for social accountability. We also have our ACE giveback strategy, which supports National Parks and Parks Canada.

Q: What comes next in your sustainability journey? Will you be expanding your eco-friendly offerings in the future?

LS: Yes, this is part of a focused, long-term initiative for our company. This is a major European trend in the specialty confectionary and snack markets, and we expect it to continue to grow within North America.

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