Item Products launches innovative new Eco-Range

Item Products has unveiled its new Eco-Range – an innovative collection of paper based, fully recyclable packaging components that deliver the strength, performance and aesthetic appeal of traditional plastic parts, whilst remaining cost effective.

‘Speaking directly with customers, it became clear that brands are under real pressure to remove plastic from their packaging without compromising on functionality, design or cost,’ said director Ciaran Glover. ‘The Eco-Range was developed to meet that challenge by delivering paper based, fully recyclable components that perform like plastic and integrate seamlessly into existing packaging systems.’

Many brands had previously tried to design out plastic using corrugate, only to find those solutions more expensive or less effective. The Eco-Range provides a robust, cost effective alternative, using fibre based components that combine strength, usability and credible sustainability, without compromise.

Each component in the Eco-Range is made from FSC certified paper or 100% recycled fibre and is fully kerbside recyclable within the paper waste stream. This eliminates the need for separate recycling channels, reduces consumer confusion and delivers measurable reductions in plastic use – directly helping Item’s customers meet their internal sustainability targets.

According to Ciaran, the range is already gaining traction across a wide variety of sectors where strength and sustainability are key. 'Our top held paper handles are proving particularly popular in FMCG packaging, such as detergent boxes, pet food and bag in box wine, offering a recyclable solution that performs like plastic,’ he explained. 'The Eco-Lock is ideal for business to business and heavy duty transit packaging, including bike delivery and high value shipments, where secure closure and recyclability are vital. The Eco-Sidewinder, made with innovative paper webbing, is a strap handle capable of supporting up to 50 kg, designed for bulkier packs and cold chain logistics. Perhaps the real game changer is the Eco-Handhold, a reinforced insert that strengthens die cut carry holes to prevent tearing and provides an effective, affordable paper based alternative to plastic protectors.’

Item is already collaborating with key customers to co-develop bespoke paper based components, with several new designs currently in development to extend the Eco-Range into additional packaging formats.

‘Sustainability has always been at the core of Item’s design philosophy,’ he added. ‘The Eco-Range builds naturally on our foundation of recycled plastic innovation, extending our capabilities into paper based, fully recyclable solutions. It marks a major step in our evolution as a design led partner and innovator in sustainable packaging – combining decades of manufacturing experience with advanced materials, smarter design, and a broad range of production techniques. Whether working with 100% recycled plastics or paper based alternatives, our goal remains the same: to make sustainability work in practice, not just in principle.’

The introduction of the Eco-Range coincides with the company’s new website launched during November. The site features new customer tools designed to simplify product selection and improve the user experience across Item’s extensive catalogue.