Why It’s Time to Ditch Plastic Packaging — and How ASC Direct Can Help You Make the Switch

If your business is still using plastic packaging, now is the perfect time to reconsider. Not only does plastic have a heavy environmental footprint, but new regulations are already restricting its use in many places. The good news? You don’t need plastic to pack and ship your products securely. With ASC Direct’s sustainable packaging solutions, you can protect your products and the planet at the same time.

Why Move Away from Plastic?

Plastic has traditionally been the go-to for product protection—bubble wrap, plastic mailers, and air pillows are everywhere. But convenience comes at a cost. Plastic takes decades, even centuries, to break down, and most of it never gets properly recycled. Even recyclable plastics often require specialized facilities that many communities simply don’t have access to. As a result, plastic waste ends up polluting landfills, waterways, and ecosystems, eventually breaking down into harmful microplastics.

These microplastics don’t just stay in the environment—they’ve been detected in food, drinking water, and even inside the human body. To make matters worse, some plastics release toxic chemicals during use and disposal, posing risks to both consumers and workers who handle them regularly. That’s why regions across the U.S. and global regulators like the EU are beginning to ban or phase out plastic packaging entirely.

At ASC Direct, we offer smarter alternatives. Our paper-based packaging materials are:

• Made from renewable resources
• Biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable
• Safe for everyday use

Customers love that our products are not only eco-friendly but also reusable—many even repurpose our materials in their homes or gardens.

And from a business perspective, switching to sustainable packaging helps your brand stay ahead of changing regulations while appealing to environmentally conscious customers—many of whom are willing to pay more for products with eco-friendly packaging.

Choosing the Right Packaging Materials & Dispensers

Start with Smart Tertiary Packaging

Your choice of outer packaging matters. For most businesses, that means using cardboard boxes—preferably uncoated and fully recyclable. The right-sized box is key: it should fit both the product and protective materials without excessive empty space that drives up shipping costs and frustrates customers.

In some cases, you may not need a box at all. ASC Direct offers paper-based mailers that are ideal for smaller items like jewelry, cosmetics, electronics, and more. They simplify the packaging process and reduce waste—plus they’re easier for your customers to recycle.

Add Interior Protection That Works

Once you’ve selected your box or mailer, the next step is protecting what’s inside. This usually means using both product wrap and void fill:

• Product wrap: Our expandable paper wraps provide cushioning for delicate items like glassware, art, or ceramics. The flexible honeycomb structure conforms to the shape of your product and doesn’t require tape or adhesives. It’s great for use at checkout counters, shipping stations, or pop-up booths.
• Void fill: Our paper-based fillers prevent your products from shifting during transit. 

Making Dispensing Simple and Efficient

ASC Direct offer manual dispenser which is a great choice for businesses of all sizes. These power-free units are intuitive, low-maintenance, and can often speed up packing thanks to their simplicity.

Go Plastic-Free With ASC Direct

From single-item shipping to bulk distribution, ASC Direct makes it easy to move away from plastic without sacrificing performance or protection. Our eco-conscious packaging solutions are designed to keep your business compliant, your customers happy, and your environmental impact low.

Ready to make the switch?
Explore our full range of sustainable packaging options and discover how ASC Direct can help you meet your business goals—responsibly.

James Palfrey-Smith is the General Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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