Paper Retention Packaging
Paper retention packaging holds your product securely in the centre of its box using a tensioned paper wrap, protecting it in transit without a single strip of plastic. eComPack is a fully paper-based retention insert — the recyclable alternative to traditional film retention packs.
What is retention packaging?
Retention packaging suspends a product between two surfaces so it's held firmly in place and cushioned from impacts during delivery. Traditionally this is done with a thin plastic film stretched across a board — the product presses into the film, which tensions around it and keeps it away from the walls of the box. It protects well, but the plastic film makes the pack difficult to recycle and adds plastic to your packaging footprint.
How paper retention packaging works
eComPack replaces the plastic film with paper. Your product sits on a printed paper wrap inside the insert; when you fold the wrap over and close the pack, the paper tensions around the product and holds it in the protective centre of the box — the same crumple-zone principle as film retention, delivered with paper.
The result is a pack that protects like film retention but is made from a single, recyclable material.
Watch the Video to see how eComPack works
Why choose paper over plastic film
- Fully recyclable. One material — paper and cardboard — so the whole pack goes into household paper recycling, no separation needed.
- No plastic. Removes plastic film from your packaging entirely, supporting your sustainability goals and reducing exposure to the UK Plastic Packaging Tax.
- Faster to pack. No void-fill machines and no separate materials — one person seals an order in seconds.
- On-brand. The paper wrap can be fully printed with your branding, turning protection into presentation.
Paper retention vs plastic film retention
Both hold your product in place using tension and a crumple zone, so the protection principle is the same. The difference is what happens to the pack afterwards and how it fits into your operation:
- Material. Film retention combines cardboard with a plastic membrane; eComPack is paper throughout.
- Recycling. Film packs ask the customer to separate plastic from card; eComPack goes into paper recycling whole.
- Plastic Packaging Tax. Film packs carry a plastic component that can fall in scope; eComPack has none.
- Packing. Film systems often need a machine or frame; eComPack is a single fold-and-seal motion.
- Branding. The film membrane is usually clear and unbranded; eComPack's paper wrap is a printable surface.
The honest trade-off: established plastic film is a mature, low-unit-cost format, so for some high-volume operations it can still be cheaper per pack today. The case for paper is total impact — recyclability, tax and EPR exposure, brand experience — not just unit price.
Common questions about paper retention packaging
Is paper retention packaging as protective as plastic film?
It works on the same principle — tensioning the product into a protected crumple zone — using paper instead of film.
Is it really recyclable in normal household recycling?
Yes. Because eComPack is a single material — paper and cardboard with water-based inks — it goes into standard kerbside paper and card collection with nothing to separate.
Can it be printed with our branding?
Yes. The paper wrap is a printable surface, so your logo and design become part of the pack at no extra setup cost.
What products is it suitable for?
eComPack suits a wide range of eCommerce products where retention and presentation matter. Products such as cosmetics, health and beauty products, gourmet foods,
Can I try it before committing?
Yes — request a free sample and test it with your own product.
See paper retention packaging for yourself
Request a free eComPack sample and try it with your own product.