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Sustainable Packaging Improvements at Keylink
Smarter Packaging: Small Changes That Make a Real Difference to Sustainability
When you’re running a business, you need deliveries you can rely on. Your ingredients, equipment and packaging must arrive safely so you can keep creating and delighting your customers. But protecting products in transit is only one side of the story; the packing materials used and delivery method should also be in line with your values.
Last year, we visited the DPD Superhub in Hinckley to see the journey your orders take once they leave the Keylink warehouse in Dinnington. It inspired us to share a little more about our efforts to minimise our impact on the environment. Keep reading to find out how Keylink strives for sustainability when packing your orders, and the strides we’ve already made to reduce our carbon footprint…
by Lyndsey Hall
06 March 2026
Cutting Plastic & Choosing Better Materials
In the last few years, we have made lots of choices that reduce our carbon impact, from what packaging materials we use to the distribution partner we send your parcel with.
The boxes we package your orders in are made from largely recycled content, and we recently replaced bubble wrap and double boxing with protective pulp moulding made from 100% recyclable cardboard.
These small changes have already made a noticeable difference to our sustainability, without compromising your products during their journey.
Stronger Sustainability: Introducing Our Branded Paper Tape
One of the newest changes we’ve made is to the tape that our warehouse staff use to seal your parcels. The previous plastic branded tape was made from 40% recycled materials, but we weren’t satisfied with that. So, our Warehouse Manager decided to look for a better option, and in March we made the switch to branded paper tape.
This water-activated tape forms a very strong bond with cardboard, becoming part of the box surface as it dries. This means far less tape is needed compared with traditional plastic tape and your products are safely sealed inside your parcel. Not only does this mean a more secure seal using fewer materials, but the packaging is easier for you to recycle.
The ultimate aim with our sustainability initiatives isn’t simply to use less packaging, but to use enough and no more. Damage to products in transit as a result of not using enough protective packing materials can result in replacement shipments, additional carriage CO2, more packaging, and a longer wait for the customer. In many cases, if an item appears to be “overpacked” at first glance, the truth is often that we’ve learned that lesson the hard way! So, the more recycled and recyclable materials we can use, the better.
Lower Emissions on the Road
Packing materials are only one part of the sustainability picture; how your orders reach you also matters.
Working with our courier partner DPD, 25% of our total parcels in 2025 were delivered using all-electric vehicles, saving 4,184kg of CO2, compared with traditional methods.
DPD continues to invest in its all-electric delivery fleet, with over 32% of their final mile delivery fleet now being all-electric. We’re proud to be working with a distribution partner who care about their impact on the environment and have a net zero target for a 90% reduction by 2040, set against a base year of 2020.
Always Improving
Sustainability is central to everything we do at Keylink, but it rarely comes from one big change. Smaller, regular improvements make a huge impact over time.
Every adjustment, from recyclable pulp inserts to stronger paper tape and lower emission deliveries, help us to move in the right direction whilst still ensuring your orders arrive safely and ready for your next creation.
And if you ever have a suggestion for a way we can continue to improve our sustainability, we’re always happy to hear from you. The best ideas often come from the people opening the boxes.
Lyndsey is a marketing executive, writer and lover of books and chocolate from Sheffield.
Her favourite chocolate is Veliche Gourmet Intense 35 Milk Chocolate.
