Buyer and technical guidance

Environmental packaging resource hub

A structured route from an environmental packaging objective to a documented, production-compatible pack and a useful Lancing quotation.

This hub organises the questions that sit between a broad search for sustainable packaging and a defensible purchasing decision. Start with the pack function, then use the evidence, material, format and trial guides that match the decision you are making. The pages do not assume that a material is universally preferable; they show what must be specified, documented and tested for the intended product, market and production line.

Define the claim and reporting need

Use the environmental packaging evidence guide for claim scope, supplier evidence and review dates; the recyclability assessment guide for collection, sorting and reprocessing questions; and the UK packaging EPR data guide for a component-level reporting record.

Compare materials and complete formats

Review recycled-content evidence, mono-material scope, lightweighting trials and refill or reuse systems. Each route needs different evidence and acceptance criteria.

Match the pack to the product and line

The material compatibility guide and trial and approval guide connect the product, bottle or pouch, closure, label, coding, handling and distribution route.

Prepare a commercial enquiry

The quotation and cost-factors guide identifies the dimensions, quantities, evidence, samples and logistics that allow Lancing to compare suitable options without inventing a specification.

Choose the guide by packaging decision

DecisionStart hereUseful output
Review an environmental statementEvidence and claimsApproved wording, evidence owner, scope and review trigger
Assess UK recyclabilityRecyclability assessmentComponent map and current collection, sorting and reprocessing evidence
Prepare EPR recordsEPR data guidePack hierarchy, component weights, material categories and evidence file
Compare rigid formatsBottle packaging guideBottle, closure, label and line shortlist
Compare flexible formatsPouch packaging guideStructure, barrier, zipper or spout and sealing brief
Approve a candidateTrial and approval guideRecorded acceptance criteria and change-control reference

Format-specific guidance

Application-specific guidance

Product contact and use conditions determine whether a candidate material can be considered at all. Use the food and drink, cosmetic and household-product guides to prepare the correct product information and trial boundaries before choosing a bottle, pouch, cap or label.

Principles used across every guide

  • Describe the exact pack and every component in the declared scope.
  • Separate environmental evidence from functional suitability.
  • Use current, product-specific documents rather than transferring claims from a similar item.
  • Compare alternatives against the same product quantity, shelf-life, line and distribution requirements.
  • Record samples, settings, defects, acceptance criteria and changes.
  • Use current official guidance for the relevant reporting year and market.