Paper Honeycomb Board Carbon Footprint Study | Certified by CarbonQuota

The lower carbon footprint of paper honeycomb board liners

Q: Is paper honeycomb better than lamb’s wool for carbon footprint?

Yes. The carbon footprint study by CarbonQuota found a 35–60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to lamb’s wool insulation, measured cradle-to-grave. This helps you present credible, quantified evidence of lower emissions to your own customers.

Q: Is paper honeycomb board better than polystyrene for carbon footprint?

Yes. Paper honeycomb board achieved a 50–70% lower carbon footprint compared to expanded polystyrene (EPS). By switching to paper honeycomb board, you can cut lifecycle emissions by more than half in your packaging applications.

Q: What is the biggest factor in the footprint of paper honeycomb board?

The substrate material, such as paper, accounts for around 50% of the total footprint . By using recycled paper and a lightweight design, the impact is significantly reduced.

A carbon footprint study commissioned by Dufaylite in 2025 verified the lower carbon impact of its paper honeycomb board compared to lamb’s wool and expanded polystyrene (EPS). If you’re responsible for sourcing or designing packaging for food or chilled deliveries, you’re under growing pressure to cut emissions without compromising performance. The independent study, conducted by CarbonQuota, confirms that this balance is achievable.

The outcome? A 35–70% lower carbon footprint compared to lamb’s wool and expanded polystyrene (EPS).

This means you can offer customers and stakeholders a protective, recyclable packaging solution with certified carbon data to support it.

How the carbon footprint was measured

In 2025, CarbonQuota completed a cradle-to-grave lifecycle study focused on Dufaylite’s paper honeycomb liners, specifically for food delivery packaging. The methodology was guided by ISO 14040/44 standards and accounted for:

Raw material extraction
Manufacture
Transport to warehouses
Distribution to customers
End-of-life disposal

Because the Paper Honeycomb Board Liners don’t require energy during the use phase, that stage is excluded.

Comparisons were made against lamb’s wool insulation and expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Results: Paper honeycomb vs polystyrene and wool

The carbon footprint study findings speak clearly:

50–70% lower carbon footprint versus expanded polystyrene (EPS)
35–60% lower carbon footprint versus lamb’s wool

Per box (food delivery use case):

Paper honeycomb: 0.16–0.26 kg CO₂e
Lamb’s wool: 0.42 kg CO₂e
EPS: 0.56 kg CO₂e

“Lower carbon footprint than expanded polystyrene insulation.”
– Certified by CarbonQuota

“Lower carbon footprint than lamb’s wool insulation.” 
– Certified by CarbonQuota

Similar benefits are expected across other packaging types.

Why independent certification matters

You want claims that your customers and stakeholders can trust. Independent verification delivers exactly that. Certification from CarbonQuota ensures that every figure is:

Verified by a third-party expert
Based on robust lifecycle science
Compliant with green claims regulations
Protected from greenwashing risk

“Having worked with Dufaylite on this project and seen their commitment to sustainability first-hand, we were pleased to confirm that the science can now back up the claim that their paper honeycomb board liners are a lower-carbon option for customers seeking to reduce the carbon impact of their packaging choices.”

Nathan Tiller, Co-founder

CarbonQuota

“It is a testament to our team at Dufaylite that an independent third party has verified our efforts and shown that our paper honeycomb board liners have a lower carbon footprint than other alternatives on the market. This is only the beginning, with further improvements and wider assessments already planned.”

Ashley Moscrop, Managing Director

Dufaylite

How much carbon does a paper honeycomb box produce?

Measured for food delivery boxes:

Paper honeycomb: 0.16–0.26 kg CO₂e per box (the range reflects differences in box use, i.e meal kit vs meat delivery)
Lamb’s wool: 0.42 kg CO₂e
EPS: 0.56 kg CO₂e

This provides you with clear, credible data to support sustainability reporting, tender submissions, and carbon reduction initiatives.

Why paper honeycomb offers a carbon advantage

You benefit from lower emissions thanks to two core design features:

This means you get insulation performance with fewer emissions.

How to make green claims with confidence

If you’re communicating environmental performance to your customers, clarity and evidence are key. At Dufaylite, we’re committed to sharing accurate, science-backed information, and we’re actively transitioning all our marketing and communications to reflect the latest UK Green Claims Code and EU Green Claims Directive.

That means you’ll increasingly see more specific language in our messaging. Language that is:

Clear – explains what’s measured and in scope
Transparent – points to third-party verification and sources
Current – based on the latest data and lifecycle studies
Meaningful – avoids exaggeration or ambiguous comparisons

We are also reviewing all platforms and materials to phase out broader terms that are no longer supported by the updated guidance, such as:

Eco-friendly

Green/greener

Sustainable (when unqualified)

Better for the planet

Compostable/biodegradable (unless recycling is clearly stated)

Instead, you’ll see consistent use of verified and compliant phrases, including:

Lower carbon footprint

Compared to expanded polystyrene

Certified by CarbonQuota

Cradle to grave lifecycle assessment

These changes are part of our continued commitment to environmental integrity. So you can use our data and materials with confidence.

How carbon footprint values are presented

CarbonQuota-certified footprint values are published using the following standards:

CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) as the unit
kg CO₂e as default unit (rounded where appropriate)
Lifecycle scope clearly stated (e.g. cradle to grave)
Clear product descriptions
Methodology and verification included
Link to more information where relevant

This ensures the data you receive is transparent, comparable and easy to communicate.

End-of-life: What to do with paper honeycomb board

When the packaging has done its job, the best option is recycling. This keeps fibres in circulation and maximises environmental value.

While the board is technically compostable or biodegradable, recycling is strongly recommended to support circular economy principles.

Why choose paper honeycomb board liners?

FAQs

How do paper honeycomb board liners compare to other insulation materials?

In 2025, the results of the Dufaylite carbon footprint study showed that paper honeycomb board liners delivered a 35–70% lower carbon footprint across the lifecycle compared with lamb’s wool and expanded polystyrene. For buyers, this means a proven way to reduce packaging emissions while maintaining performance.

Is paper honeycomb better than lamb’s wool for carbon footprint?

Yes. The carbon footprint study by CarbonQuota found a 35–60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to lamb’s wool insulation, measured cradle-to-grave. This helps you present credible, quantified evidence of lower emissions to your own customers.

Is paper honeycomb board better than polystyrene for carbon footprint?

Yes. Paper honeycomb board achieved a 50–70% lower carbon footprint compared to expanded polystyrene (EPS). By switching to paper honeycomb board, you can cut lifecycle emissions by more than half in your packaging applications.

What is a product’s carbon footprint, and why does it matter?

A product’s carbon footprint measures total greenhouse gas emissions across a product’s lifecycle. Most emissions originate from energy-intensive processes that rely heavily on fossil fuels, thereby accelerating climate change. Measuring footprints allows you to identify high-impact areas and make informed reductions.

What does cradle-to-grave mean in a carbon footprint study?

Cradle-to-grave encompasses all lifecycle stages, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, distribution, and final disposal. For the paper honeycomb board, no energy is consumed during use, so it is excluded from consideration. This ensures you see the complete carbon impact, not just part of the story.

Can the carbon footprint be provided for each order?

Yes. Every order can be accompanied by a footprint figure in kg CO2e, independently certified by CarbonQuota. This gives you precise, job-specific data to use in sustainability reporting.

What does CO2e mean?

CO2e stands for carbon dioxide equivalent. It includes CO2, as well as other greenhouse gases like methane, and converts them into a single comparable figure. This allows you to easily compare the total climate impact of different products or materials.

What is the biggest factor in the footprint of paper honeycomb board?

The substrate material, such as paper, accounts for around 50% of the total footprint. By using recycled paper and a lightweight design, the impact is significantly reduced.

How can I determine if a packaging material has a good carbon footprint?

There is no absolute “good” or “bad”. What matters is comparison. Certified data allows you to compare options and select packaging with the lowest possible impact.

How can I reduce my own carbon footprint from packaging?

Select verified lower-carbon materials, minimise transport distances, recycle products after use, and ensure any energy use is renewable. These steps allow you to demonstrate measurable reductions in your footprint.

What steps are being taken to reduce Dufaylite’s carbon footprint?

Dufaylite is lowering fossil fuel use, minimising waste, reducing transport, and sourcing lower-carbon materials. For you, this means products that continually improve their environmental performance, backed by independent scientific research. Visit the Dufaylite Sustainability page to learn more about our carbon reduction initiatives and long-term commitment to lowering emissions.

What sources were used for the carbon footprint study calculations?

For Dufaylite’s carbon footprint study, CarbonQuota combined primary data from Dufaylite’s manufacturing operations with global datasets, including paid, public, and open-source data. This approach ensures the results are comprehensive, accurate, and reflective of real-world performance.

How accurate are the results from the carbon footprint study?

Primary data is used wherever possible. Where data is missing, CarbonQuota applies secondary sources and tests assumptions in line with international standards. This provides you with reliable and credible figures.

Can the results of the Dufaylite carbon footprint study be trusted?

Yes. The results of Dufaylite’s carbon footprint study were independently verified by CarbonQuota against international standards and supported by a unique packaging-specific database. This independent verification means you can use the findings with confidence when communicating environmental performance.

Are paper honeycomb board liners sustainable, eco-friendly, or better for the planet?

Rather than using broad terms, the claim is specific: paper honeycomb board liners have been shown to deliver a 35–70% lower carbon footprint compared to lamb’s wool and expanded polystyrene (EPS). This provides a substantiated and defensible statement.

Can paper honeycomb board liners be composted?

Composting or biodegrading is not recommended. Instead, recycling ensures fibres are reused in new products, supporting a circular economy.

Industry applications: How this study benefits your business

Independent disclosure by CarbonQuota

Full transparency is key. That’s why the complete technical details are available via the CarbonQuota Disclosure Page, confirming:

A 35–60% lower footprint vs lamb’s wool
A 50–70% lower footprint vs EPS
Conservative rounding and sensitivity testing

View the full results on the CarbonQuota Disclosure Page.

What’s next for carbon footprint studies

This 2025 analysis is just the start.

Starting in 2026, additional environmental impact categories, including water use and resource depletion, will be assessed. This will provide deeper insights and help your business make even more informed decisions about sustainability.

Conclusion

Choose packaging backed by proof, not empty promises.

The carbon footprint study by CarbonQuota-certified paper honeycomb liners shows that they deliver up to 70% lower emissions, verified through a full lifecycle assessment. It’s a practical, high-performance step toward net zero and a more transparent future.

Speak to your Dufaylite account manager to request certified carbon data for your next order.

Or explore our Eco Friendly Food Packaging page to see how honeycomb supports brand, performance and sustainability.

Disclaimer

Dufaylite is actively reviewing and updating all marketing and product communications in line with the UK Green Claims Code and EU Green Claims Directive. While this transition is ongoing, some legacy content across platforms may contain generalised environmental terms that are currently being revised. For the most accurate and compliant information, please refer to verified carbon data or contact your Dufaylite account manager directly.