Royal Containers Group of Companies Overview

At Royal Containers, packaging is more than a box. It is a fully integrated process built on collaboration, consistency, and control. Through the combined strengths of Royal Containers, Proprint, Tencorr Packaging, and Greenpac Mill, our divisions work together to deliver a complete turn-key packaging solution — all under one roof.

This integrated model gives customers something few suppliers can offer: direct access to every stage of the packaging process, from recycled paper production to corrugated sheet manufacturing, high-impact print, converting, and final delivery.

A Complete Turn-Key Solution

Together, Royal’s divisions operate across six state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, each playing a critical role in creating smarter, faster, and more efficient packaging solutions.

Our integrated capabilities include:

• Liner and corrugate manufacturing
• Retail POS and display production
• SQF Certified folding carton packaging
• Corrugated packaging (brown box)
• Co-packing, fulfillment, and distribution

This connected approach means fewer handoffs, greater quality control, faster lead times, and more responsive service for our customers.

Greenpac Mill: The Foundation of Sustainability

Greenpac Mill is the starting point of our supply chain and the foundation of Royal’s sustainability approach.

Using 100% recycled paper, Greenpac produces high-performance linerboard that is eco-responsible, strong, lightweight, and highly printable. For more than a decade, Greenpac has been a key part of Royal’s vertically integrated model, creating a close operational relationship that strengthens quality, consistency, and sustainability across every division.

At Greenpac, protecting forests and conserving landfill space is not an initiative — it is built into every sheet produced.

For Royal customers, that means packaging begins with a stronger environmental foundation without compromising performance.

Tencorr Packaging: The Strength Behind the Sheet

From Greenpac, linerboard moves to Tencorr Packaging, where it is transformed into corrugated sheets that are 100% recyclable to the end user.

Tencorr has been a trusted production partner for more than 30 years and remains a leader in corrugated sheet manufacturing. Known for consistent quality and dependable performance, Tencorr plays a critical role in ensuring every package starts with the structural integrity customers rely on.

As one of Tencorr’s primary suppliers, Greenpac helps ensure a stable, high-quality source of linerboard and corrugated medium. The result is a streamlined system that delivers strength, consistency, and speed from the ground up.

Together, Greenpac and Tencorr create the reliable foundation behind every corrugated solution we produce.

Royal Containers: Where Packaging Comes to Life

At Royal Containers, corrugated sheets are transformed into high-performance packaging built for the real world.

From standard brown box packaging to custom branded displays and retail-ready solutions, Royal brings your packaging vision to life, all under one roof. Combining structural design, print, converting, and production expertise, we create packaging that performs in transit, on the shelf, and throughout the supply chain.

Because Royal works directly alongside Tencorr and Greenpac, customers benefit from faster turnaround times, tighter quality control, and more responsive, customizable packaging solutions without relying on disconnected third parties.

That means better efficiency for customers and better results for their brands.

Proprint: Bringing Packaging to Market

Proprint completes the system by delivering the visual impact that turns packaging into a brand experience.

Proprint is Royal’s dedicated print and display division, specializing in retail POS displays, high-graphic packaging, and SQF Certified folding carton packaging. Complementing Royal’s broader packaging capabilities, including display production at the St. Thomas facility, Proprint adds the finishing layer that helps products stand out in-store while maintaining the same operational and production standards customers expect across every division.

From shelf presence to food-safe secondary packaging, Proprint expands what Royal can offer through one integrated system.

Better Together

What makes Royal Containers different is not just what we produce. It is how we produce it. With Greenpac, Tencorr, Royal Containers, and Proprint working together, our divisions create a connected packaging model built for speed, consistency, sustainability, and scale.

From recycled paper to finished packaging, every step is aligned. Every division adds value. Every customer benefits.

That is what it means to deliver a complete turn-key solution. That is what it means to be all under one roof.

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Inside Print: Packaging as a Marketing Channel

E-commerce has changed more than how people shop, it’s changed how brands show up. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a shift from retail shelves to front door delivery. Today, the first physical interaction a customer has with a brand isn’t in-store, it’s at home, cutting open a box. And with over a million shipments moving across Canada daily, that moment has become one of the most important brand touchpoints in the entire customer journey.

At the same time, the Canadian packaging market itself is evolving quickly, driven by sustainability requirements, retail efficiency demands, and the need for faster, more flexible marketing execution.

For consumers, expectations have evolved just as quickly. Fast shipping is assumed. Product quality is expected. What stands out now is the experience around the product, how it arrives, how it feels, and whether it’s worth sharing. That’s where packaging, and more specifically inside-print, plays a much bigger role.

From Shipping Container to Brand Experience

In traditional retail, packaging had one job: stand out on a shelf.

In e-commerce, it has two:

1. Protect the product
2. Deliver a branded experience in a controlled, at-home environment

This shift has turned packaging into a marketing platform.

More importantly, packaging is no longer just a cost, it’s becoming both an operational tool and a brand asset. It needs to move efficiently through supply chains, meet retailer requirements, and still deliver a strong brand moment when it reaches the customer.

Unboxing videos, customer-generated content, and influencer marketing have made packaging visible in ways it never was before. A well-designed box can now extend reach beyond the original buyer, turning a single delivery into content seen by hundreds or even thousands of potential customers.

And most importantly, this isn’t just for premium brands anymore. Mid-sized and growing e-commerce companies are investing in packaging because they’ve seen the impact it has on repeat purchases, brand recall, and customer perception.

Why Inside-Print Is Gaining Momentum

While exterior print gets the attention, the inside of the box is where brands can surprise customers with more personalized messaging or targeted retail strategies. For example, selling products for the Holidays. 

It’s unexpected. It’s personal. And it happens at the exact moment of engagement, when the customer is most focused.

Instead of relying on inserts (which often get ignored or thrown away), brands are using inside print to deliver messages directly, without adding complexity to the packaging process.

With in-house digital printing capabilities at ProPrint & our St. Thomas location with the first Bobst Masterline machine in North America, which can flexo print inside and outside in 1 single pass, brands can execute these inside-print strategies with greater flexibility, making it easier to run shorter quantities, personalize messaging, and adapt creative quickly without slowing down production.

Advancements in digital printing are enabling shorter production runs, faster design changes, more localized marketing, and seasonal or promotional displays. At the same time, technological improvements in digital printing and smart labeling are increasing design flexibility and expanding branding opportunities within Canadian e-commerce packaging.

This is also changing how corrugated packaging is produced. Brands are managing more SKUs, working within shorter production cycles, and introducing more versioning with faster turnaround times. On the design side, this is driving higher-impact graphics, more personalized packaging, limited-run retail displays, and regionally tailored branding.

As a result, retail is shifting toward micro-campaigns, rapid product launches, and more seasonal merchandising, often influenced by social and influencer-driven promotions. Packaging now needs to move at the same pace as marketing.

1. Built-In Information

E-commerce has removed the in-store associate. Customers are left to figure things out on their own.

Inside-print fills that gap by embedding information directly into the packaging:

• Product instructions
• QR codes to videos or support
• Sustainability messaging
• Brand backstory

Sustainability messaging, in particular, has become a key trust signal for Canadian consumers, with more brands using packaging to communicate recyclability, material choices, and environmental impact.

It reduces the need for extra materials while keeping everything in one place, clean, efficient, and less likely to be missed.

2. Creating a Human Connection

Digital brands often struggle to feel personal. Inside print helps bridge that gap.

Simple elements like:

• A thank-you message
• A founder’s note
• A brand mission

…can shift the experience from transactional to relational.

For consumers, especially in a crowded e-commerce market, these small touches are often what differentiate one brand from another.

3. Driving the Next Action

The moment a box is opened is also the best time to influence what happens next.

Brands are using inside print to prompt actions like:

• Sharing the unboxing experience
• Signing up for loyalty programs
• Leaving a review
• Redeeming an offer

Instead of relying on follow-up emails or ads, the packaging itself becomes the call-to-action, meeting the customer exactly where their attention already is.

What This Means for the Future of E-Commerce Packaging

As e-commerce continues to grow, packaging is no longer just a cost; it’s a channel. Consumers expect more than just delivery. They expect intention. Brands that recognize this are using every surface of the box to communicate, connect, and convert.

And the most effective strategies aren’t necessarily the most complex; they’re the ones that integrate seamlessly into existing packaging without adding friction. Inside print is one of the simplest ways to do that.

One Partner, Built for E-Commerce Packaging

At Royal Containers, we see this shift every day. Brands aren’t just looking for boxes; they’re looking for partners who can support structure, print, and performance all under one roof.

With corrugated packaging, high-quality printing capabilities, and integrated support through ProPrint, Royal offers a true one-stop approach to the box market. From concept to production, everything is aligned to help brands move faster, stay consistent, and deliver greater impact with every shipment.

From sustainable structural design to retail-ready formats and digitally printed packaging, everything is built to support both operational efficiency and brand performance. Because in today’s e-commerce landscape, the box isn’t the end of the process, it’s where the brand experience begins.

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Proprint Achieves SQF Certification

At Royal Containers, our core strength has always been clear: Building Partnerships in Packaging. That means bringing corrugate packaging, folding carton,  POP and retail displays all under one roof. With state-of-the-art printing, Flexo, Litho, digital and state of the art finishing, mounting, die cutting, folding and gluing our customers can move seamlessly from concept to shelf with one integrated team. 

With Proprint, a division of Royal Containers, officially SQF certified for secondary food packaging, we’ve strengthened that foundation even further. 

This certification enhances our folding carton capabilities with globally recognized food safety standards, adding documented controls, full traceability, and structured compliance to the integrated packaging and display expertise our customers already rely on. 

The SQF program is recognized in more than 40 countries, with over 14,000 certified sites worldwide. Proprint is now one of them. 

What Is SQF and Why It Matters 

SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a globally recognized food safety and quality certification program administered by the SQF Institute, a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association. 

The program is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), aligning it with internationally recognized food safety management standards.

For food brands, retailers, and private label programs, SQF certification signals: 

• Rigorous food safety systems 
• Full traceability of materials 
• Documented preventative controls 
• Ongoing third-party audits 

It provides an added layer of assurance that packaging partners are operating under structured, verified processes designed to protect product and brand integrity. 

The Year Behind the Certification 

When our customers grow, we grow with them. Achieving SQF certification reinforces our commitment to operating at the highest global food safety standards — without compromising the speed, flexibility, and service that sets us apart in the marketplace.

Achieving SQF certification required a year-long operational transformation. Proprint’s facility transitioned into a controlled-access food packaging environment, including: 

• Restricted plant access to authorized personnel 
• Dedicated change rooms 
• Additional handwashing stations 
• Ground and polished floors 
• Repaired and repainted walls 
• Secured shipping entry points 
• Comprehensive plant-wide signage 
• Replacement of breakable mirrors with non-glass alternatives 
• Conversion of wood surfaces to non-porous, wipeable materials 

Beyond physical upgrades, we strengthened internal systems around HACCP principles and full material traceability. Every paper stock, ink, and adhesive is documented by lot number and supplier chain-of-custody — ensuring accountability at every stage of production. 

SQF certification includes annual audits and continuous compliance monitoring. It demands discipline every day, not just during inspection.

Proprint achieved certification from our very first audit, which is a huge testament to the diligent commitment by everyone involved. From the office to production, everyone played a part in the success of this initiative. 

A True Team Effort

This accomplishment was the result of extraordinary preparation and leadership. The process was led by Richard Krakower, Martin Sonne and Joel Pelkonen. These individuals, along with many others, invested countless hours of time, focus, and energy into audit preparation, documentation, plant upgrades, training, and system implementation to make this certification a reality.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our press crews, plant staff, and management team who embraced the operational changes required and demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the process. Maintaining SQF standards is a daily commitment, and it is their continued discipline and professionalism that keep the program alive and running every single day.

This was not the work of one department — it was a true team effort.

Strengthening Partnerships — All Under One Roof 

For our customers, SQF certification reinforces the value of working with Royal Containers Group of Companies. 

Within one integrated organization, you now have access to: 

• SQF-certified folding carton manufacturing 
• Advanced lithographic and digital printing 
• POP print and retail display expertise 
• Corrugated packaging and shipping solutions 
• Vertically integrated production capabilities 

One partnership. One coordinated approach. All supported under one roof. 

SQF certification strengthens our operational foundation and enhances the accountability behind everything we produce. It reflects the systems, standards, and structure required to support long-term partnerships and it reinforces what Building Partnerships in Packaging truly means.

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Putting Your Display on Display

Where Packaging Sits on the Shelf Matters More Than You Think

At Royal Containers, our work is guided by how packaging performs beyond the plant and into the retail environment. Years of consumer behaviour and eye tracking research show that shoppers don’t scan shelves randomly. They follow consistent visual patterns that influence what gets noticed, what gets considered, and what ultimately ends up in the cart. These insights are now widely accepted across consumer behaviour, and they play an important role in how retail-ready corrugated packaging should be designed.

Rethinking “Eye Level Is Buy Level”

The long-standing belief that eye level automatically drives sales doesn’t fully reflect how shoppers behave.

Research consistently shows that the strongest visual engagement happens slightly below eye level, closer to chest height. This “golden zone” receives more sustained attention than shelves placed too high or too low, making it a critical consideration for retail-ready packaging and displays.

When key messaging sits outside this zone, even well-designed packaging can miss its moment.

How Shoppers Actually Scan Shelves

Eye tracking studies reveal a few repeatable behaviours that matter for packaging performance:

• Vertical bias: Products positioned about 14–15 inches below eye level attract the most attention.
• Right-side preference: As shoppers move down an aisle, they are roughly 21% more likely to notice products on their right, often starting their scan at the center and moving outward.
• Low-attention zones: Top and bottom shelves receive the least engagement and are better suited for bulk or secondary items.

These patterns aren’t trends, they’re fundamentals.

What This Means for Retail-Ready Corrugated Packaging

Retail-ready packaging is about more than speed to shelf. It’s about placing products where eyes naturally go and making information easy to absorb in seconds.

Effective corrugated packaging takes into account:

• Structural height that aligns with high attention zones
• Clean, uncluttered front panels
• Strong visual hierarchy and contrast
• Consistency across cases, trays, and displays

These details matter most when packaging must perform across high volumes, multiple retailers, and demanding store environments.

Why Royal’s Approach Stands Apart

As a trusted corrugated manufacturer with decades of experience, Royal Containers understands that great packaging doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built through collaboration.

From the first conversation, our sales team works closely with customers to understand their products, challenges, and goals. That insight carries through every stage of the process. Our in-house design team then translates those needs and retail insights into practical, manufacturable corrugated solutions—whether that’s shelf-ready cases, pallet displays, or custom retail programs.

Because sales, design, and production work together under one roof, we’re able to move efficiently from concept to execution while maintaining consistency, performance, and reliability. That’s where partnerships in packaging come to life: aligning strategy, structure, and scale to support long-term success.

Packaging That Performs Where It Matters

In today’s retail landscape, packaging has seconds to earn attention. Corrugated solutions that reflect real shopper behaviour stand a better chance of being seen, considered, and chosen.

At Royal Containers, we build retail-ready packaging with those realities in mind—combining proven consumer insights, thoughtful design, and manufacturing expertise to deliver packaging that performs from the plant to the aisle.

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5 Eco-Friendly Packaging Tips for the Season

As the busy season approaches, many businesses are reevaluating their approach to shipping, displaying, and protecting their products in a responsible manner. At Royal Containers, sustainability isn’t a seasonal initiative, it’s how we operate every day. From our recycled paper mill to our corrugated plants, our vertically integrated supply chain enables us to design smarter packaging with reduced waste and a smaller environmental footprint.

If you’re looking to make your packaging more sustainable this season, here are five practical ways to start, inspired by the practices we live by at Royal.

1. Choose Recycled and Certified Materials

The most effective way to reduce your environmental impact is by choosing materials that have already been part of the production cycle. At Royal, 100% of our materials are recycled, and a significant portion comes from within our own network of sustainable partners.

Through Greenpac, our 100% recycled paper mill, and Tencorr, our corrugated sheet feeder, we ensure traceability and quality throughout the entire process. This integration gives our customers confidence that their packaging supports responsible resource management.

“Greenpac stands as a cutting-edge 100% recycled paper mill, representing the pinnacle of Royal’s commitment to sustainability.” – from sustainability brochure.

2. Design for Circularity

A circular economy keeps materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and regeneration. In packaging, this means designing boxes that can be easily recycled and made from materials that are re-entered into the production stream instead of ending up in landfills.

At Royal, every step of our process supports this principle. Our closed-loop system ensures that what’s recycled today can become tomorrow’s packaging, closing the gap between production and regeneration.

3. Right-Size Your Packaging

Oversized packaging contributes to unnecessary material use, higher freight costs, and increased emissions. By right-sizing your packaging, you minimize waste and optimize every shipment.

Our design and production teams use advanced digital tools to engineer precisely fitted packaging that maintains protection and visual appeal while reducing excess volume. This approach saves materials and resources throughout the entire supply chain.

4. Reduce Weight, Not Strength

Lightweight packaging doesn’t have to mean weaker packaging. Thanks to innovative materials from Greenpac, we can create durable corrugated solutions that are strong, stable, and environmentally responsible. “Through Greenpac, we access top-notch XP lightweight liners that enable us to reduce packaging weight without compromising shipping and stacking strength.” – from sustainability brochure.

Reducing packaging weight also reduces the energy used during transportation, enabling companies to meet their carbon-reduction goals without compromising performance.

5. Partner with a Sustainable Packaging Manufacturer

Choosing the right packaging partner is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your company’s environmental commitment. Our vertically integrated structure enables us to manage every step of the process, from sourcing recycled materials to manufacturing and printing, with precision and accountability. This enables us to continually improve efficiency, minimize waste, and reduce emissions across all our operations.

At all our Royal facilities, we’ve invested in advanced equipment, digital technologies, and energy-efficient systems that help us meet growing demand while lowering our environmental footprint. Our teams collaborate daily to find new ways to reduce material use, increase recyclability, and support our customers’ own sustainability goals.

Partnering with a manufacturer that leads by example ensures your packaging not only performs well but also reflects your values, responsibly made, built to last, and designed with the future in mind.

At Royal Containers, sustainability is built into how we work, from the fibre that starts each sheet to the innovation that shapes every finished box.

Responsible by design. Where innovation meets sustainability.

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Giving Thanks for Our Partners: The Royal Values

This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on what truly drives Royal Containers forward: our people and our partnerships. Gratitude isn’t something we express just once a year, it’s built into how we work, how we lead, and how we show up for one another every day.

Royal Containers has always been about people first. Our success isn’t only measured by the packaging we produce, but by the connections we build on the plant floor, in the offices, and with the partners who help us grow. With an average employee tenure of 16 years, our team is the heart of everything we do, a true reflection of the loyalty, care, and shared purpose that define Royal.

We show our appreciation in tangible ways, through summer BBQs, ice cream days, and Christmas parties that bring our teams together to celebrate hard work and milestones. We welcome our customers and suppliers into our plants for guided tours that showcase the innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration behind every box we make. And in our communities, we give back by raising money for Harvest Hands and supporting local causes that matter to our employees and neighbours alike.

Our values — We Respond, We Perform, We Care, We Lead — come alive through these moments. They’re there in every quick adjustment on the production line, every customer challenge solved with creativity, and every act of kindness shared between coworkers.

At Royal, gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s a culture. It’s the reason we’ve been able to adapt, innovate, and lead in an ever-changing industry.

To our employees, customers, and partners — thank you for making Royal what it is. Your trust, collaboration, and commitment inspire us every day.

From all of us at Royal Containers, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and well-deserved Thanksgiving. Here’s to continuing to grow together, in gratitude and partnership.

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Back-to-School Trends in Retail Packaging

The start of a new school year doesn’t just mean sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks; it also means shelves (and shopping carts) full of possibilities. Back-to-school is one of the busiest retail seasons of the year, and while the products may change, one thing stays the same: packaging is the first impression.

This year, we’re seeing packaging trends that do more than protect what’s inside; they create excitement, showcase sustainability, and build stronger connections between brands and families.

Here’s what’s making the grade in 2025:

1. Sustainable Packaging = Smart Packaging

Today’s parents and students are paying attention to how products are packaged just as much as what’s inside. Recycled corrugated boxes, biodegradable materials, and right-sized packaging aren’t just eco-friendly; they show that a brand cares. For Gen Z shoppers, in particular, sustainability is no longer optional.

2. Packaging That Pops Off the Shelf

In the rush of back-to-school shopping, bright, bold designs win. We’re seeing brands use playful graphics, vibrant colours, and engaging typography to stand out. And the surprise doesn’t stop at the store, inside printing transforms a box into a fun unboxing moment (perfect for social media).

3. The E-Commerce Experience

With more families shopping online for supplies, packaging now has to deliver twice: first by protecting items during shipping, and second by creating a memorable moment at home. QR codes on boxes that link to discounts, checklists, or even study tips add an interactive twist that customers love.

4. From Box to Storage

One of the cleverest trends? Packaging that keeps working long after the purchase. Think corrugated boxes that double as storage bins, organizers, or even craft projects for kids. It’s practical, sustainable, and keeps a brand top-of-mind well beyond checkout.

5. Right-Sized & Ready to Go

No one wants oversized packaging that wastes material and space. This season, right-sizing is trending, cutting down on shipping costs, protecting products better, and reducing waste. It’s a win for brands, customers, and the planet.

Back-to-school isn’t just about stocking up; it’s about starting fresh. For brands, packaging is an integral part of their story. The right corrugated solution doesn’t just move products; it builds trust, sparks excitement, and demonstrates to customers that you’re in sync with their values.

At Royal Containers, we respond to these shifts, perform with precision, and lead with sustainable innovation. Because packaging isn’t just a box, it’s a partnership in your brand’s success.

Ready to get top marks with your packaging this season? Let’s connect.

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EV Forklifts Driving Sustainability at Royal Containers

In July, a chapter quietly closed at Royal Containers, as the last propane forklift left our St. Thomas plant. Today, the St. Thomas facility operates with an all-electric fleet. This milestone is more than a swap of fuel types; it reflects our core values and our commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability in action.

A Cleaner, Safer Way Forward

The first noticeable difference is the noise level on the production floor. Electric forklifts run substantially quieter than propane machines, which not only makes the building calmer but also improves how people work together. Spotter calls, horns, and safety alerts carry farther and clearer, reducing the chance of missed signals in busy aisles.

Air quality is another immediate improvement. With propane emissions removed from daily operations, the facility now provides cleaner air throughout, supporting the wellbeing of our team while allowing us to operate efficiently in every part of the plant.

Next-Level Safety with AI Vision

Safety has always been central to how we operate. Our new forklifts are equipped with state-of-the-art AI vision systems that detect pedestrians and obstacles in real time. When someone enters the detection zone, the truck automatically reduces speed, giving operators critical reaction time. It’s proactive protection designed to keep people safe in even the busiest environments.

Smarter Technology Behind the Wheel

The technology powering these forklifts is smarter, too. Onboard telematics have turned each truck into its own diagnostic terminal, logging performance data and simplifying compliance. Pre-operation checklists are now digital, impact alerts trigger automatic notifications, and maintenance shifts from a reactive to a predictive approach thanks to real-time insights.

With connected systems, our forklifts are not just machines but responsive tools that help the plant run more efficiently.

Sustainability at the Core

This transition is also a clear statement: sustainability drives our business decisions. By eliminating propane-powered forklifts, we’ve cut emissions and reinforced our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. For our customers and partners, it’s proof that Royal Containers is serious about building a future where packaging leadership and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Leading the Industry by Example

For Royal Containers, this transition reflects the values that guide every decision we make. We Lead by adopting innovative technologies that set a new standard in our industry. We Perform by delivering consistent, efficient operations. We Care by creating safer, healthier workplaces for our employees. And We Respond by building resilience and agility into our systems. Our investment in electrification and advanced safety systems strengthens our position as a leader in the corrugated industry, proving that operational excellence and environmental responsibility aren’t competing priorities, they’re inseparable. By living our core values, we’re shaping a workplace that protects our people, serves our customers, and safeguards the planet.

One lift, one charge, one shift at a time, Royal Containers is driving toward a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future, starting at St. Thomas.

Interested in learning more about our sustainability initiatives or visiting the St. Thomas facility? We’d be happy to host you for a walkthrough.

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Inside Royal’s Sustainability Strategy

At Royal Containers, we don’t just manufacture boxes; we rethink how they’re made, how they’re used, and how they impact the world around us.

Sustainability is at the core of every decision we make, from the raw materials we select to the way we power our operations. With a fully integrated supply chain, trusted industry partners, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we’re working to reduce waste, lower emissions, and support customers who are equally focused on doing business responsibly.

100% Recycled Material in Every Product

We proudly use 100% recycled containerboard in all our corrugated products. By eliminating the use of virgin fibre, we help conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, and support a cleaner future. Our innovation in using lightweight, recycled linerboard earned us a Sustainability Award at one of our top 3 customers — a proud achievement that reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.

A Fully Integrated, Circular Supply Chain

Our environmental commitment is directly tied to our vertically integrated supply chain. As shareholders in the Greenpac Mill and Tencorr Packaging, we have visibility and influence over the entire process, from recycled fibre to the final box. This gives us greater control over quality, consistency, and sustainability at every stage of the process.

Our circular economy model begins at Greenpac Mill, where 100% recycled fibres are transformed into high-performance linerboard using advanced technology. Greenpac’s process diverts waste from landfills and repurposes byproducts, such as reject fibres, as animal bedding. The linerboard is then sent to Tencorr Packaging, where it’s combined with corrugated medium to produce durable, sustainable sheets. These sheets arrive at Royal Containers, where we convert them into corrugated packaging that is both functional and environmentally responsible. Once our customers use the packaging for shipping and branding, it re-enters the waste stream as O.C.C. (Old Corrugated Containers) through recycling, often returning to Greenpac Mill to be remade into new linerboard. We also return all scrap sheets and clippings from our own operations to Greenpac, ensuring materials stay in circulation and waste is kept out of landfills.

Investing in Greener Facilities

Sustainability extends beyond materials and manufacturing — it’s also part of how we manage our buildings and daily operations. One of our initiatives was to upgrade the energy-efficient LED lighting at both our Brampton and St. Thomas locations, significantly reducing electricity use at our two facilities. This transition not only lowers our energy consumption but also aligns with our broader goal of reducing our carbon footprint. Every detail, from how we power our spaces to how we move our products, contributes to a more responsible and efficient operation. Our latest example? The introduction of a new electric forklift at our St. Thomas plant — a move that cuts emissions, reduces noise, and drives our commitment to a greener future forward. Look for more on this in our upcoming blog.

Making Sustainability Easier to Understand

To help customers make informed decisions, we created a downloadable sustainability brochure that breaks down key terms, certifications, and practices. It’s a practical tool designed to guide teams in understanding the environmental impact of their packaging, from sourcing to recycling.

Leading with Purpose

Sustainability at Royal Containers isn’t a one-time initiative, it’s a long-term commitment, embedded into how we work and who we partner with. We’re proud to lead by example, from the mill to the finished product, and to give our customers packaging they can feel confident using.

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The Future of Custom Corrugated Design

In a world where packaging is more than just a box, the future of custom corrugated design is bold, brand-driven, and built for sustainability. At Royal Containers, we’re witnessing an exciting shift in how companies utilize packaging as a strategic tool, one that protects, promotes, and performs.

Here’s a look at where custom corrugated is headed, and how we’re leading the way:

1. Smart Design for a Smarter Supply Chain

The days of “one-size-fits-all” are over. Today’s packaging must be engineered to optimize space, reduce waste, and streamline logistics. Whether it’s designing to minimize void fill or creating right-sized packaging for e-commerce, custom corrugated is becoming an essential part of the supply chain strategy. At Royal, our structural design team uses advanced CAD systems to create solutions that reduce shipping costs and carbon footprint, without compromising strength or brand appeal.

2. Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a standard. More than ever, businesses are seeking packaging that aligns with their ESG goals. Our custom corrugated designs utilize recycled content and are 100% recyclable, enabling our customers to meet their environmental commitments while still delivering a premium unboxing experience.

We also invest in equipment and technology that reduces waste during the manufacturing process and ensures consistent quality with fewer raw materials. The result? Packaging that performs and protects the planet.

3. Printing Innovation That Elevates Brands

Brand visibility is everything. With advancements in high-graphic flexo and digital printing, corrugated packaging now doubles as a marketing tool. Whether it’s bold shelf-ready packaging or eye-catching e-commerce boxes, custom design is helping companies stand out in crowded markets.

Royal Containers brings years of experience in creating packaging that connects with consumers and strengthens brand identity. We partner closely with clients to ensure every box tells their story, beautifully and sustainably.

4. Speed to Market with Digital Design

Time matters. Digital prototyping and virtual sampling tools are accelerating the design process, allowing for faster approvals and more agile decision-making. Royal Containers is investing in digital design technologies that reduce lead times and give customers greater flexibility when launching new products or campaigns.

5. The Human Touch Still Matters

Even with all the innovation, packaging design is still about people. That’s why we collaborate closely with our customers to understand their business, challenges, and goals. The future of packaging isn’t just custom, it’s personalized.

As packaging continues to evolve, Royal Containers is committed to staying at the forefront, investing in technology, championing sustainability, and designing more innovative solutions. The future of custom corrugated is here, and it’s built to perform, protect, and inspire.

Ready to innovate your packaging? Let’s talk.

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