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Sustainability at BOLLSEN
We’re building a quieter world—and a cleaner one. BOLLSEN is reducing plastic across packaging, moving to recycled and certified cardboard sourced in Germany, and introducing grass paper to lower our environmental footprint from the box up.
What we changed and why
From plastic to cardboard
We’ve reduced plastic in our packaging and moved to sturdy cardboard solutions for most product lines. Cardboard is easier to recycle and helps cut single-use plastics in our supply chain. By switching to cardboard, we also lower the amount of fossil-based materials entering the waste stream and reduce long-term pollution risks. This step is part of our broader goal to make every element of our packaging more sustainable, from raw materials to end-of-life recycling.
Adding grass paper
We’re integrating grass paper into our packaging portfolio. Grass paper reduces the use of virgin wood fibers and offers a recognizable natural look—without sacrificing strength or print quality. It also requires significantly less water and energy to process compared to traditional paper, making it a smarter environmental choice. At the same time, its unique appearance helps communicate our sustainability mission directly through every product box.
Sourcing & partners
Our packaging materials are sourced in Germany and made from recycled and certified inputs. Together with
our partner pack on GmbH (https://www.packaging-warehouse.com/) and Nils Harder, who continues his family tradition in packaging, we co-developed solutions where the majority of the box composition uses grass paper, complemented by recycled cardboard for strength.
- German sourcing for tighter quality control and shorter transport routes
- Recycled & certified materials throughout packaging components
- Majority grass paper composition where technically feasible
Rollout & roadmap
We are introducing grass paper and recycled cardboard gradually across our production facility in Slovenia.
Our goal is to replace conventional cardboard with grass paper alternatives where feasible as we scale.
Now
Transition underway: grass paper outer boxes for key SKUs; recycled cardboard across most lines.
Next
Broader rollout of grass paper variants; optimize supply chain & printability; ongoing testing.
Target
By 2026/2027, we expect the majority of standard cardboard to be replaced with grass-paper-based solutions.*
* Subject to technical feasibility, supplier capacity, and regulatory requirements.
From aluminum tins to cardboard tubes
We’re prototyping cardboard tubes to replace aluminum containers where possible. The tube body targets a high percentage of grass paper while ensuring durability, product safety, and shelf appeal. We’ll phase this in once testing confirms performance across storage, shipping, and daily use. Switching to cardboard tubes has the potential to significantly reduce our reliance on energy-intensive metals like aluminum. It also gives customers packaging that is lighter, easier to recycle, and aligned with our eco-friendly values. In the long run, this innovation could set a new standard for sustainable packaging in the hearing protection industry.
Lower-carbon logistics
Shifting air cargo to sea freight
To reduce transport emissions, we are shifting international replenishment—especially to the United States—from
air cargo to sea freight wherever lead times allow. This change significantly lowers the carbon
intensity per unit shipped and aligns with our long-term sustainability goals.
- Sea freight for bulk shipments where timelines permit
- Air freight reserved for urgent needs and exceptions
- Ongoing planning to balance CO₂ impact, cost, and stock availability
One world, shared responsibility
We believe we all live together in one world—and we’re committed to finding practical, science-based ways to reduce
our impact while delivering safe, comfortable hearing protection. This isn’t a one-off project; it’s how we build.
Sustainability – FAQs
What is grass paper and why use it?
Grass paper blends grass fibers with recycled paper. It reduces the need for virgin wood fibers, has a distinct
natural look, and can help lower the environmental impact of packaging when used appropriately.
Are your materials certified and recycled?
Yes. Our packaging materials are sourced in Germany and use certified and recycled inputs from established suppliers.
We continuously review documentation with our partners to ensure compliance and traceability.
Why a gradual rollout instead of switching all at once?
Packaging must balance sustainability with protection, printability, and availability. A phased rollout lets us
test performance, ensure stable supply, and maintain product quality across regions.
Will cardboard tubes fully replace aluminum?
We’re testing cardboard tubes with grass paper content. If performance meets our standards for strength, hygiene,
and user experience, we’ll replace aluminum wherever feasible.
How does sea freight reduce carbon?
Per kilogram moved, ocean freight typically has a much lower carbon intensity than air transport. By moving bulk
shipments to sea, we reduce transport emissions—while reserving air for urgent exceptions.
How can customers recycle BOLLSEN packaging?
Please follow your local recycling guidance. Cardboard and grass-paper boxes usually go into paper recycling.
If your municipality has specific rules, follow those for best results.
Help us build better packaging
Your feedback guides our next steps. Tell us how our new packaging works for you—what you love and what we can improve.
A final word
Sustainability isn’t a checkbox for us; it’s a direction. We’ll keep testing, improving, and scaling solutions
that make sense for people and the planet—without compromising on safety or comfort.
Alen Kurbegovic
Founder & CEO, BOLLSEN Hearing Protection
Before founding BOLLSEN, Alen held leadership roles in multinational companies, where he specialized in business development and digital transformation. He later applied this expertise to launch BOLLSEN as a brand built on German engineering, eco-conscious design, and evidence-based health outcomes.
Alen oversees every stage of the product lifecycle—from R&D to Worldwide distribution—ensuring compliance with medical standards while optimizing for user comfort and sustainability. He actively collaborates with researchers and health professionals to enhance hearing wellness awareness and product innovation.
Beyond his work at BOLLSEN, Alen is passionate about sharing insights on topics such as tinnitus, misophonia, and hearing science, as well as broader interests in e-commerce, the NBA, and cycling. His writing reflects a blend of professional expertise and personal curiosity.
Today, Alen continues to drive BOLLSEN’s mission: to deliver premium, effective hearing protection that prioritizes health, performance, and the planet.