The problem with alot of electronic packaging ( most consumer packaging for that matter ) is that it is often mixed materials. The carboard boxes are fine, but the foam, laminated plastic, etc "contaminates" the material and makes it expensive to get rid of in volume. Essentially it goes to landfill. We try to re-use as much as possible at work, shipping small parts, storing parts, etc. Hammond uses these really great heavy-duty ziplock bags that are unbelievably strong. Electrosonic also seems to ship everything in ziplock bags, I have enough at work to start a business.
I too like the DigiKey stuff, reuse all of it in the shipping department! My favorite thing about DigiKey is how they print their labels, all the info you need including manufactureres part numbers, quantity, PO#, etc, and they always print an extra for you to put on your bins so it easy to order/track your parts ( from them of course, the are not dumb, LOL )