Many businesses are looking to make the switch from plastic to paper packaging to pledge their commitment to the environment. Before giving up plastic for good, businesses will weigh up the pros and cons of each material to determine which will provide a more eco-friendly packaging solution.
To help you decide, we’ve compiled some of the advantages and disadvantages of plastic and paper packaging below.
The main advantage of plastic packaging is its price. Plastic can be produced quickly and cheaply, which is why it has become such a popular material for packaging across the globe. Other benefits of plastic packaging include its durable and lightweight qualities, making it ideal for transporting goods safely.
However, from April 2022, the UK Government is introducing a Plastic Tax on all packaging manufactured in, or imported into, the UK. This means that businesses using packaging that contains less that 30 per cent recycled material will have to pay a tax, so plastic packaging may no longer be the cheaper option.
Plastic packaging is becoming increasingly recognised for its damaging environmental qualities. Plastic can take thousands of years to biodegrade, so single-use plastic packaging is highly polluting. Even plastic packaging that claims to be recyclable often ends up in landfill – especially with recycling capabilities varying from council to council in the UK.
When plastic does degrade, small plastic molecules release toxins which can poison soil, rendering local land infertile. These molecules can also infiltrate waterways and damage delicate ecosystems.
The plastic production process is also damaging to the environment. Most plastic is produced as cheaply as possible in factories based in developing countries where there are limited laws on pollution. These factories release copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and many also discharge toxic waste and manufacturing by-products into local bodies of water.
Plastic packaging can be known for its lack of protection as well, air bags for instance are transmitting shock within the package as opposed to absorbing it. Along with being pushed down to the bottom of a package through transit and then bursting on impact, deeming it useless. A similar effect can be seen when using bubblewrap, the bubbles burst and then provide little to no protection for the product inside.
People frequently think of recycled plastic, aluminum, and glass when they think of ecologically responsible packaging. However, paper-based packaging is one of the most environmentally-friendly solutions available, with options beyond what was previously feasible. The advantages of paper-based packaging in all of its forms are discussed below.
Paper packing, often known as paper containers, is a high-efficiency and low-cost solution for moving, carrying, and storing various products. Paper-based packaging is becoming more popular daily, as it is designed to be durable yet lightweight, and it can be customized to fulfill product or customer-specific demands.
Paper-based packaging made from renewable resources will offer us a sustainable, healthy, and safe environment, among other benefits.
Manufacturers commonly utilize paper packaging because it offers customers simple storage and practical packaging that is attractive and easy to handle. Furthermore, because it can be made from recycled materials and comes in various forms and sizes, this packaging is extremely environmentally friendly.
Paper-based packaging, often known as paper containers, is more extensively used and accepted than plastic containers for various reasons that benefit both the end-user and the environment.
Paper packaging may be reused as wrapping paper, fiberboard, and paper bags, among other things. However, plastic bags are non-biodegradable and extremely harmful to the environment. Enhanced paper bags enable the storage of dry items on shelves, preserving the food and shelving.
Bio-based barrier materials might someday replace plastic in many applications, with substantial paper bottles designed for fizzy beverages and milk.
Brands benefit from the ease and visibility of paper packaging. Aside from that, its benefits include the simplicity with which items may exhibit their distinctive packaging and visuals to communicate a brand’s narrative and, greater product protection
Paper recycling mills harvest discarded paper products and boxes and transform them into packaging and other paper-based goods. Another advantage of utilizing paper is that it encourages businesses to grow and preserve trees. For example, Atlantic Packaging saves more than 14 Million trees a year by making 100% recycled paper using old corrugated cartons instead of virgin pulp. Paper can be recycled by up to 7 times allowing us to use the resources over and over without having to rely on new material. Paper also does not cause harm to the environment even when it deteriorates making it a safer alternative.
If thrown outside, paper bag packaging is unlikely to damage wildlife. In contrast, if consumed or coiled around the neck or limbs of animals, plastic bags can be fatal. Plastic may be mistaken for food by some animals and marine life. Plastic intake by wildlife creates intestinal obstruction, causing them to starve to death. It might take anything from 10 to a thousand years for plastic bags to degrade. Compared to paper bag packaging, which can take up to a month to decompose, it’s evident that switching would significantly influence keeping our animals safe.
Paper bag packaging is both eco-friendly and durable. Heavyweights can be carried in corrugated boxes, which can also stand upright. Progressive paper bag packaging will keep the contents fresh. In addition, paper can lock in odors while keeping pests out, making it a good choice for tightly wrapped items like flour and spices.
When choosing a product based on its packaging, customers prefer paper as it gives a more environmentally friendly feel to customers instead of plastic. Retail packaging and corrugated box packaging appeal to two-thirds of customers as people are becoming more conscious about the environment. Customers are more mindful about their purchasing decisions and would like to do their part to preserve the planet. More and more people are turning to reusable and recyclable packaging as compared to alternative packaging materials such as plastic.
Paper containers are created from renewable materials like paper and paperboard, ensuring that they are environmentally friendly. The basic material, like wood, may be supplied from sustainably managed forests and is easily recyclable and biodegradable by definition. Atlantic has taken preservation a step further by not relying on virgin pulp. We stand for sustainability and ensure the planet is greener by manufacturing 100% recyclable linerboard.
Our mission at Atlantic Packaging is to improve the sustainability index for our partners and nurture the environment. We make recycled paper to ensure a healthy environment for everyone. Furthermore, our paper container provides producers with effective packaging that stands out in the crowd while maintaining the freshness of their products at a low cost.
Contact us at 1800-268-5620 to learn more about our goods, services, and materials and how you can utilize them for your business. You may also send us your contact information, and one of our dedicated specialists will contact you about the services Atlantic Packaging provides.