Is Paper Packaging Better than Plastic?
News 07 Oct 2021
With the introduction of the new plastic tax from 1st April 2022 it is no surprise there is a rise in companies seeking to reduce plastic in packaging. From straws to coffee cups to cardboard grips for beer, brands are quickly trying to find out how to reduce plastic in packaging and replace this with paper or cardboard alternatives. In light of this, we thought it would be useful to collate a range of pros and cons of how paper packaging compares to plastic.
Paper vs Plastic Packaging
Advantages
|
Paper |
Plastic |
|
It’s biodegradable |
Does not impact the tree population |
|
It’s easily recyclable |
It’s durable |
|
Doesn’t have the same negative impact on wildlife |
Paper often weighs more than plastic |
|
Takes 2-6 weeks to decompose in landfill |
Takes 10 – 50+ years to decompose in landfill |
Disadvantages
|
Paper |
Plastic |
|
Billions of trees are cut down every year |
Has dangerous impacts on wildlife when not responsibly disposed of |
|
Paper accounts for around 20% of landfill waste |
Plastics create an eyesore to the environment |
|
|
Costly plastic tax is being introduced from 1st April 2022 |
Paper Packaging
You may be thinking, it’s unlikely paper packaging is going to be suitable for your packaging requirements as it’s less durable than plastic and you need a robust solution. In reality, when paper is constructed and strategically designed, it can withhold weight and pressure similarly to how plastic would perform. That’s where we can prove you wrong as our paper-based packaging is highly durable and acts as a perfect alternative to avoidable mono material single-use plastic. In fact, our paper-based packaging can be used in many forms:
- Board lamination
- Cartons
- Flowrap HFFS/VFFS
- Pouch and bag applications
- Window lamination films, offering paper lamination to create a paper-only construction
- Sealed bags
- Sandwich skillets
- Flexible packaging
We have experienced how durable paper packaging can be in recent applications, for example:
- Bulk protein pouches are made from paper comprising of bio compostable films and FSC-certified paper in a bid to reduce plastic
- Hotel Chocolat have replaced plastic packaging with paper-based or compostable alternatives. This is part of their target to make all packaging recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2021, discover more.
- Heineken have gone plastic free with their cardboard green grip alternative
- Unilever has launched a world’s first paper-based bottle for laundry detergent
These examples really go to show how truly durable paper-based packaging can be.
Chat to our Team
If you are researching how to reduce plastic in packaging and seeking alternative materials then speak to our team about EcoPack. This product offers a revolutionary one side coated heat seal and moisture barrier FSC® certified paper which provides a sustainable, translucent alternative to avoidable plastic packaging. Ecopack is also certified for direct food contact and therefore could offer a whole host of applications, such as sandwich skillets, baguette pouches, hot chocolate pouches, protein pouches and more.
*Photos by Pulsitos