5 paper alternatives to plastic packaging
2min read
01/06/2022
How eco-friendly is your online shop? If we ask the average shopper this question, they will look primarily at your packaging.1 This is not surprising, as a shipping crate or bag is often the only physical link to your business. The fact that paper and cardboard perform better than plastic is probably not a surprise. So we present 5 brand new alternatives to plastic packaging. Bubble wrap, stretch film or tape… you won’t need an ounce of plastic for them. See for yourself!
What are the benefits of paper packaging?
Are you considering using paper, but not fully convinced of its benefits? We would like to prove to you all the advantages of this surprisingly versatile material.
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[1] Natural appearance: Paper is a way to enhance your company's green image. This is not insignificant when you consider that 45% of consumers attach great importance to a company with an environmentally responsible image.1
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[2] Renewable: paper is made from wood, a renewable raw material. This reduces the impact on the environment and the use of raw materials. Good to know: when trees grow, CO2 from the air is captured and converted into oxygen. Not bad, is it?
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[3] Easy to sort: as you know, there are many types of plastics, from PP and PVC to LDPE and ABS. Sorting is sometimes complicated. Fortunately, it is easier with paper. All paper packaging materials can be easily sorted together and then recycled (or even composted).
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[4] Solid: paper and cardboard are solid materials that hold up fairly well to sharp objects.
- Paper is a good material for the environment.
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[5] Safe: paper is generally chlorine and acid free. This makes it ideal for packaging printed documents and photos, for example. It is also anti-static. Do you ship electronics? No risk of devices being damaged by electrostatic discharge.
Zoom: The role of paper in the European Green Deal
With the "Green Deal", the EU wants to make the EU a modern and resource-efficient economy. By opting for a renewable raw material such as paper, the set objectives can be achieved:
- Avoid the depletion of its raw materials.
Paper fits perfectly into this scheme and has many benefits. Paper products can be recycled up to 7 times and even composted afterwards. The resulting compost is in turn the soil for new trees and plants, which is enough to complete the raw material cycle
New in town : 5 renewable alternatives to plastic packaging
Did you know that 78% of Belgian online shops indicate that they want to make their business more environmentally friendly in the next three years?1 Choosing environmentally friendly packaging materials is a step in the right direction. Paper is often seen as one of the renewable alternatives to plastic. And with good reason: in recent years, new production techniques have shown how versatile paper really is. Below we present some of the latest innovations in packaging. Which ones are you familiar with?
► 1. Paper bubble wrap
One of the most popular protective materials is undoubtedly bubble wrap. Traditionally it has been made of plastic, specifically polyethylene. But if you are looking for more eco-friendly alternatives that fit in better with cardboard boxes in terms of look and feel, then stop by the paper bubble wrap. This solution offers the same ease of use as regular bubble wrap, but is made from a completely renewable raw material: wood.
A unique production technique is able to produce a paper with a slightly wavy relief structure. By attaching two layers of such paper to each other, the shape of air bubbles is imitated. The result is a material that absorbs shocks very well. This makes paper bubble wrap ideal for wrapping fragile items. What is even more practical is that the customer can sort this protective product with his cardboard box. It’s so much easier!
► 2. Paper strapping
In our list of renewable alternatives to plastic, let’s stop next at strapping. Here the choice is usually limited to materials such as polypropylene, polyester or steel. What many people don’t know is that recently there is also a “paper strap“. It is mainly used for applications that used to require stretch film, e.g. strapping of light packages, packaging and fixing of items, etc.
Paper strapping generates much less residual waste than stretch film, and consumes significantly less raw material. In addition, paper is completely renewable and recyclable. This means that you can easily separate the strapping from the waste paper and cardboard boxes. Would you like to know more? Check out our guide to strapping.
► 3. Manual stretch paper
Another paper innovation is stretch film. Here too, you have probably been using the plastic variants since the beginning of your career. “Can paper really be an alternative to such plastic film? The answer is: yes!
Is the pallet load homogeneous (i.e. without protruding goods) and does it not weigh more than 200 kg? Then this stretch paper is one of the best alternatives. Being elastic up to about 30%, it wraps tightly around the pallet without tearing. Finally, don’t forget that it is made from wood from sustainably managed forests (PEFC certified) and can be 100% recycled after use.
► 4. Paper honeycomb pouch
Want more? Then here’s the fourth of the renewable alternatives to plastic: the “honeycomb” pouch. No, this pouch has nothing to do with nectar or spring flowers. The term “honeycomb” refers to the shape of the honeycomb paper inside. The paper is perforated in an octagonal shape (like a honeycomb). This creates a harmonica-like structure separated by layers of air, which is the ideal shock absorber! It is precisely for this reason that it is often used as an alternative to the padded bubble pouch.
The honeycomb paper on the inside is covered on both sides with an additional protective layer of kraft paper. This makes the pouch extremely puncture and tear resistant – no other paper pouch can match it! After use, simply sort out the pouch with the paper waste and your work is done.
► 5. Armored paper tape
We’ve already talked about packing and protecting goods, but what about closing packages? For this you need adhesive tape. Yes, but which one? Paper tape is a logical choice for those who want an environmentally friendly option. Since standard paper tape is not always sufficient for very heavy boxes, an extra strong version has been developed. This brings us to innovation number 5: the armoured paper tape.
This tape is made from natural and renewable materials. Let’s start with the kraft paper backing, which is moisture resistant, easily recyclable and reusable. Natural rubber glue was chosen for the adhesive layer. It guarantees a very strong adhesion on a cardboard base. Finally, the reinforcing threads are a natural textile material based on linen. It is precisely these that make the tape a real powerhouse.
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Source:
1 Safeshops – Belgian Online Sustainability Monitor 2021
