Cardboard or plastic, which packaging material is best?

Cardboard/paper or plastic. In the world of packaging, there is still debate about which is the best packaging material. Is there a definitive answer? What are the advantages of the two different materials for packaging? And how do you choose between different types of paper or plastic packaging? In this article we answer at least some of these questions. Then the final choice is up to you.

Paper packaging – an environmentally friendly trend

Paper and cardboard are made from natural, recyclable raw materials and are often seen as the most environmentally friendly choice.

Benefits of paper packaging

• It easily protects goods against humidity, dust and temperature fluctuations.
• It has high resistance to dust, provided that cardboard of the right thickness is chosen.
• It seals well with the use of most types of tape
• Boxes and paper bags can be customised by printing on logo or printed tape
• You save storage space, since much of the paper packaging is delivered flat-packed for later assembly.
• It is environmentally friendly as it is either produced from recycled materials or from recyclable or biodegradable materials

What should you look for when choosing paper packaging?

When choosing paper recycling for your business, we recommend that you look at three factors:

• Type of cardboard: you can choose between single, double or triple corrugated cardboard. The difference between these is about the thickness and strength of the cardboard. You can read more about this in our previous article: Guide: different types of cardboard
• Type of products the packaging will be used for. Is the product light? Is the product heavy? Does the box need to be stackable? When choosing a cardboard box, you should be aware that the products’ differences, lightness and use require different considerations.
• How will the package be delivered to the end customer? Will the box be used for storage or shipping? If the box is to be used by a web shop and sent home to the customer, there are different needs for protection of the products than if it is to be used in a shop.

RAJA’s most popular cardboard boxes

Below you can see some of the most popular cardboard boxes for RAJA’s customers. Which one is your favourite?

Remember that RAJA has more than 600 cardboard boxes in stock, so it’s easy to find an ace that suits your needs. Check out our selection in the online shop, or contact us by phone 22 51 40 00 or e-mail.

• Ashtray with vending machine

• Variable height boxes – simple to adapt to different products

• Boxes with foam inserts for integrated protection

• Easybox self-adhesive mailboxes with automatic base – especially suitable for sending in the post. Available in a range of formats.

• Boxes with double glue strip for easy return – especially well suited for net shops

Plastic packaging is in some cases seen as an environmental hazard, and the use of plastics is decreasing in many areas. In particular, the EU ban on single-use plastics has reduced plastic consumption, especially in straws and disposable napkins. However, while it is recommended to reduce plastic consumption, we must remember that it is single-use plastics that are the most problematic for the environment. In the future, we will not see a world without plastics, but one where consumers will prefer recycled, bio-based and recyclable plastics. There is a huge development going on in this area, and more and more recycled plastics are being launched.

Plastic packaging – is it on its way out?

When should we stop using plastic as a packaging material?

Plastic packaging has some advantages that are crucial in some cases

• It is lighter, which simplifies handling, helps to reduce volumetric weight and gives lower shipping costs
• It is hygienic and is often required in sectors such as food or pharmaceutical industry
• For shielded products, packaging with plastic fill or inflatable protection ensures that goods are well protected at a reasonable cost

To sum up – when comparing cardboard/paper and plastic, it is not that plastic is always a bad choice, but that both types of packaging have their advantages, and that it is important to have the right knowledge. RAJA offers more and more alternatives in recycled plastics, and they are getting better and better quality.

Environmentally friendly plastic alternatives

RAJA offers among others these products made of recycled plastic:

• E-commerce bags made of recycled plastic

• Eco-friendly plastic bags, 150 my, 100% recycled

• Eco-friendly plastic bags, 100 my, 100% recycled

We recommend everyone to get acquainted with the different packaging types available and make a choice on what is the best packaging type for their needs.

An overview of RAJA’s environmentally friendly packaging can be found here.

Do you have questions or want advice on choosing paper/cardboard or plastic?

Please contact RAJA’s customer service on 22514000 or post@rajapack.no