Plastic vs Paper Packaging: The Pros and Cons

Plastic

Plastics came into existence by accident in 1907, but it grew popular around the 1950s when high-density polyethylene was created. Plastics are made from fossil fuels which is clearly a non-renewable source. It is estimated that 4% of the world’s oil production is used as feedstock to make plastics, so this means plastic is often viewed as poor material in terms of renewability and sustainability.

However, it's not all doom and gloom with plastic. In recent times various reports from credible sources such as McKinsey have come out that plastic also brings certain benefits compared to other materials such as paper. The most sustainable approach is to look at the bigger picture, compare the pros and cons of the material and see them in the context of what situation the material is used. 

The Plastic Pro’s

Although they are bad for the environment, there are a number of reasons why some may find plastics difficult to give up. These are as follows:

• Low costs: Plastic is the cheapest out of all common packaging materials.
• Excellent Durability: Plastics do not break or get damaged easily and can withstand falls or slight trauma without damage so provides great protection. Plastic packaging often does not get damaged when stacked on top of each other, making transportation of products easier.
• Long lasting: Plastic takes about a thousand years to break down, they can last for extensive periods without damage. However, as much as this is a pro, it is also a con.
• Light weight: Most plastic materials weigh almost nothing when compared to alternatives such as glass and wood, which is great in reducing the footprint when transporting products that are packaged with plastics.
• Great versatility: Plastic packaging has many forms that can vary from flexible and adaptable to sturdy and resilient types like plastic containers.
• Low GHG footprint: McKinsey tested plastic and non-plastic alternatives to look at the impact. Among applications for which nonplastic alternatives are used at scale, the plastics examined in their research offered lower total GHG contribution compared with alternatives in approximately 90% of cases.

The Plastic Con’s

Plastics may provide a number of easy advantages for businesses as mentioned above, but this does not mean the cons should be disregarded.

Plastic production is around 381 million tons and 5 trillion or more pieces of plastic are polluting the waters around the world. However, more consumers are demanding recycled content in plastic which is driving accelerated progress in recycling plastics. Some additional cons include:

• Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Plastic is primarily derived from fossil fuels, such as petroleum and natural gas. This contributes to carbon emissions and dependence on non-renewable resources.
• Single-use nature: A significant portion of plastic packaging is designed for single-use purposes, leading to excessive waste generation and resource consumption.
• Long lasting: As mentioned in the pro’s, it can take thousands of years to fully degrade, which is harmful to the environment when it does not end up in the recycling scheme.
• Non-biodegradable: Most plastics are not biodegradable, which means they persist in the environment and can accumulate over time, adding to the pollution in seas and other habitats across the world.
• Chemical Leaching: Some types of plastic packaging, especially those made with certain additives, can pose potential health risks when used around food and beverages.

Innovations in plastic recycling

It’s no surprise that plastic waste has become a global concern due to its impact on the environment and human health. However, advancements in plastic recycling technologies offer promising solutions to tackle this issue. Let’s explore some of these innovations and how they can improve the recyclability of plastic packaging.

Chemical recycling

One notable breakthrough in plastic recycling is chemical recycling. Unlike traditional mechanical recycling, which involves melting and reforming plastic, chemical recycling breaks down plastic into its molecular components. This process allows for the conversion of plastic waste back into its original building blocks, which can then be reused to produce new plastic products. Chemical recycling has the potential to recycle a wider range of plastic types, including mixed or contaminated plastics that would otherwise be challenging to recycle mechanically without separating beforehand.

Advanced sorting systems

Sorting plastic waste effectively is crucial for efficient recycling, especially with plastic packaging. Advanced sorting systems, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic technologies, have revolutionised the recycling industry. These systems can accurately identify and separate different types of plastic based on their composition, colour, and shape. By automating the sorting process, these technologies increase recycling efficiency, minimise human error, and enhance the quality of recycled plastic.

Depolymerisation

Depolymerisation is another innovative technique that breaks down plastic into its monomers or basic chemical units. By using heat or solvents, plastic polymers are disassembled, allowing for the recovery of valuable monomers. These monomers can then be used as raw materials for producing new plastic products without losing their quality. Depolymerisation shows promise in enabling the recycling of plastics that are difficult to recycle through conventional methods.

Bioplastics

If for your company the pro’s outweigh the con’s, then it might be an option to consider bioplastics. Bioplastics are made from biodegradable sources such as vegetables, rice, and other organic and plant-based compounds.

Similar to other plastics, bioplastics are not currently recyclable, but they do break down much quicker than regular plastics, provided they are properly composted at in-home compost heaps or in extensive industrial compost facilities.

Bioplastics are usually much more efficient and eco-friendly than normal plastics and help contribute to the reducing of pollution.

At Swiftpak, we would recommend trying our polylactic acid (PLA) packaging as it is made from the renewable source, cornstarch, and so decomposes well in the presence of acids. PLA can be used for grocery bags, food packaging, thermal insulation as well as for medical applications.

In recent years, more and more consumers have become aware of the importance of protecting our planet. Because of this, they are now making informed decisions about what products they buy and if those products arrive in sustainable, eco-friendly packaging.

As a business owner, it is crucial to understand why eco-friendly packaging matters and how to make your packaging as sustainable as possible. Research has shown that eco-friendly packaging can reduce your environmental footprint and save you money in the long run. Read on as we discuss the benefits of sustainable packaging materials, the cost savings associated with sustainable packaging, and how to make your packaging eco-friendly.

What is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable packaging is any material used for packaging that can be reused or recycled in a way that does not harm the environment. These materials include recycled paper, plastic, glass, wood fiberboard, and biodegradable plastics.

Eco-friendly materials reduce waste from being sent to landfills or incinerators–where it will take longer to degrade or be disposed of improperly. They also help reduce the energy needed to manufacture new products.

The Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Packaging

Eco-friendly packaging materials offer businesses many advantages, starting with cost savings. Switching to sustainable materials and practices can significantly reduce packaging costs compared to traditional methods.

• Save Money–  Eco-friendly packaging materials are often lighter, meaning companies don’t have to spend as much on shipping costs for heavier materials. This helps your bottom line.
• Customer Loyalty– Using biodegradable and reusable packaging helps businesses inspire customer loyalty. Customers are highly conscious of their purchases’ environmental impact, and many consumers seek out brands that use eco-friendly packaging and show a commitment to sustainability. More customers mean more business. And an increased bottom line for your company.
• Stand Out– Sustainable choices can help a business distinguish itself from its competition and stand out in the marketplace.
• Tax Credits– Companies that utilize sustainable packaging can often receive credits or subsidies from governments or organizations whose goals align with making our planet eco-friendlier.

What Are Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials?

Eco-friendly packaging materials include recycled paperboard boxes; corrugated cardboard; paper mailers; biodegradable plastics; sugarcane-based plastics; vegetable starch-based films; wood fiberboard; kraft paper; bubble wrap made from post-consumer recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate); compostable films made from cornstarch PLA (polylactic acid); air cushion systems made from 100% postconsumer recycled PET; molded pulp trays and egg cartons made from 100% post-consumer recycled newspaper and other plant fibers; reusable bags and crates made out of heavy-duty canvas fabric; custom designed wooden pallets and skids made out of sustainably sourced woods like bamboo and cedar among many others!

Certification standards are available if companies want verification that their chosen materials are environmentally appropriate, like the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Is Eco-Friendly Packaging More Expensive?

While the upfront costs of sustainable packaging material may be more expensive than non-sustainable materials, you will save a lot more in the long run. This is due to reduced waste management fees and incentives from suppliers or local municipalities–making eco-friendly packaging cheaper than traditional options.

Also, there may be grants from local governments or other organizations that offset some expenses for businesses looking for more sustainable ways to package their products.

How To Make Your Packaging Eco-Friendly

Making your product’s packaging eco-friendly requires careful consideration when selecting materials and designs for your containers or boxes. You can start by looking at the life cycle analysis (LCA) for each material you’re considering. This will give you an idea of its environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle from production through disposal/recycling/composting/etc.

Additionally, you can reduce unnecessary waste, such as overpacking your products with too much material or utilizing recycled plastic baggies instead of cardboard boxes for smaller items. These small changes can help lower your company’s carbon footprint significantly.  Also, you can invest in reusable or recyclable packing materials like paper tape instead of plastic tape (which can end up in landfills after just one use).

However, the easiest, most convenient, and most cost-effective way to ensure eco-friendly packaging is to partner with a sustainable packaging company like Packsize.

Packsize is revolutionizing the shipping industry by providing customizable, right-sized packaging on demand that uses less paper and creates minimal waste. We’re constantly pushing boundaries to innovate new materials, equipment, software, and systems that make our customers more efficient and decrease their environmental footprint.

Making sure your product’s packaging is eco-friendly is no longer an option but a necessity if your business wants to remain competitive in today’s market while helping reduce its carbon footprint and increase its bottom line. It may require some additional research, but adopting eco-friendly packaging methods might be worth it when it comes time for consumers to choose between similar products–yours could be the one that stands out! Ultimately becoming eco-friendly isn’t only beneficial for our shared planet, but it also makes sound financial sense.

Take your packaging to the next level with Packsize’s tailored solutions. Let us create a process that not only supports sustainability but also helps strengthen profitability and customer satisfaction. Contact Packsize today. Together we can make an environmentally friendly impact.