Although plastic packaging remains prevalent, paper-based packaging is experiencing a significant revival. The mounting pressure on companies to minimise their environmental footprint has increased dramatically, especially since the introduction of plastic tax regulations three years ago. Popular brands have transitioned from plastic to paper packaging, and ecommerce retailers are swiftly shifting away from plastic to evade fees and satisfy consumer expectations.
5 reasons to switch to paper-based packaging
1 – Paper packaging is recycled more than any other material
With the surge in demand for environmentally sustainable packaging solutions, paper packaging stands out as the top choice in Europe. It’s not just the most recycled material; it also uses a large amount of recycled content in its production, making it a champion in sustainability.
Paper and cardboard are the most recycled packaging material in Europe. In 2021, 83% of all paper-based packaging was recycled, outperforming metallic packaging (75%), glass packaging (74%), and far exceeding that of plastic packaging (41%).
- Source: Eurostat, Recycling rate of packaging waste by type of packaging (EU27), 2021
- Two Sides info
2 – Paper packaging is preferred by consumers
70% of consumers now identify as environmentally aware and 66% consider it important to purchase products packaged in environmentally friendly materials.
Packaging is often the first way a brand connects with its customers. As more people look for eco-friendly options, companies have an ideal opportunity to boost their brand’s image by choosing packaging that reflects their commitment to sustainability.
As both consumers and regulators increasingly focus on sustainability, it’s clear that consumer brands face an important challenge. Instead of asking if they should switch to sustainable packaging, the real question now is how to make that transition effectively.
- Source: Trivium Packaging and Boston Consulting Group, 2022
3 – Paper Packaging is attractive and impactful
In today’s retail landscape, emotionally engaging consumers is a significant challenge. Packaging that communicates through multiple senses enables brands to differentiate themselves and motivate others. It doesn’t just showcase product perks; it also spins stories that let the brand shine.
Paper packaging is wonderfully versatile and super-efficient, whether you’re using it for storage, shipping, retail displays, or even around the house. For many brands, packaging isn’t just a container—it’s part of the product itself, so how it looks and how eco-friendly it is really matters.
As a product that consumers touch, use and dispose of, packaging is now a key medium to transmit a brand’s green credentials.
- Source: Smithers, 2020
4 – Paper packaging offers unrivalled product protection
Packaging is crucial for reducing damage and prolonging a product’s lifespan. Without it, the risk of wasting the resources invested in making the product increases significantly.
Paper, as a material, is incredibly adaptable and can be modified in countless ways to adjust its strength and flexibility for the most challenging packaging needs. Corrugated boxes, particularly for shipping, have noteworthy benefits. Their rigid yet lightweight design, due to multiple layers, offers exceptional resistance to vertical compression, delivering a unique strength-to-weight ratio.
An emerging trend in e-commerce is the use of paper mailing bags. These bags are strong, lightweight, and tear-resistant, providing an excellent eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags.
5 – Paper is part of the circular economy
The European paper industry has leveraged decades of efforts to evolve its industrial model into a circular one, establishing itself as one of Europe’s most sustainable sectors.
Paper packaging perfectly aligns with the circular economy model. The primary component, wood fibre, is a renewable, natural, and sustainable resource. This type of packaging is readily collected and recycled, allowing these precious fibres to be reused repeatedly.
In 2023, Europe achieved a recycling rate of 79% for paper, making it the highest globally for this material. (1) In addition, paper packaging achieved a remarkable recycling rate of 83% in 2021, surpassing all other packaging materials in terms of total recycling volume. (2)
- (1)Source: CEPI Key Statistics, 2023
- (2)Eurostat, Recycling rate of packaging waste by type of packaging [EU27], 2021.
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