The most recent and sought-after type of retail packaging – corrugated packaging – is known for its sustainability. However, certain myths still exist regarding the environmental impact of corrugated packaging, which must be cleared.
This blog discusses the top five myths on corrugated packaging, how they benefit various industries, tips to avoid risks, and recent sustainable innovations.
Myth #1
Corrugated Packaging Is Not Recyclable
Fact: Corrugated packaging is completely recyclable.
Corrugated boxes are known for their recyclable packaging. The repurposed feature appeals to a massive crowd of eco-conscious consumers. It eliminates the need to source fresh materials, reducing energy and water consumption during production. However, packaging manufacturers must stick to specific standards to ensure the packaging is fit for recycling.
Myth #2
Corrugated Packaging Leads to Deforestation
Fact: Most corrugated packaging is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
The making of corrugated packaging is a planned process. Manufacturers in the packaging industry carefully consider how they source raw materials. This includes ensuring equal amounts of trees are replanted for the amount used in manufacturing corrugated boxes.
Myth #3
Corrugated Packaging Contributes to Waste Production
Fact: Corrugated packaging is lightweight, biodegradable, and efficiently recycled.
Disposed corrugated material can never be a waste. Most of them are recyclable and biodegradable. They are either put back into the production process or completely dissolved when disposed of in soil. Along with the extensive use of corrugated packaging, people are used to repurposing them to avoid wastage.
Myth #4
Alternatives Like Plastic Are More Sustainable
Fact: Based on lifestyle impacts, corrugated packaging is more environmentally friendly than plastic packaging.
When sustainable packaging is considered, plastic packaging can never be an effective shipping and storage solution. While some plastic packaging may seem resource-efficient, it puts the environment under much stress. Corrugated packaging was born as a renewable, biodegradable and recyclable alternative, consuming less energy and supporting sustainable practices of many industries.
Myth #5
Corrugated Packaging Is Energy-Intensive to Produce
Fact: Advances in technology have made corrugated packaging production more energy-efficient.
While paper production is energy-consuming, manufacturing corrugated materials has made great strides toward decreasing its associated environmental burden. Industries are increasingly searching for renewable alternatives like biomass and closed-loop water systems for waste reduction. The increased adoption rate of recycled materials reduces the energy consumption of processing virgin wood pulp.
The Environmental Benefits of Corrugated Packaging
1. Renewable Materials
Most corrugated boxes are made from renewable sources like trees. If the forest from where these trees are sourced is managed sustainably, there will be an unlimited supply of raw materials.
2. Carbon Capturing
Besides capturing and storing carbon dioxide, forests provide wood pulp for corrugated packaging. It helps reduce carbon emissions during production and transportation.
3. Reduced Food Waste
Perishable items are well protected in corrugated boxes. They keep products damage-free during transit, reducing food waste, which has huge environmental implications.
4. Lightweight and Space-Efficient
Corrugated packaging is designed to be lightweight and stackable and consume less fuel for transportation. It ships goods with a lower overall carbon footprint.
Risks and How to Avoid Them
There is scope for improvement in corrugated packaging to be more sustainable. Some areas of improvement include:
- Contamination in Recycling
Leaks from food or grease make corrugated boxes unfit for recycling. Consumers must be given clear recycling guidelines to ensure the packaging dissolves quickly.
- Energy Use in Recycling
Recycling uses less energy than making new materials. With further focus on recycling, corrugated packing can be significantly improved.
- Supply Chain Optimization
Reducing transportation distances and using cleaner fuels can further reduce the carbon footprint of corrugated packaging.
Future Innovations in Corrugated Packaging
The corrugated packaging industry is continuously evolving to improve its sustainability rate. Some developments to anticipate include:
- Bio-Based Coatings: Replacing wax or plastic coatings with biodegradable alternatives turns corrugated boxes into fully compostable products.
- Lightweighting: New design and material advances enable the production of stronger boxes with less material, reducing resource load.
- Smart Packaging: Managing the supply chain will be easier by implementing sensors, encouraging on-time delivery and reducing waste and inefficiencies.
Conclusion
The commercial sector is increasingly adopting sustainable shipping and storage solutions. Despite the myths, the facts establish that corrugated packaging is currently the most sustainable material. It frequently explores more domains to become more cost and energy-efficient, balancing nature while catering to consumer needs.
StandFast, a leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, actively seeks new technologies and innovations to stay current with customer demands. Our team members ensure you select the appropriate packaging box for your products by understanding your business requirements and meeting industry standards.