Environmental issues have become so severe that both people and businesses are now preferring Eco-Friendly Packaging. Because the material of these packaging is not harmful as they are natural. Sustainable boxes not only benefit the environment, but they also help businesses boost sales and attract the maximum target audience.
What is Sustainability?
The word sustainability means using those kinds of materials for product boxes that are eco-friendly. In broader terms, they are plant-based, recycled, biodegradable and reusable. They are good for the environment because they decompose easily and do not produce waste. In addition, they benefit companies too as they lessen multiple additional costs.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Material to Fight Sustainability
Multiple materials are available in the market that you use for making Eco-Friendly Packaging. It is essential for companies to fight for sustainability by adopting the best alternatives. Here are the ten best environmentally friendly packaging boxes to ensure sustainability.
1.Kraft Paper
The best natural material as an alternative to plastic is Kraft Paper. It is made from a wood pulp renewable material extracted from virgin timber. During the decomposition process, no harmful and poisonous gas is emitted.
Advantages
- Protects Forestry
- Lightweight and Renewable
- Do perfect branding
Disadvantages
- Excessive bleached turned into non-sustainable material.
2.Glassine Paper
It is a greaseproof and translucent paper that protects the content from air, moisture, and water. Its permeability is low which makes it the better packaging for sensitive products like cosmetics, books, and food. Wood pulp is the main source of glassine paper. Switching plastic to glassine is beneficial for the environment as it has less impact on it.
Advantages
- Grease Resistant
- Moisture Proof
- Translucent
- Renewable
- Recyclable
- Lightweight
Disadvantages
- Breakable
- Not suitable for Branding
- Restricted Use
3.Seaweed Packaging
Seaweed is the best alternative to plastic. The purpose of its use is to clean the ocean from plastic. It contains minerals and vitamins that make it perfect for edible packaging which produces zero waste. This material is ideal for cereal and tea packaging as it dissolves into water.
Advantages
- Moisture-Resistant
- Best for oily and wet food.
- Minimum waste
Disadvantages
- The only disadvantage is that it is an expensive material.
4.Carton Board
Carton board is a renewable cellulose-based material that is also known as cardboard. It is the best material for protecting products from outside material, light, and moisture. It mostly consists of recycled cards and paper. In addition, fresh wood pulp is the main ingredient for the making of cardboard. Above all, they are easy to cut into any shape and size.
Advantages
- Best for Branding
- Low cost
- Recyclable
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Disadvantages
- It is not ideal for larger and heavier objects.
- The biggest flaw is that it is not waterproof.
5.Recycled Plastic Bags
Plastic waste such as bottles, household items, packaging material, and bags are used to make recycled plastic bags. They have a lower carbon footprint than that of poly mailer bags which use virgin plastic. First, the collected plastic melts into pallets and then new products will be made from it.
Advantages
- Save up to thirty percent carbon dioxide emission.
- Customizable
- Ideal for branding
- Recyclable
Disadvantages
- Collection points are necessary for the recycling process.
- Mostly use virgin plastic
6.Mycelium
It is a cost-effective renewable replacement of polystyrene. Mycelium is a material that is an underground mushroom network that does not require light and air for its growth. They grow in less than a week. Owing to its sustainability property, retail giants Dell and Ikea have switched to mycelium as an alternative to polystyrene.
Advantages
- Cost-effective
- Lightweight
- Renewable
- Water-resistant
Disadvantages
- Not good for liquids
- On decomposition, this material releases greenhouse gases.
7.Sugarcane Pulp
It is a byproduct of sugar that is mostly incinerated. When fibers blend, pulp is formed which is then molded into a variety of components and products. The sugarcane pulp Eco-Friendly Packaging is ideal for protecting content during shipping, replacement, and inserting. They are more like paper than plastic.
Advantages
- Sugarcane requires carbon dioxide for its growth.
- Sturdy and Strong
- Customizable
- Recyclable
- Repurposes waste
Disadvantages
- Herbicides and fertilizers are used for the crop’s protection
- Sugarcane production is water and land intensive.
8.Shredded Paper
Recycled paper products like virgin fibers, cardboard, and newspaper are used for the making of shredded paper. Here shredded means to tear the paper into small pieces. They are the best alternative to all traditional materials like plastic air pillows, packing peanuts, Styrofoam, and bubble wrap.
Advantages
- Recyclable
- Non-toxic
- Dye in different colors
Disadvantages
- Need for paper bags for recycling procedure.
- Requirement of large quantity.
9.Paper Mailer
They are Eco-Friendly Packaging materials. Paper mailer bags provide a secure and safe solution for the packaging and shipping of products. They are the perfect alternative to poly mailer bags. Owing to their sleek design, these bags stand out among the traditional packaging boxes. Similarly, its lightweight property makes it easy to store them.
Advantages
- Lightweight
- Renewable
- Versatile
- Biodegradable
Disadvantages
- Poor barrier properties
- Ends up in landfills
- Corrugated Cardboard
They are the dry form of a mixture of cellulose wood into pulp. Corrugated cardboard packaging is a popular renewable material. They are ideal for shipping products to far-off places as they provide the strength and durability of good quality. In addition, one can choose the thickness of the boxes according to their needs and requirements.
Advantages
- Recyclable
- Lightweight
- Reusable
- Easy to ship
- Eliminate Plastic
- Less carbon footprint
Disadvantages
- Not ideal for waterproofing
- Does not stand under pressure
- Not ideal for heavy objects
Concluding Remarks
Get sustainability by using all the available Eco-Friendly Packaging material for your products. Because it is equally important for brands to attract customers and boost sales with environmental protection.
