Paper versus plastic. It’s not just your cashier asking that question anymore, holding up two different types of bags for you to choose from. Paper versus plastic seems to be fast becoming the debate of the century. As a business owner, the question becomes even more critical.
The material you select to package your goods speaks volumes about your brand vision and product quality. The proper selection can help your product better resonate with your client while keeping the products in pristine condition.
Research shows that consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability while purchasing a product. Some are even willing to pay extra if the product and packaging are sustainably sourced. More than 77% of consumers believe plastic packaging is the least eco-friendly packaging material.
That has led many manufacturers to choose plant-based packaging materials for their products. Paper products are easily compostable and recyclable. Innovation in case packing machinery has made paper packaging just as efficient as plastic in most cases. Paper is an eco-friendly packaging raw material suitable for use in many industries. It can leverage great cost-saving benefits while portraying your brand as environmentally conscious.
It looks great, gives your products a minimalistic, modern look, and is popular among today’s consumers. It can be used to package almost anything using case packing machinery. Here are some ways paper stock and cardboard packaging are used in packaging
Making the switch from plastic to paper can change the dynamics of your assembly line and your product’s appearance. It’s vital first to understand how paper packaging differs from plastic and what advantages it offers to see if it would be a good fit for your products.
The most apparent advantage paper has over plastic is where it comes from. We all have the image of paper being made by cutting down trees. While most paper is made from wood and its by-products, there are more sustainable ways of producing it.
Such as using manufacturing bio-waste from sugar or wheat processing plants. Or using rags leftover from the fast-fashion industry. Paper can be made from fabrics derived from sources such as
Goods wrapped in paper can seem higher quality than those wrapped in plastic. It can also help you attract customers concerned about the environment. Elevating your brand credentials is not so easy in today’s highly-competitive market.
Paper packaging can help you stand out while lowering your carbon footprint. Case packing machinery can print directly on the paper packaging without compromising color depth or graphics.
Paper packaging is recycled almost all around the globe. Increasing awareness means that the chances of paper-based packaging making it to the recycling bin are also greater than before. Paper is the most commonly recycled material. It’s estimated that about 74% of paper and 83% of cardboard packaging are recycled yearly.
Imagine wrapping delicate bottles in bubble wrap. The transit is bumpy, and some bubbles burst, affecting the cushioning of your product inside the box. That would not be the case if you stuffed the box with crimped-up paper instead of plastic bubble wrap.
Paper can add a more reliable layer of cushioning than burst-proof plastic. And it can be reused countless times as well to pad other items.
Switching to paper packaging can help you save money in more than one way. Using energy-efficient equipment such as the latest models of case packing machinery and changing the type of packaging you use can help you save on taxes. Many governments worldwide offer tax reliefs for companies using more sustainable manufacturing methods and materials.
Many countries are banning single-use plastics and plastic packaging. Thus, using plastic as the sole packaging material restricts where you can sell your products. Whereas paper packaging is acceptable all around the globe. That can help you reach new markets and attract clients.
Like all packaging materials, paper packaging is not ideal for all industries and products. Here are some cons of using paper and cardboard-based packaging:
Plastic is a highly versatile material with applications in every industry. It offers more durability benefits over paper packaging, especially for longer transits.
Plastic’s waterproof qualities makes them the ideal packaging material for edibles. Pouches, bags, packets, and tubs make preserving food for extended periods possible. Paper is more porous and allows greater amounts of gasses, vapors, and moisture. That makes it less ideal to be used as the sole packaging material for certain products.
Paper is more expensive than plastic to use as packaging material. It can drive up your product's total packaging cost, especially if multiple layers of primary and secondary packaging are required. Case packing machinery can help reduce packaging costs and make your end-of-the-line packaging more efficient.
Growing trees and making paper for packaging applications is a water-intensive process. With the current freshwater crisis threatening populations worldwide, it’s become an even more precious commodity. The true sustainability of paper and its environmental advantage over plastic is also often questioned.
The material you select to package your products will affect how consumers interpret your brand image. Whichever material you choose, BluePrint Automation has custom-made case packing machinery capable of packaging your products securely and aesthetically.
Give us a call today to discuss which option would be best for your products.