Which Packaging Is Better for the Environment – Paper or Plastic?

Eco Friendly Packaging Can Be Paper or Plastic

Although plastic packaging products are in widespread use, some firms are reluctant to use them because they are felt to be environmentally unfriendly. Plastics are a non renewable resource. Plastics require a great deal of energy to produce, and some plastic materials, such as polystyrene, are difficult to recycle.

But while plastic packaging does have its environmental drawbacks, it also has a few points in its favor.

• Plastic packaging is not as bulky as paper alternatives, and therefore takes up relatively less space in a landfill. Since most packaging is ultimately destined for landfills, this is an important consideration.
• Most packaging grades of plastic are easy to recycle in most parts of the U.S. In addition, the market for recycled plastics is growing, as manufacturers develop new ways to convert old packaging into building materials and other products that do not enter the waste stream for a very long time.
• Plastic packaging is steadily increasing its percentage of pre-consumer and post-consumer waste content. Innovation in manufacturing processes allows packaging manufacturers to “green” their products without sacrificing quality.

Paper packaging products have made great advances in sustainability as well. Today’s corrugated containers, folding cartons, and packing papers have higher recycled content than ever before. Our infrastructure for recycling corrugated boxes is widespread and efficient. It is our view, as sellers of plastic and paper packaging materials, that the best environmental choice depends a great deal on the demands of the application, the perception of customers who recycle or dispose of the packaging materials, and the likely way in which the packaging will be recycled or disposed of.

One thing we are certain about: companies have excellent choices. From a performance standpoint, plastic and paper packaging products are available to meet the most demanding requirements. If you’d like help sorting it all out, please contact us and we’ll help you evaluate the environmental and functional qualities of your packaging options.
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Packaging Materials, Packaging Equipment, Packaging Solutions

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