What are the advantages of paper packaging?

Research shows that 87% of Kiwis say sustainability is a major concern. Additionally, they also list a reduction in plastic packaging as the best way to identify eco-conscious brands. Since the single use plastic bag ban in 2019, many businesses have since discovered the advantages of using eco-conscious packaging options. 

Paper-based packaging is a becoming a popular alternative to plastic packaging, as it provides environmental advantages for companies and helps them to reach sustainable goals. In this article, we explore these features in detail, to help you decide if it’s time to make the switch to paper. 

Benefits of sustainable paper packaging 

As an alternative to plastic packaging, paper is quickly taking over the e-commerce market. There are various benefits to making the switch, in terms of both environmental impact and efficiency. 

Environmental benefits of paper packaging

Being a natural material, paper is far more eco-friendly than conventional plastic packaging. Environmentally, the benefits of paper alternatives include: 

• They are reusable
• They can be made from renewable resources
• They are safe for wildlife
• They are biodegradable 
• They are recyclable

Reusable

After serving its purpose as packaging, paper can be repurposed for other uses in the customer’s household. For example, kraft paper can be used for wrapping paper and paper bags are ideal for organising pantry items. If customers have kids, they can even use it for arts and crafts! 

Paper packaging can also be recycled and made into new products, such as newspaper or cardboard.  

Renewable 

With paper currently making up 68% of recycled packaging materials, the global paper packaging market is expected to continue expanding at 3.71% from 2022 to 2028. While plastic is made from fossil fuels, paper is sourced from trees, a renewable source that decomposes naturally. 

When managed forests are cut down to be made into various paper products, trees are replanted, generating oxygen which is released into the atmosphere. This also helps to offset your carbon footprint and most paper bags can be reused in the home or placed in your home compost bin.

Safe for wildlife 

Plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade and poses a serious threat to our wildlife if they mistake it for food or get trapped in it. For example, it could get coiled around their neck or create a blockage in their digestive system. On the other hand, paper can decompose in up to a month, making it much safer and less likely to cause serious harm. 

So long as the forests used for the creation of paper are sustainably managed then the impact on wildlife is minimal. Ensure the paper products you’re choosing are only sourced from sustainable sources.

Biodegradable 

The basic composition of paper is derived from wood, which is 100% biodegradable. When the consumer has discarded the packaging, it will break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. This is much kinder to the environment and takes far less time than plastic products. 

Recyclable 

In most cases, paper is recycled several times to be made into something new. Paper recycling plants use used paper to turn into cartons, newsprint, office paper, and more useful products. It can be recycled by up to 6 times. 

Operational benefits of paper packaging

There’s a common misconception that sustainable products don’t offer the same performance as plastic. In the case of paper, that is simply untrue. The operational benefits of using paper alternatives include: 

• Consumer preference
• Effective performance
• Design flexibility
• Durability
• Attractiveness and branding customisations

Consumer preference

Have you noticed that consumers are increasingly influenced by sustainability? Paper-based packaging is often the preferred choice because of its widely known sustainable qualities. With 13% of New Zealanders more inclined to buy from eco-conscious brands, the demand for sustainable packaging has never been higher. 

Additionally, many consumers also prefer paper packaging because of how easy it is to dispose of responsibly using their at-home recycling options. When choosing from the various products on display, many people look for paper packaging, especially because soft plastics can only be recycled in certain facilities.

Effective performance

When paper packaging products are well-designed, they can withhold as much weight and pressure as any plastic alternative. With innovative techniques, paper can be used to manufacture protectives, wrapping materials, labels, cartons, and even tape. This means that, for many companies, plastic packaging is no longer required. 

Packaging design and custom branding

Paper packaging is easy to design and customise to suit your needs. You can choose which layout, shape, and style to package your products in and even print them with your branding. This improves the customer experience and helps to build brand awareness.  

FSC Certification

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a global organisation committed to promoting sustainable forest management. FSC certification indicates that a forest is being managed responsibly while also preserving biological diversity and benefitting the local people and workers. 

When choosing paper products for your business, check that the paper is made from FSC-certified trees. For products made from New Zealand trees, ensure they are aligned with the FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for New Zealand (NZ FSS). This ensures your company is meeting Corporate Social Responsibility standards (CSR).

For example, check out our full sustainable catalogue for our full range of FSC-certified paper products. 

Paper packaging NZ

If you want to switch to paper packaging, Primepac is here to help. See the wide variety of packaging products in our sustainable catalogue. Inside you’ll find:

• Paper packaging boxes
• Paper packaging bags
• Paper packaging for food
• Paper packaging tape
• Paper strapping
• Paper protective wraps and loose fill

As well as that, you’ll also find a range of other sustainable packaging products such as recyclable cellophane, compostable bin liners, reusable bags, and compostable courier bags. 

At its core, sustainability is about giving back more than you take so is it time to take a look at your business practices? Read our recent report all about the New Zealand packaging industry in 2022 and 2023. We share everything you need to know about sustainability, consumer behaviour, and the latest in packaging innovations.