5 Surprising Ways to Use Paper Packaging

It’s not all boxes when it comes to paper packaging. While the folding carton may first come to mind, paper and paperboard are so versatile that the possibilities are almost endless. Here are five surprising uses for paper packaging.

Beer Taps

Cheers to this unique paperboard beer tap. WestRock entered this design into our Paperboard Packaging Competition last year. Made of a paperboard sleeve wrapped around corrugated b-flute, this temporary design was used for outdoor festivals that required branded yet disposable tap handles.

Candy Wrappers

As part of an initiative to use 100% recyclable packaging by 2025, Nestlé recently launched KitKat bars packaged in paper. The sustainable design was made specifically for the Japanese market. It even has instructions for transforming the paper into an origami crane once the chocolate has been consumed.

Water Bottles

Versatile paper can offer an alternative to wasteful single-use plastic water bottles. Choose Water’s compostable water bottle is made from an outer casing of recycled paper, sustainably sourced inner materials, and a steel cap. Except for the cap, the whole bottle can be composted in just three weeks!

Coolers

Ditch the Styrofoam cooler for a sustainable paper option. Igloo’s RECOOL cooler is constructed from recycled paper and paraffin wax. Unlike foam alternatives, paper coolers can be used multiple times and then recycled or composted once they wear out.

Bike Helmets

Bike-sharing has become popular, but many users don’t bring their own helmets. EcoHelmet’s paper helmet offers an effective and economical solution. Constructed from waterproofed paper, the design absorbs impacts just as effectively as traditional polystyrene helmets. Best of all, the helmet can be recycled at the end of the ride.

Who knew paper packaging could offer so many solutions? We’re getting ready to announce the winners of our latest paperboard design competition during our Fall Meeting in October, so look out for even more innovative uses for paperboard. In the meantime, share other unique designs in the comments.