Paper versus Plastic Packaging: What is the right answer?

We all want to do what is right for the planet and our future generations - correct? But in business, how do we know what is the “right" thing to do when choosing materials to package our goods? We want to ensure our valued customers receive our goods without damage, but we also know that our customers are increasingly concerned about the impacts that their purchasing decisions are having on our planet.

If you believe the media the solution is easy - paper packaging is good and plastic packaging is bad - but is it really that simple? Things in life rarely are!

Let’s look at it logically, considering the life cycle of paper and plastic packaging and evaluate their impacts such as resource consumption, waste generation, and overall sustainability to see if we can determine a clear answer.

First up, resource consumption in production…..

Paper is derived from trees, a renewable resource, so must be the perfect solution, right? Unfortunately, not quite! Production of paper still requires significant amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. The process of pulping, bleaching, and manufacturing paper consumes freshwater and contributes to water pollution. Additionally, the demand for paper can lead to the need for extensive logging, which can lead to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.

So what about plastic? Well, plastic packaging is typically made from fossil fuels, such as petroleum or natural gas. The extraction and processing of these non-renewable resources have adverse environmental effects, including air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, plastic production can also be an energy-intensive process e.g. polymerisation and moulding. This sounds all doom and gloom until you look at the advantages plastic packaging can provide in terms of resource efficiency. Plastic packaging is typically lightweight and can often be produced using fewer raw materials compared to paper, reducing transportation energy and associated emissions.

OK, so there are pros and cons to both paper and plastic packaging in terms of resource consumption. Let's look at waste generation and management to see if how we dispose of packaging will give us an outright winner….

Paper packaging is biodegradable and can decompose relatively quickly under the right conditions. This characteristic makes paper a favourable choice for those seeking packaging solutions that minimise long-term waste. However, the recycling rate of paper is highly variable and depends on the infrastructure and recycling practices in a given region. Improper disposal of paper packaging can contribute to landfill waste and associated methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.

Plastic packaging also poses challenges in terms of waste management. Whilst some plastic is recyclable, many plastic products, especially single-use items, are not due to the complexity of their composition or contamination issues. As a result, a substantial portion of plastic packaging ends up in landfills or, even sadly, as litter in oceans and other natural habitats. Plastics can take years to break down, leading to pollution and harm to wildlife.

Again, neither paper nor plastic are without their faults when it comes to disposal so what about sustainability?

The environmental impact of paper and plastic packaging extends beyond their production and disposal. Factors such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall carbon footprint are critical in assessing the long-term sustainability of packaging materials.

Both paper and plastic have areas for improvement. For instance, the paper industry can adopt sustainable logging practices, invest in cleaner production technologies, and promote recycling programs to reduce its environmental footprint. Similarly, advancements in plastic manufacturing, including the use of biodegradable or compostable materials, can help mitigate the negative impacts associated with plastic packaging.

In conclusion, the choice between paper and plastic packaging from an environmental perspective is complex….it seems that there is no perfect solution and so a holistic approach appears to be the best we can follow. Through combining packaging design optimisation, responsible sourcing, efficient production, effective waste management, and the promotion of recycling and sustainable alternatives we can minimise the environmental impact of packaging materials.

?But in practice what do businesses need to do to help minimise the impact of packaging on the environment?

?Well in simple terms…

●?????Use only what is absolutely required - shipping products in packaging, however “eco” the material is, that is too big for the product or perhaps too over engineered in terms of protection, will have a negative effect on its carbon footprint.

●?????Choosing a packaging supplier that cares about the environment, who understands and includes the issues we have discussed in their ethos and who continually strives to minimise their impact.

●?????Make informed decisions....understand what packaging solutions are available, including innovative materials present and future, how your packaging is made and where it comes from (consider material air-miles).

●?????Create balance - weigh up the pros and cons to determine the most eco effective solution you can.

If you want to chat through VP packaging options to find the optimum packaging solution for your business, then contact Martin Russell on 01536 311 908 or drop him an email [email protected]