Paper Based Packaging Materials and Their Benefits

What are Paper Based Packaging Materials?

Paper-based packaging materials include items such as paper bags, pouches, sandwich skillets, carboard and shipping sacks which are made from renewable resources (typically recycled paper, fibres and trees).

Demand for Paper Based Packaging Materials

It is safe to say the paper packaging industry is going through a substantial transformation which is largely driven by demographic shifts and consumer trends, such as the demand for convenience and sustainability due to the recyclability of paper-based packaging materials. Besides, with the introduction of plastic tax which is due to come into effect from April 1^st 2022, there is a rise in businesses seeking alternative packaging materials and supplies in a bid to reduce their reliance on plastic packaging and materials. The picture below features our EcoPack product, which allows brands to replace single-use plastic with recyclable paper based alternatives, contact us to learn more.  

Benefits of Paper Based Packaging Materials?

Using paper based packaging materials presents brands with a wide-range of benefits, particularly due to the rise in demand for consumers who are making more environmentally friendly and cautious decisions when it comes to purchasing consumer goods. In our paper vs plastic blog we outline example brands who are already making switches from plastic to paper-based packaging to improve their sustainability credentials.

1. Recyclability – paper packaging materials are recyclable as a material and collections of waste paper are widely carried out making it easier for consumers and businesses alike to recycle paper materials.
2. Approved for food contact – various paper packaging materials are certified for direct and indirect food contact which is policed by the ISEGA certificating body and EFSA. Materials which are approved for food contact mean these materials are intended to be brought into contact with food meaning they can be valuable in their ability to package or store food.
3. Flexible in construction – due to the flexibility of paper based materials, these can be used in a wide variety of formats. For example, pillow bags, sachets, horizontal and vertical flow wrap and pouches.
4. Protects products – as paper packaging can come in a wide variety of formats, including sachets, paper materials can be sealed to provide items with a reliable heat-seal and moisture barrier which can preserve products. When we look at alternative paper-based packaging, like cardboard boxes / corrugated boxes these come in a wide-variety of formats and provide different levels of durability based on the strength of the boxes and additional protective material included inside the packaging to protect the goods.
5. Printability of materials – paper materials can be easily printed on and branded up therefore also presents attractive solutions to alternatives, such as plastic materials.
6. Reduces use of avoidable plastics – innovations in paper based packaging materials, like EcoPack, reduces the requirement for plastic packaging and allows companies to substitute materials which are harmful to the environment, like new and single-use plastic, with paper alternatives which are more environmentally friendly.

Want to Learn More?

If you are interested in switching from plastic based packaging and want to hear more about paper based packaging materials, then speak to our team about EcoPack. This product is an innovative one side coated heat seal and moisture barrier paper which can be used for board lamination, flowrap and pouch/bag applications.