Plastic has long been the favoured material for packaging manufacturers across the globe. However, in recent years there has been a distinctive change within the packaging landscape. We have witnessed a growing movement against plastic packaging over the last number of years. Global governments have been making crucial changes to plastic packaging regulations, with the United Nations (UN) treaty on plastic pollution to be agreed later this year. Consumer attitudes towards the environmental impact of plastic packaging have also dramatically changed, with 80% of consumers acknowledging our collective responsibility in reducing the use of single-use plastics.
The implementation of plastic packaging policies and heightened environmental awareness has intensified the demand on organisations to establish greater sustainable practises. Packaging plays a crucial part in global plastic waste; therefore, many brands have emphasised the importance of transitioning from plastic solutions in favour of paper packaging alternatives. Various global brands are taking the lead in the movement away from plastic packaging, introducing innovative packaging makeups that are driving the shift from plastic to paper packaging materials.
Say Goodbye to Plastic Bubble Wrap
A recent partnership between packaging company Leipa UK and start-up PapairWrap brought one of the most innovative packaging solutions we’ve seen so far this year. In an industry first, the pair introduced bubble wrap made from 100% paper in a bid to combat the traditional plastic solution.
Manufacturer PapairWrap believes this product will significantly contribute to their vision of a world without unwanted plastic packaging waste. The new protective material has already turned heads throughout the packaging world, winning the top innovation prize at this year’s Packaging Innovations and Empack exhibition in Birmingham.
Fibre-Based Bottles
Referred to as the ‘Next Gen Paper Bottle’, Paboco has launched full-scale production of its paper-based bottle product at its manufacturing headquarters in Denmark. Aiming to produce over 20 million bottles by the end of 2025, Paboco are looking to work alongside eco-conscious brands who are set on making a sustainable change to their packaging solutions. Produced using 85% paper, the groundbreaking bottle is durable, splash-resistant and appropriate for recycling.
UK supermarket giants Aldi have also released a breakthrough paper bottle solution. Made from 94% recycled paperboard and lined with a food-grade protective layer, Aldi have launched paper wine bottles for its own-brand Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc South African wines. Aldi has identified the desire for sustainable products from their consumers, and have developed a paper bottle which will reduce their carbon footprint to the equivalent of driving around the planet 5.8 times.
Sustainably Packaged Snacks
Top brands throughout the food and drinks industry are also becoming more eco-conscious, as many swap plastic for paper in their packaging strategies. The iconic cylindrical tube of Pringles crisps has recently experienced drastic changes, moving away from the steel-based tube which has been around since the 1960s. The potato snack brand has abolished the former material used for the tube, which is now made from recycled paper, meaning consumers can recycle the paper packaging tube once finished.
Global food and beverage company PepsiCo has also made changes to the packaging of one of their most well-known brands, Snack A Jacks. The plastic packaging for the low-calorie corn and rice snack is being replaced with a paper material, which is projected to lower greenhouse gas (CHG) emissions of each pack by 52%. The packaging change is set to be implemented for Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Chive and BBQ multipacks range.
Chocolate brand Cox&Co have also pioneered paper packaging in the confectionery industry, creating the ‘first ever’ paper flow wrap chocolate packaging. This new concept has eliminated all traces of plastic and has a 12-month minimum shelf life. Not only will the move contribute to consumer recyclability, it is also forecasted to save Cox&Co’s packaging costs by 35%.
Here are just a few instances of global brands assessing their sustainable credentials and making the switch from plastic to paper packaging. As government regulations concerning plastic become more stringent and the environmental awareness of consumers strengthens, we’ll begin to see a greater number of brands making the move to sustainable packaging materials.
Since the origin of PG Paper in 2003, we have been environmentally focused and driven by sustainability. Our initial key purpose was to provide solutions for defective and redundant material that would help reduce the amount of landfill waste. Now over 20 years later, this ideology remains at the core, working with global brands who provide eco-friendly alternatives to plastic.
Reach out to us at info@pgpaper.com to learn more about the paper packaging solutions we have available, or check out our website for details on our exclusive product range.