A Deeper Insight into the World of Paper-Based Packaging
Paper Assimilated Packaging for Environmental Restoration (PAPER)
An Overview:
- Did you know? At least 14 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, and much of it comes from plastic packaging.
- The production of plastic-based packaging is a very energy-intensive process and majorly involves the use of non-renewable resources.
- Plastic manufacturing and waste production increase global greenhouse gas emissions by 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2 per year.
- A survey done back in 2018 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the recycling rate for paper and paperboard was 68.2%, while the rate for plastic was only 8.7%.
- On the other hand, packaging materials made of PAPER are organic, safe for food & pharmaceuticals, & less likely to contaminate the products it contains.
- Paper packaging has a lower carbon footprint as it is recyclable, and does not release harmful chemicals into the environment at the time of production or disposal.
- Producing a ton of paper requires around 50% less energy, significantly less water, and 45% lower greenhouse gas emission, than producing a ton of plastic.
Paper as an Alternative to Plastic – Versatile, Accessible, and Sustainable:
It comes as no surprise to people how much plastic pollution has adversely impacted the environment over the years, causing a range of negative effects on ecosystems and wildlife. The predicament of plastic has catapulted paper usage among the masses, due to its versatility, paper was quickly assimilated into a wide range of purposes. Since the raw material of paper comes from trees it becomes easily accessible and stands as a renewable resource that can be recycled and reused, reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
Plastic vs Paper Based Packaging:
Plastic packaging accounts for a significant portion of the plastic waste that enters the ocean. According to a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, at least 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, and much of it comes from plastic packaging. The disposed plastic waste also generates greenhouse gases, and it exacerbates the pre-existing plastic waste management crisis and the propensity of recycling it is also less.
On the contrary packaging materials made of paper are organic in nature and thus, is considered safe for food and pharmaceuticals, as it does not induce harmful chemicals and is less likely to contaminate the products it contains. Paper packaging does not release harmful chemicals into the environment when it is manufactured or disposed of. Paper packaging has a lower carbon footprint than plastic packaging; the transportation of paper packaging is often more efficient than the transportation of plastic packaging.
Advantages of Paper-Based Packaging – Start To Finish:
The use of paper-based packaging has a plethora of advantages right from its production to its waste management. The following are the key benefits of using paper-based packaging:
Sustainable Production: The manufacturing of paper-based packaging material is significantly less harmful than that of plastic as it does not directly require non-renewable sources of energy in large amounts. The production is also generally less expensive than plastic-based packaging materials, making them a cost-effective option for companies. For perspective, producing a ton of paper requires around 50% less energy, significantly less water, and 45% lower greenhouse gas emission, than producing a ton of plastic.
An Economical Option: The raw materials used to produce paper-based packaging, such as wood pulp, are often less expensive than the raw materials used to produce plastic-based packaging, such as petroleum. The manufacturing process is also simpler and requires less energy than plastic-based packaging; this reduces production costs, making it a more economical option.
Safe To Use and Versatile: Paper-based packaging is generally safe to use and versatile, making it a popular choice for a wide range of products. It does not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food or other products, which is important for consumer health and safety. In terms of its use case versatility, paper-based packaging can be adapted to a wide range of products, from food to clothing to electronics.
Other benefits of using paper-based packaging include room for more customisation for various products, and better insulation properties of the paper can keep products cooler or warmer for longer periods, making it a great option for transporting perishable goods.
Easy To Reuse and Recycle: Paper-based packaging can be reused multiple times before it needs to be recycled or disposed of. For example, paper bags can be used to carry groceries multiple times before being recycled or composted. The recycling process for paper-based packaging is relatively simple and requires less energy than recycling plastic-based packaging. Recycled paper can be used to make new paper-based products, which reduces the need for virgin raw materials.
There is a growing body of research that highlights the potential positive impact of switching from plastic packaging to paper-based packaging. According to the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India has achieved a reduction of 55% in plastic waste generation in the country’s 20 major cities through the implementation of plastic waste management rules.
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The Adverse Effects of Plastic-Based Packaging:
The production of plastic-based packaging materials and the waste generated during the process also pose several issues. The process is majorly based on non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels and it is also a very energy-intensive process. Plastic manufacturing and waste production increase global greenhouse gas emissions by 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2 per year.
Moreover, a survey done back in 2018 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the recycling rate for paper and paperboard was 68.2%, while the rate for plastic was only 8.7%. It is estimated that up to 12.7 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year, causing damage to marine life, habitats and food chains.
Source: https://www.uplarn.com/
The Growth of PAPER (Paper Assimilated Packaging for Environmental Restoration):
Owing to environmental concerns and growing awareness among the masses paper-based packaging has become a more sustainable option because it is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable. Governments around the world have also come forward to encourage paper-based packaging, and subsequently, reduce plastic waste.
Several authorities have also posed bans or restrictions on certain types of plastic packaging, which has prompted companies to look for alternative materials. In light of ecological concerns, government mandates and shifts in both moral as well as prudential paradigms, companies of all stature have started opting for paper-based packaging. The various benefits that producers gain by switching from plastic to paper also have given impetus to this industrial change in packaging techniques.
Source: https://www.uplarn.com/
Putting Agendas into Action:
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Global giants such as McDonald’s in the year 2020 announced that it would be phasing out the use of plastic in its Happy Meal toys and replacing them with more sustainable options such as paper-based toys. L’Oreal has committed to using 100% renewable, recycled, or biodegradable packaging materials by 2030. As part of this effort, the company has started using paper-based packaging for some of its products, such as its Garnier shampoo bottles.
Several Indian companies have also transitioned from plastic-based packaging to paper-based packaging like ITC, Nestle, Dabur, Hindustan Unilever Limited, etc. Many other companies are also exploring sustainable packaging alternatives as part of their commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
The Way Forward with Paper-Based Packaging:
The future of paper-based packaging looks promising as more and more companies are recognizing the benefits of using this sustainable alternative to plastic packaging; Covid-19 induced pandemic has also accelerated the demand for sustainable packaging solutions, as consumers have become more aware of the impact of packaging on the environment.
Looking ahead to the future of sustainable packaging methods, there is a growing trend toward using biodegradable and compostable materials that can help reduce waste and pollution. Biodegradable options such as corn starch, bamboo, and sugarcane break down naturally over time, while compostable materials like plant-based plastics, mushroom-based packaging, and cellulose-based materials can be composted along with organic waste. These eco-friendly packaging alternatives are likely to play an increasingly important role in reducing the environmental impact of packaging materials in the years to come.
