Materials for packaging

5.4. New Developments in Paper Packaging

Plastic packaging has a bad reputation due to its negative environmental impact (waste problem, microplastic pollution, single-use, etc.). Lately, many packaging producers have started exploring and designing more sustainable solutions and alternatives to plastic, like paper, which is a renewable, recycable and biodegradable material.

Paper packaging gives products a natural, eco-firendly and artisan image. Many beautiful options from craftpaper and grease-proof paper are nowadays available. They can be combined with see-through windows made from sustainable cellophane. 

They can also give very thin plastic film packagings the necessary structural strength and help to reduce the amount of plastic used. 

This can be useful, when a strong barrier against moisture is needed (e.g. for liquid or dried products). However, if paper and foil are layered, the foil has a paper feel and paper look, but is not an eco-friendly packaging, as the different,materials are difficult to separate. Biodegradable options are papers with PLA coating.

Watch a slideshow of different paper-based packaging soultions here.

Author: Rick Lingle