Have you ever stopped to notice the amount of single-use plastic packaging left over after any type of delivery? It is as valid for food delivery as for any product purchased online – a plastic bag, if not disposed of correctly, can take over 100 years to decompose. And as we always reinforce around here, more and more consumers are looking for more sustainable alternatives.
Therefore, the challenge for any company that sells its products online has increasingly been to reduce the damage caused by plastic consumption and reduce its impact on the environment. For this, replacing single-use plastic packaging with paper and cardboard options is a good start for your business. See how below!
Why to Replace Plastic?
Currently, Canada generates three million tons of plastic waste a year. And only 9% of that is recycled. The number is high and the search for alternatives to the use of this material is urgent. According to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the government’s plan is to eliminate plastic waste in the country by 2030 – and items such as plastic bags, straws, toothpicks, plastic packaging closures, cutlery and non-recyclable food utensils should be banned.
For brands that are concerned with building a sustainable future, the question has been about how to contribute to reducing these impacts on nature. For starters, an interesting solution is to invest in sustainable alternatives to the use of plastic. That is, options that respect and preserve ecosystems during their useful life and also after disposal. Protection of natural resources must be one of the immediate priorities.
How to Replace It?
You may be asking yourself now: “so, what materials can replace plastic?”. Depending on the purpose of the product, there are several alternatives available on the market. For inner packaging, that is, those that directly involve your product, you can choose paper, cardboard, glass, natural fabrics and even metal. In the case of the last three, it is interesting to think of packaging that can be reused, that is, a metal can that serves to store small objects, for example.
The Benefits of Cardboard Boxes
As for external packaging, that is, those that will be used to send your product to the buyer, the best alternative always ends up being cardboard – which is normally already widely used for this purpose. Check out some of the most important benefits of using corrugated cardboard to replace conventional plastic in packaging for the most diverse products.
- Biodegradable
Made with renewable raw material, cardboard boxes are biodegradable. Which means that when discarded, they decompose naturally in the environment. In addition, unlike plastic, this process does not take a century to happen. That is why they are more sustainable options, since they do not spend several years in nature polluting ecosystems.
- Recyclable
Cardboard boxes are made to be used, repaired, reused, remanufactured and recycled. The circular economy allows the extension of the shelf life of packaging. When there are no more conditions for use, disposal gives way to recycling.
- Resistance
Contrary to what one might imagine, it is possible to have sustainability and resistance in the same product. That’s why corrugated cardboard packaging is reinforced to offer strength, stability, insulation and protection to the transported products.
- Versatile
Sustainability and versatility are not incompatible characteristics, it is entirely possible to have both in the same item. Therefore, cardboard packaging accepts high quality printing and can be developed in different formats and sizes.
In addition to all the benefits already mentioned, it is possible to add value to the brand by printing ads, visual identity and product information on the outside of the packaging.
Cardboard Boxes in Vancouver
Finally, one last tip: have a professional and reliable supplier of corrugated cardboard boxes. Because no one is better to help you define the best formats to use to protect your product. Any questions, contact our technical team and we can help you in this mission. We are at your disposal.
