SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
There are many definitions of sustainability (let alone sustainable packaging) which makes it rather difficult to determine what is and isn’t “sustainable.” However, there is general consensus that sustainability is a three-legged stool comprising environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social desirability. All three need to be weighed equally to achieve true sustainability.
An international alliance of major retailers and brandowners (called The Consumer Goods Forum) recently released a Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability (www.theconsumergoodsforum.com). This details some 42 “metrics” (environmental, social, and economic) that packagers should take into account when designing their products.
The following are sustainability snapshots of the three major paper packaging types: containerboard, boxboard, and kraft paper packaging.
Corrugated Boxes
The lightweight, strong corrugated box is used to contain and protect a host of products during the distribution cycle. The average consumer will see corrugated boxes carrying large and small appliances, automobile parts, agricultural products, beer, and as point-of-purchase- displays, to name just a few applications.
View corrugated brochure.
Boxboard Cartons
Boxboard cartons are the thin, lightweight container used to package cereals and detergent, shoes, toys and crackers, and many other, mainly household items.
View boxboard brochure.
Kraft Paper Packaging
Kraft bags and sacks can be essentially divided into two categories: the paper bags used to carry groceries, and the multiwall sacks that contain anything from flour and cement to donuts and pet food. View Factsheet.