Sustainability is a hot topic these days. Due to e-commerce, raw materials shortages, and other factors, packaging converters, brands, and consumers are increasingly concerned about the use of Earth’s resources.
From selecting sustainable paperboard options and investing in new digital technology to reducing inventory and the carbon footprint of product transportation, the journey to sustainability involves several approaches.
Paper-based packaging is a no-brainer for packaging converters and brands on their journey towards sustainability, as demonstrated in the “Paper Packaging – The Natural Choice” facts booklet by our partner Two Sides. Two Sides offers eight compelling reasons why paper-based packaging is a natural choice for brands, retailers, and consumers looking to make sustainable choices.
Paper packaging helps minimize environmental impacts
Packaging is responsible for a high proportion of waste, which, when carelessly disposed of, ends up in the wrong place. (World Economic Forum, 2020)
Paper packaging is recycled more than any other material
In 2018, the European paper and cardboard recycling rate was 83% – the highest of any packaging material (Eurostat, 2018)
Paper packaging offers unrivaled product protection
On average, ten times more resources (material, energy, and water) are invested in products compared with the resources used to produce their packaging (Food and Drink Federation, 2017)
Paper packaging supports healthy forests
Between 2005 and 2020, European forest cover grew by 58,390 square kilometers – an area larger than Switzerland and equivalent to 1,500 football pitches of forest growth every day (Two Sides analysis of FAQ data, 2005 – 2020)
Paper packaging supports healthy forests
Between 2005 and 2020, European forest cover grew by 58,390 square kilometers – an area larger than Switzerland and equivalent to 1,500 football pitches of forest growth every day.
Paper packaging helps to tackle climate change
The European paper industry has reduced its carbon emissions by 26% since 2006
Paper packaging is attractive and impactful
As a product that consumers touch, use and dispose of, packaging is now a key medium to transmit a brand;’s green credentials (Smithers, 2020)
Paper packaging is preferred by consumers
Consumers prefer paper packaging for numerous reasons, including 72% compostability, 55% recycling ease, 51% lighter weight, 62% ease of opening, 41% ease of storage. (Two Sides & Toluna, 2020)
Paper packaging is part of the circular economy
Paper packaging fits into the circular economy model seamlessly.
Highcon is committed to sustainability. With monomaterials, a non-crushing process, and dieless finishing, that replace a complex, expensive, and slow die-making and setup process, Highcon’s digital finishing solutions take paperboard packaging and display to the next level. Additionally, our digital cutting and mechanical creasing technologies eliminate wood, metal, and rubber components, as well as the logistics and storage of traditional dies. We also reduce inventory obsolescence by providing on-demand delivery rather than on-demand production. Highcon is therefore the first choice of many converters and brands seeking to produce sustainable paper-based packaging.
To find out more about how Highcon can accelerate your journey towards sustainability, please Contact Us.