In an economy where the excessive use of paper products is considered an environmental faux pas, corrugated cardboard is still the preferred packaging material of many big brands and consumer industries. The popularity of corrugated boxes is due mainly to their versatility and customizability, as well as the fact that they provide significant protection at a low cost. In this guide, you’ll learn why cardboard boxes are so beneficial to the environment. 

Winning the War on Plastic Packaging

As e-commerce sites grew, so did the need for and use of plastic packaging. Plastic is versatile and inexpensive, but it’s also harmful to the environment. It contributes to America’s throwaway culture; about half the plastics used are single use.

Plastic packaging doesn’t just cause environmental issues. It’s been discovered that some of the chemicals in plastic are absorbed by the human body, posing serious health risks. In consideration of these sobering facts, it’s no surprise that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the risks of plastic use.

Many countries now impose taxes on plastic products, and in some cases, they’re being banned outright. Additionally, cardboard recycling is becoming more common. Packaging industry experts predict that this type of cardboard will be in demand for packaging because of its eco-friendly, versatile nature.

They’re Easily Recycled

Being composed of recyclables such as old newspapers and boxes, corrugated board is one of the world’s most eco-friendly packaging materials. Cardboard is widely recycled, and some packaging options are made of 100% post-consumer recycled content. 

However, most boxes average 70 to 90% recycled materials, which beats other packaging types by a wide margin. Many times, cardboard is produced without the use of bleaches or dyes, which increases its recyclability and reduces its carbon footprint.

Everyone knows that it’s important to recycle because the practice reduces the strain on finite natural resources. However, there are less obvious advantages, such as substantial water and energy savings. It takes 25% less energy and about 50% less water to recycle one ton of cardboard than to make it from raw materials. Cardboard and paper recycling have been common for years, and today’s consumers expect the products they purchase to come in recycled packaging.

Cardboard is Reusable

The primary reason to produce environmentally friendly packaging is to use it again. Corrugated boxes, with their flexible corners, can easily be collapsed and folded away for future use. Furthermore, these boxes don’t take up much space, so they can easily be stored. 

Saving Energy

Corrugated cardboard boxes are in such high demand because they consist of recyclable materials. When cardboard is recycled, it helps manufacturers save energy that can then be used to power their folder gluing machines and other production equipment. The use of cardboard also helps to save in terms of transportation costs. Because these boxes can be reused, many companies find themselves needing fewer new boxes. Over time, this will save energy that would otherwise go toward the refinement of raw materials.

An Absence of Harmful Toxins

Crude oil and other non-sustainable petrochemicals, which are typically used to make plastic, are very harmful to the ecosystem as far as their extraction, refinement, use, disposal, and distribution are concerned. However, corrugated cardboard packaging has no such issues. As this type of packaging degrades, it doesn’t put harmful chemicals into the environment.

Furthering Companies’ Sustainability Initiatives

An overwhelming majority of CEOs believe that sustainability is part of a company’s success. With an increase in sustainability initiatives, it’s easy to see that today’s consumers want to work with and buy from companies that are working toward sustainable goals and practices. Whether you’re a new or experienced business owner, cardboard packaging can help your company become more sustainable.

Improved Versatility

While eco-friendly packaging and shipping materials were once available in limited supply, they’re now more versatile. There are environmentally sensitive options available for almost every industry. Whether you’re shipping pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics, food, clothing, or almost anything else, corrugated cardboard packaging can get you there.

Corrugated boxes are also versatile in that they can be reused. While reuse is an underused element of the reduce, reuse, and recycle process, it’s an effective way to diminish a company’s carbon footprint. By reusing these supplies, companies can take advantage of their versatility and show greater responsibility.

The Use of Renewable Materials

Most corrugated boxes are made of birch or pine paper pulp. These trees are plentiful and can thrive in a range of soils. Because these trees grow so fast, they can quickly be replaced, making corrugated packaging a sustainable, environmentally sensitive choice.

Improving the Company’s Brand Image

Consumers consider various factors when deciding which companies they’ll support. Increasingly, buyers are looking for businesses that strive to mitigate their negative environmental effects. Many customers feel better about themselves when they buy products with packaging made of recycled materials, and companies that use such packaging are seen as more thoughtful, caring, and responsible.

When companies commit to using environmentally friendly packaging, they can improve their brand image and customer appeal. Green marketing is a major business trend, and today’s discerning consumers are looking for eco-friendly, sustainable products. With our folder gluing machines and corrugated cardboard materials, it’s easy to enjoy a higher ROI and make customers sit up and take notice.

Simple, Stressless Shipping

Corrugated cardboard boxes can help businesses decrease their carbon footprint in another way. Most boxes are cube-shaped, which means they can be stacked in containers with little space wasted. Over-the-road shipping creates an enormous amount of air pollution, making it one of a company’s most harmful practices. With optimal shipping efficiency, it’s possible to reduce airborne pollution and make fewer trips. 

Even if your company doesn’t ship worldwide and you sell products locally, proper packaging is important. By choosing corrugated cardboard over plastic containers, you’ll reduce the effort required to ship your order.

Numerous Eco-Friendly Design Choices

Unlike some other materials, cardboard can be adapted to various structural and visual designs. Where sustainable packaging is concerned, cardboard has a distinct advantage. Through the flexography process, it’s simple to use eco-friendly water-based ink to add images, logos, and text to boxes. The process minimizes environmental effects without sacrificing design quality and packaging recyclability. 

Saving the Environment and Saving Money

Cost analysis is crucial when considering product packaging. Companies need packaging that’s safe enough to minimize damage and product returns but is cost-efficient enough to boost the bottom line. 

Cardboard costs less than plastic in many cases, especially when it’s recycled. Corrugated packaging is lightweight and adaptable, allowing companies to cut shipping expenses and harmful emissions.

Reduction of Ocean Acidification

This problem has a range of causes, but oceanic waste dumping is one of the main culprits. The more we reuse packaging, the less will end up in the ocean. With the production and use of sustainable packaging materials such as cardboard, companies can help to reduce acidification.

Fighting Eutrophication

Another oceanic pollution issue, eutrophication occurs when there’s too much algae in the water. The overabundance happens when ocean water is overloaded with nutrients, and plastic is a well-known cause of eutrophication. A simple way to address this crucial issue would be to reduce the usage and production of plastic packaging, which inevitably ends up in the water. To keep plastic out of the oceans and reduce eutrophication, corrugated cardboard provides a sustainable option.

Reducing Waste With Customized Solutions

Not only are cardboard boxes highly adaptable, but they’re also flexible in their physical attributes. These boxes are very customizable, which mean they can be used to ship products of various sizes and shapes. 

There’s little wastage of resources and space. With our folder gluing machine processes and strong corrugated cardboard, there’s a decreased need for protective packaging such as packing peanuts and bubble wrap. This cuts down on the company’s landfill waste and furthers sustainability initiatives.

Meeting Government Requirements

Companies wasting a significant amount of packaging must follow government regulations in most places. For instance, the state of California has recently clamped down on single-use packaging. Because cardboard can be reused and repurposed, it will help companies minimize waste and comply with regulations.

Energy Efficiency

The reuse and recycling of corrugated cardboard has a domino effect, reducing the level of energy and resources needed for production. Because it’s created sustainably with significant quantities of recycled paper and cardboard, corrugated packaging takes less energy to produce. Typically made from recycled materials that are locally available, transportation and manufacturing costs are lower than if the materials were imported or shipped long distances. 

Corrugated Packaging is a Green Choice

Cardboard packaging is one of the modern world’s most eco-friendly packaging solutions. When these boxes are well chosen, properly folded, and thoroughly glued, they’re some of the strongest packaging options on the market. If you’re looking for an economical, environmentally sensitive way to store and ship goods, corrugated cardboard is a great option. Visit our website to find out how our folder gluing machines can help you take your packaging efforts to the next level.