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We hear a lot about plastic pollution and the environmental consequences of plastics in our environment, especially in waterways and oceans. According to The World Economic Forum, 40 million tons of plastic waste was generated in the U.S. in 2021, of which only 5%-6% was recycled. Packaging plays a significant role in contributing to the waste stream, with 36% of all plastic produced being used to create packaging. Of that 36%, 85% of it ends up in landfills. *
While changing consumer behaviors and finding substitutions for plastics may seem overwhelming, there is a tremendous amount of innovation in the packaging industry and brands are beginning to have options when it comes to replacing plastics. Two segments, e-commerce and apparel, are pushing manufacturers to find alternatives to plastic. They are looking for high performance options that meet brand standards and at the same time, give their customers the highest level of brand experience. It is anticipated that e-commerce will remain a steady channel for consumers to purchase everything from groceries to eyeglasses and will account for 20.4% of global retail sales by the end of 2022, up from only 10% five years ago.** With the rise in e-commerce and DTC selling, packaging has become a two-fold focus – delivering undamaged products in a sustainable way while giving consumers a memorable brand experience outside of the brick and mortar setting. “Void fill made from paper is sustainable and from a renewable resource, which makes it an option that aligns with many brands’ ESG goals and commitments” Along with delighting the consumer who opens a package, there is also the need to protect the item being shipped. Paper-based void fill has come a long way from basic kraft paper and brands now have unique, colorful options that are both recycled and recyclable. Options include void fill that expands, is dustless, and takes up significantly less space at packing stations. Paper based options also address the issue of consumer recycling, giving the consumer an easy and familiar path to recycle their packaging by using curbside recycling. Bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts and similar options are not curbside recyclable and many communities do not have the infrastructure to offer the recycling of these types of materials. In addition, void fill made from paper is sustainable and from a renewable resource, which makes it an option that aligns with many brands’ ESG goals and commitments. The apparel industry is facing many sustainable challenges, with poly transport bags being one of them. It’s estimated that 180 billion items of clothing are made every year, most of which are individually packed and shipped in single-use plastic poly bags that are rarely recycled. Non-recycled poly bags are incinerated, accumulate in landfills, dumps, or end up in our natural environment. Options to replace polybags now exist, including a 100% paper, curbside recyclable option. These bags protect the garment from moisture, are transparent enough to read a bar code through and are durable enough to protect the garment as it travels through the supply chain. E-commerce and the apparel industry are two great examples of how innovative options are available to replace plastics. These options also provide the consumer with a clear, easy path to recycle packaging by using their regular curbside recycling programs. As an industry, we continually work to innovate and create solutions that address the plastic waste problem, while at the same time, meeting the expectations of brands and consumers. There is a better solution and options are available now.
